TRAVELLING IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

TRAVELLING IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
We arrived in Panama City by air, from Costa Rica, via El Salvador, with Avianca Airlines, which treated us with upmost customer oriented service. Would you believe, that the airline still offers a free on flight meal and snacks, snacks that actually contains peanuts. To our pleasant surprise, we got upgraded to first class, probably because our flight dates had been advanced from one day. Can not complain about that champagne service.  Then from Panama City, to Coronado Bay, at the hands of our own private car and driver, specializing in transporting tourists to and from the city, to our final destination. A very nice bilingual Panamanian, born and raised in the city. Our driver, was very courteous in pointing out different points of interest on our way, driving right through and across the magnificent "New" and very rich Panama City, a pure architectural delight to see. We travelled the "Pan-Americana" highway, (hold on to your nickers) that runs right through the city and across the magnificent high level Bridge of the Americas, where you drive right over the entrance/ exit of the Panama Canal, obviously, right In the middle of where both Americas separate. On our journey in Central America, we soon discovered that travellers in this part of the world have a "travel etiquette". They all travel in shoes, pants, jackets or dresses. Even if the temperatures can reach scorching numbers, they do not wear shorts, tank tops or flip flops. Supposedly, it is only acceptable for tourists, to not comply. I figured, they must enjoy watching us freeze to death in airport lounges,  planes and busses, where the air condition is working at full capacity. Talking about airports, I am still in awe about the El Salvador International Airport, where we had a connecting flight there. The terminals and gates where lined up with nothing but authentic artisanal gift shops. It was like walking into an art museum, more than duty free/gift shops. Beautiful hand crafted pieces unique to El Salvador. I could of spent a whole day in there, just browsing. Yes I did buy a small piece.
During our stay in Panama and Costa Rica, we learned to use the buses, just like the locals, making ones journey quite interesting. You can pretty well hop on a bus anywhere, anytime in those countries. It is very affordable, a cheap and practical way to travel or commute, as cars are very expensive to afford. Buses come in different sizes, colours or shapes. Some are new, some are old. The locals calls the red ones,  the "RedDevils", as they cruise on the highway like sports cars. All buses are privately owned in Panama and have its own "Pavo", the person designated to load the bus. The word "Pavo" means "turkey" in Spanish, it is his job to:  hurdle, direct, load passengers and collects fairs. He is the person that stows the large bags or suitcases on top or in the bottom compartment of the bus and the only one, that communicates with the driver. I had such a kick, watching these guys hopping on and off the bus that was literally still in motion, trying to lasso more fairs.
We soon discovered, that  you can hail most buses, by pointing to the ground, not waving. If you wave at the on coming bus, the driver will pass you by, and leave you " hot and dry" on the side of the road. The same rule goes for cabs. I have to confess, it took us a while to figure that one out. Large buses will have no standing passengers, if full, it just won't stop. As for the small one, they will fill it as much as they can. Although being obvious strangers, younger passengers graciously offered us their seats with insistence. There is no talking on the busses, as most people, takes in, a little siesta. Young children on board were remarkably quiet, respectable and very well mannered, on top of being very "beautiful". Children would just stare at us, I imagine they must of thought we were very old, when seeing our white hair, as no one have grey hair in those country, unless they are 100 years old. You think airplanes are the only germ tube? Not so, busses in Central America are an excellent vehicle not only for passengers but for viruses. Flu season in those countries, are year round, just ask JP. Our trip back to North America was a very long one. We flew with "Copa" for a start, an other excellent airline that is also very customer oriented. Our itinerary included a stop in Jamaica where we almost missed our connecting flight, which would of not been so bad after all. We did step foot on Jamaican soil, as we had to collect luggage, go through customs (which included a health screening for tropical communicable diseases) exit the airport, only to find our way back to the departure terminal. Although I had my camera handy, there was no time for photos....

I have to say, when we did land in Moncton, via Toronto, the cool fresh air felt absolutely delightful! Ha!
The photos I have selected to share were all taken in the country of Panama.  The ones of Panama City were taken while in transit. I also managed to capture a glimpse the "Bridge of the Americas". Last but not least, photos of the buses where you can get a feel of what the Pan-Americana highway looks like. Enjoy!

DANCING IN PEDASI, PANAMA.

DANCING IN PEDASI, PANAMA.

No photos or video can come close to give justice to what we have experienced on a fine Saturday night in Pedasi, Panama. A small tiny fishing village with a population of approximately three to four thousand people. A well preserved charming setting of colonial homes, located five hours away from the big city of Panama. To my surprise,  it looked more like an agricultural settlement than a fishing village as it was about a mile away from the water front, away from the beautiful white sand dunes and blue ocean. The only housing located right on the yellow fin tuna beaches, where some newer homes, condo style villas on the near point. Now that, made me wonder.!!! The fisherman were obviously onto something, for not establishing themselves right on the water, as Panama, like all of their neighbouring countries, all share the same threats, of volcanic eruptions, disastrous earthquakes and tsunamis. I later found out, that the small fishing village was struck by a tsunami some 100 years ago or more.

