After our brief adventure in Bocas del Toro we made our way to Panama City where we will stay for the next month. I think it’s safe to say that Jason and I are both ecstatic to be in a city again. In fact, as the plane was landing Jason was so excited that he was bouncing in his seat.

Of course, four months of Costa Rican eco-tourism has its perks: clean air (sometimes), clean water (sometimes), wildlife, starry nights, and the just plain quiet is oh-so-nice. But if you were to ask me what I like more, I’d tell you I like the sound of honking horns, the shopping, and the crowded sidewalks of a city more.

After just a few days here, it’s obvious we are in for a big change. On our first night there were fireworks being lit off the roof of a nearby club.

The next day we went to the grocery store and I couldn’t help but notice that no one is wearing beach attire. My wardrobe of flip flops and summer dresses is no longer applicable. Why didn’t I bring my heels and black pants?

We took a walk to the waterfront and managed to see almost every American restaurant chain known to me. It’s my goal to not go to any one of these places, but if I find a Starbucks I might make an exception.

Our place in Costa Rica was nice, but our apartment in Panama City is fantastic. Its much bigger than I expected and we even have a view.

Panama_Bay_view

panama_condo

That’s about it for Panama City so far. Well, except for the $29 Jason won at a nearby casino and our shoe shopping extravaganza at the mall.

The real excitement will come later. For now, we need to recover from a couple of colds, catch up on work, and make the time for bus tours, walking tours, and ship watching.

Stay tuned…