A TRIP TO PANAMA CITY

Last week we took Monica and Matt out of school for 3 days and went on our first overnight trip, an excursion to Panama City.  We absolutely LOVED it!  Panama City has so much to offer:  big city life, museums, diversity of culture and people, colonial architecture, national parks, lakes, rivers, and of course - the Panama Canal!

We initially debated between flying to Panama City from David or taking the bus.  While flying is quick and easy (45 min. flight), it is also very expensive.  The bus ride is certainly far more economical, but takes longer (anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on the number of stops).  In the end we decided to compromise and try both.  Christina, a few days ahead of time, went to the local bus terminal in David and bought bus tickets for the overnight express bus to Pamama City and reserved tickets for the front of the double-decker bus.  The bus left at 11pm and arrived in Panama City around 5:30am.  It ended up being a very fun experience.  To our surprise, we ended up with the best seats in the house - the first 4 seats in the upper deck of the bus with an expansive view ahead of us.  Well, it was of course pitch black and we could not really see a thing, but it was fun anyhow.  Our seats reclined, and we had plenty of leg room.  I have to say, this bus ride was more comfortable than our typical plane ride.  We didn't get a whole lot of sleep and arrived in Panama City a little tired, but it was an adventure we will always remember!  We splurged and flew home, and it was sure fun to try both.

We rented an apartment and spent 4 nights in Casco Viejo.  During our stay we kept busy exploring Panama City, and our activities included: hiking in Parque Natural Metropolitano, fishing in Lake Gatún, shopping at the Albrook and Multiplaza malls, a visit to the Mercado de Mariscos, a visit to Mercado Publico San Felipe Neri, endless walks around the Casco Viejo streets and plazas, visiting the Santa Ana plaza and surrounding area where all of the locals hang out and shop for their fruits and vegetables, Christina's quick visit to Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Museum), a fishing trip for Greg at Rio Bayano, and a final unforgettable day-long trip for Christina, Monica and Matt to the Rio Gatún to see the Emberá indigenous tribe.

Monica and Greg with big smiles as they get ready to sleep on the upper deck with front row seats on the double-decker overnight bus from David to Panama City.  

A view of Panama City