 The people of this village, definitely know, how to show for the well preserved folklore traditions, dating back hundreds of years. After spending half the day on a little neighbouring island we also discovered how friendly the locals were. It was on our way back from the beach, that we found out, the village was preparing for a community dance. Of course, we had to investigate further. That Saturday night, just had to be the most magical evening I have ever spent, "dancing" that is. The venue was a permanent open concept structure, a large roof covered cement dance floor, with a poorly lit stage. The bar consisted of large plastic fish bins, full of ice, $1.00 beer and rum that you purchased by the bottle. Within two minutes after our arrival we where invited by the friendly villagers, to share the evening with them. They offered us chairs along with their warm hospitality. Fun it was, I kid you not! The dance floor was absolutely magical. It was like walking into a movie set. Young and old where dancing ( sorry, no children or teens ) to "Tipico" music, strutting their stuff at the sound and beat of this amazing ten man band, lead by the accordionist, playing the "accordion", not a "squeeze box". Other than the  "Salomas" a style of yelling/singing, the band was composed solemnly of musicians. Some men, were wearing my favourite, the "Panamanian Hat" and all of them, men and women wore thigh jeans and a nice clean shirt. It was definitely obvious that we where visitors in our flip flops, skirt and shorts. (Too hot for anything else, believe me!)

The dance and music was definitely traditional and done in a waist down fashion, feet and hips. The dancers were all, amazingly moving their feet  to the rhythm and beat that you just could not resist. Got to love Latino music. Some sets, were danced in couples and others solo, the later, in a large circular counter clockwise motion, a bit like a square dance but not quite. You just mingled with everyone and let music take you away. An easy dance to follow, as it did not take us very long to get into it. Each dance or set, went on for a very long period of time, followed by a long break, a chance to refresh and socialize. I am still in "awe" about that evening, I doubt very much that something could ever top it off.

Photos?  So sorry, there is no way I could of captured those magical moments. I am posting some photos of "Iguana island" we visited that day, the beach, the thousand of "hermit crabs" that tickled our toes, the fishing boats, boat house and our boat taxi. A few photos of the unique Bed And Breakfast and of course, my favourite, the Panama hat. Enjoy!

     

Yap, these are all Hermit crabs!

Our Taxi boat.

My favourite, the Panama hat!

FRUIT TREES.

FRUIT TREES.
Just like my fascination for the palms while in Florida, when travelling in Central America, one thing that really picked my curiosity, was the multitude of fruit trees, growing everywhere.
Papaya, Avocado trees, Banana, Cashew trees and of course the Mango trees. Mangoes, one of my favourite fruit. Once you know what your looking for, it's all you see, fruit trees.....For the first time in all our tropical travels, I can actually easily identify them, close or far. I even got to pick and eat my own mango, after patiently watching them grow, as it is now, harvest time, March and April. What trees mostly got my attention, are the mango and cashew trees. Both are actually related and grow like weeds. Than why, oh why, are they so expensive? For one, the mangoes we purchase at our super market are cultivated and farmed. They are bigger in size and for taste, well, they are the same as the wild ones. They come in yellow, orange and green. Little did I know, that protective wear is needed to harvest mangoes, because the sap from the branches and the oil on the leaves, can be as irritating to the skin as coming in contact with poison Ivy. It causes mild to severe dermatitis and some people are even severely allergic to the irritant. 
The cashew tree, to my surprise, it is also a fruit tree. It gives "Cashew Apples" which are edible fresh or dried. The nut is attached to the fruit that looks more like a pear than an apple. I've seen some beautiful red ones and yellow one. Although easy to grow and harvest, processing and roasting cashews, is the difficult and challenging part. It is done in multiple stages, as the shelled nut, contains a nasty caustic liquid that can cause severe burns. The nut can only be separated from the shell once frozen, then it is roasted in hot oil. Interestingly enough I read that when submerged in very hot oil for as little as two minutes, the frozen nut "hisses and jumps" and can still squirt its nasty substance. When I think of it, I now have a whole new appreciation for the delectable nut that I once thought "expensive".
My favourite photo, is the one of the large mango tree, right on top of a fruit stand, taken on a day trip in the mountains. How convenient!  Enjoy!

                       MANGO TREE

                      CASHEW TREE 

                                               YOUNG AVOCADO 

PERPETUAL RAIN FOREST.

PERPETUAL RAIN FOREST.
Having spent a good part of the winter without a car in Coronado Bay, we did not get out there and venture as much as we would of liked. But, we did explore a little East and West of our area. Being situated pretty well in between the towns of Chame and Anton we got off the Pan-Americana highway, off the beaten path and spent one day in each area.  We soon discovered how beautiful the mountains and valleys were. Immediately leaving the highway, there was a significant difference in the scenery. Well kept homesteads, farm lands  and charming villages. Panama having multiple chains of mountains, offering spectacular views, we headed to El Valle de Anton. A unique little town high in the mountains, actually built inside the crater of an extinct volcano. A little place surrounded by mountains and "cloud" forests.  The town sits on the floor of what was once a crater lake, the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. It was once the home of Indians from surrounding mountains for thousands of years. 
In the province of Coclé,  this little town of approximately seven to eight thousand habitants is host to lots of touristic activities, like hiking trails in protected land, a market of authentic local arts and crafts, a museum, a charming Catholic Church, a few hotels, restaurants and cafés. 
We enjoyed a short hike in the rain forest leading to one of the water falls, El Churro Macho. A 35 meter water fall with a natural lagoon at the bottom. A perfect hike in the clean moist mountain air, under a canopy forest. It was thrilling just to stand there quietly  and inhale the beauty it offered. Butterflies, insects, giant trees, flowers and of course, birds. 339 species had been registered in that forest in 2010. If you where still enough, you could actually feel the life! The smell, the sounds, the refreshing mist of the rain on your skin. Other  than the odd insect crawling on you, a pure delight for all the senses.  An actual living forest. I was in awe. It was exactly how I had imagined a rain forest, this one was picture perfect. 
Being there for only a short visit, I opted not spend too much time on trying to capture the butterflies or birds on camera and actually enjoy them, as I soon discovered you have to be an experienced and patient photographer to give justice to these beauties.
Unfortunately most of the time, photos don't give justice to the experience. Oh well, hope you can at least get a feel of how it was to walk in a rain forest. Enjoy!