Thanks for coming along with me on this journey. Don’t forget to read my other Panama blog posts. If you missed any, feel free to start from the first post on how we got here.
Happy 46
Now my husband and I rarely travel with other couples so it was a nice change to be able to have my cousin and her husband (Jamey/Brandon) join us in Panama.
Brandon had asked me a few months prior, “What makes you happy”? And if you know me, I don’t get overly excited about much. I get joy from a lot of things but my expression is even keel. So of course the only thing I could think of was “traveling out of the country”. Well now he could see it first hand.
I turned 46. It’s not your typical “special” birthday, but after all the funerals I’ve been to in the last 2 years, every birthday is special. Why wait till a milestone birthday? Besides, I have about 20 countries on my bucket list to visit and I already feel like I’m running out of time.
We had a few chill days where we took the day as it came. The Yoo building had a pool so we hung out in that area for a while. The pool did not have a view of the city but it did have shade between all the other buildings around us. There was a seating area outside to hang out too.
Amador Causeway
On my birthday we went to the Amador Causeway. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for my birthday. At first I wanted a rooftop bar, however it rained so that idea went out the door. I did book this trip during the rainy season, however for the week we were there I only remember it raining for an extended period of time on my birthday. How convenient, right?
We ordered an uber to the Amador Causeway, which was about a 20 minute drive. We ended up at a location called Plaza Causeway that had multiple spots. So you could order from any of the restaurants. We did end up using AI and Google to translate the menu, but we worked it out.
When it was time to go, I had a surprise as Rudy told the staff it was my birthday. Now I had just heard it 3 times prior because I wasn’t the only one celebrating my birthday. However, it was my turn to have the attention put on me. It may not seem like it, but I did enjoy the song.
When we left Plaza Causeway we saw a lot of people gathering in a central area of Amador Causeway. More restaurants, park area, kids running around and music playing. It had stopped raining by that time but I was ready to head back. Another item to redo when we visit.
Walking around
We stayed within Panama City and its neighborhoods and did not go outside of a 20 minute drive, except on our tour of Colón. Please understand that what you experience in the city can be different from the countryside.
Our first morning after we arrived, I wanted to walk and get some of that Panama air before it was too hot outside. We walked to Cinta Costera Park which was close to where we were staying.
You could definitely see that this area was conducive for promoting a healthy lifestyle. This was just one of many that are throughout Panama City. Along the way we saw a man selling some shaved ice. And after walking 20 minutes in the heat, it was a welcomed treat for $2 each.
Ubers
Except for our excursion to Colón, we took ubers everywhere we needed to go. And the building we stayed at was a perfect spot for it. Because ubers were plentiful, I could order it as soon as I got down to the bottom entrance and maybe 3-5 minutes later it arrived. Depending on where we went, the cost varied from $2 to $10 for the longer trips.
Shopping
Foodie Market
Even though we were on vacation, sometimes you just want to grab something quick at the local food market. Foodie Market is a Panama stable. You see them just like you see a 7-11 in the states. It has everything you need from groceries, alcohol, snacks, over-the-counter medicines, etc.
The one we went to was conveniently located behind our building. I like to try new foods at these markets to see if there is a difference between what I would get in the states and because the imported ones are more expensive.
Multi Plaza Mall
I’m not much of a shopper, but there are no shortages of malls in the city. We ended up going to the Multi Plaza mall. We just scratched the surface but it has a mix of luxury brands, department stores, restaurants, everything. After shopping we ate at PF Chang’s. I typically don’t eat at restaurants that I can eat at back in the states, but sometimes you just want something familiar.
The mall has a multitude of exits and our uber driver had to find the right one, but he came and picked us up eventually. We weren’t alone in waiting, as there were a lot of people getting dropped off and picked up here.
Speaking Spanish
Can you get around in Panama without knowing Spanish? Well, I’ll say it depends. Yes, in the heart of the city, English was spoken in the restaurants and stores we went to. However, knowing Spanish definitely helps. And Spanish is what you hear first, until they see you struggling.
With technology today and lessons available online, there are always ways for you to make it work. Just put in the effort.
If you were to live in Panama, it would behoove you to learn it. But the staff was patient with us. When I came back to the states, I kept wanting to say “Buen dia”. I also missed random people greeting me everyday, whether I knew them or not.
Ciao Panama
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Or does it have to? I didn’t get to see everything that I wanted to, but it was a wonderful experience and relaxing trip.
Our driver came to pick us up at 6:00AM for our 9:30AM direct flight. After going through 2 or 3 security lines, we picked up some rum from a shop in the airport since it was duty free. However, I feel like the same brand I saw at the airport was still cheaper at the the Foodie Market.
When you purchase alcohol, the airline staff will get your airline information and it will be waiting for you when you get ready to board the plane. We settled in for a nice roomy 4.5 hour flight back to IAD.
Final Thoughts
Traveling feels like a way I can stay connected to my parents, even though they are no longer here. I’m not able to call them and tell them about my trips anymore, or that we landed safely. My parents didn’t travel every year, but when they did, it counted. They always told me to travel when you’re young cause when you’re older you won’t feel like it. So this one’s for you Mom and Dad.
