Panama: Weeks 1-3

We arrive in Panama City, sick and without our luggage, but still manage to fall in love with Casco Viejo.


A swing in the hammock and a swig of beer and we're all recovered.


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Eco Venao and some day trips to nearby beaches on the weekends.



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Ruvane still hates the ocean, refuses to go anywhere near it, but has a great time swimming in rivers and tidepools.


At Casa Mango, while Noah works, Ruvane and I take walks and check out the local wildlife.





We teach Ruvane how to speak Spanish by making him put in his own requests for food. It should come as no surprise that he learned "Un helado, por favor!" very quickly.



We were also not above manipulating Ruvane to stay awake during a car ride by offering him a sickly sweet strawberry ice cream bar.. which is really just the tip of the iceberg regarding the general health quotient of food we consumed here.







As always, there is an interesting cast of fellow travelers to meet. This time, we can't help but to gravitate (and share housing with) those with kids. Let the good times/madhouse begin!





We take a boat trip with another family. Ruvane is justifiably terrified of being on the boat: the waves are huge and steep and we keep getting splashed in the face. The life jacket is way too big for him so I myself am nervous. We arrive to pristine white sands, amazing snorkeling and millions of hermit crabs.

Soon to come: week 4 - vacation week!