Welcome to Panama!

We again cut down on the "stuff" we brought to Panama and have a backpack, a small carry-on suitcase and one suitcase to be checked. [BB is on crutches and not much help moving things]. The 4:30 am Uber showed up as the snow was falling!

We ended up taking off about an hour later than planned as we needed to be sprayed with the de-icer before we could leave.  Panama is in the Eastern time zone; but the five and a half hour flight didn't seem too bad. We landed mid afternoon during a light rain.

Panama City is a big, high-rise building city of about 900,000 people. The 30 minute drive from the airport seemed like we were driving on Lake Shore Drive at times; or more accurately, Ocean Front Drive as we made our way to our hotel. Our hotel appears to be in the heart of the downtown area, with a plethora of restaurants, shops and markets nearby. There is a distinct higher level of humidity feel to the air here in Panama. We had to give BB's knee a bit more healing time, so after unpacking we hit the lobby bar and kicked off the PCC; or otherwise known as the Panamanian Cribbage Challenge.

It was perfect timing as we sat down for the start of Happy Hour at the bar. Featured were 50 cent wings and 1 dollar local beers...right up our alley! Two games in the books and the bald bomber has two victories and currently leading the PCC!

Breakfast is included with our suite, so the long walk to the lobby bar/restaurant was grueling--but worth it as we had choices of eggs, meats, fruits, waffles and juices for our morning meal. We took a casual walk after breakfast around the neighborhood of our hotel and found markets, casinos and other hotels in the 3-4 block area we walked our 1st morning. There is a lot of traffic and the local roads are narrow, prompting Sha to declare that she would not like to drive in PC. Sunshine invited us to the pool after our morning walk, which is on the 4th floor.

We are really enjoying the views from the pool deck area. An early afternoon shower brought us back to our room for some Tomato soup Sha whipped up in our mini kitchen. We spent some time after lunch looking at a city map trying to figure out some things for us to enjoy during our 8 days in Panama City...I'll keep you posted.

​Pura Vida!