Left La Fortuna next to the Arenal VolcanoVERY EARLY this morn and drove for una hora+ to the Hanging bridges on the other side of the volcano which we never did see lava flowing. A cloud always came over it during the night when the lava is visable. Good thing we arrived early about 8:15 for the 2 hour+ hike as it got hot and humid up there. Amazing to be so high in the trees!
We "hiked" really bounced 1.9 milies of trail and bridges including 6 suspension bridges. I chose the longer hike and was glad I made it all the way. Hard to turn back. Lots to see - wildlife and cascades - along the route when we weren't watching our footing. Great pics, I hope!
Then we drove another hour + to have lunch where there was a majestic view of Arenal Lake - manmade by daming for electrical power. After lunch we drove another couple hours to Liberia where we stopped a huge grocery store and bot it out of Costa Rican coffee. The ATM there didn't work for several of us...After getting back into the bus we drove another 90 minutes mas o meno to our resort hotel. Yay!!! Just in time to see the sunset! The last 60 minutes of the drive was on dirt roads. The ATM here doesn't work either...
Several in the group are sick now with either coughs or need to use the bathroom a lot. Interesting! Somewhere the water wasn't REALLY safe!
Gotta rush to the bathroom, Claudia
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday: I LOST MY TATTOO!
Today we are staying at a luxery - finally - resort and spa ~ the J.W. Marriott Hacienda Pinilla near Tamarindo in Quanacaste, the northern most province. They offered a discount for a coffee scrub at the spa so I got one. This is supposed to be the largest spa in Central America... All that oily Avon Skin so Soft oil and Insect Repellant is finally off of me. I had to throw out my fav pillow as it was getting a strange smell. The awesome 2.5 " bracelet tattoo which a young Indiginous girl from a Darien strip tribe (the Embera Indians) put on me while in Panama has almost disappeared. I will miss it!
Early this morn we took a Nature Walk along the beach. From 1-4 today we had free drinks. Fun! Sorry, Ellie, no Mojitos, but the Pina Coladas with fresh squeezed pineapple juice are amazing!
Finally, a buffet with desserts other than a form of sweetened plantains. They serve Plantains, papaya, pineapple, some fresh juice, rice/beans and hot chopped vegies at every meal.
Tomorrow is our last full day as we drive back to San Jose. ?6 hours? I hope we get back early enuf for me to go to the centro nacional de arte y cultura.
Buenos noches. Claudia
Early this morn we took a Nature Walk along the beach. From 1-4 today we had free drinks. Fun! Sorry, Ellie, no Mojitos, but the Pina Coladas with fresh squeezed pineapple juice are amazing!
Finally, a buffet with desserts other than a form of sweetened plantains. They serve Plantains, papaya, pineapple, some fresh juice, rice/beans and hot chopped vegies at every meal.
Tomorrow is our last full day as we drive back to San Jose. ?6 hours? I hope we get back early enuf for me to go to the centro nacional de arte y cultura.
Buenos noches. Claudia
Thursday, December 16, 2010
PURA VIDA!
Am sipping a Pina Colada and listening to Calypso music in the bar as I create. What a good life or Pura Vida as the locals say!
We are now on the East Coast. Walked in the Caribbean Sea this aft. It took 2 hours to get at this lodge by boat. Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. This is the area to which I really wanted to go. The turtles are not laying eggs now. That ended in Oct. It would be fun to be a volunteer to help count the eggs at night. Will have to come back for that. Have seen only a few live turtles. Lots of turtle art in the the stores tho. :-)))
Have gone on several small boat trips into the canals and rivers. Saw a flower this morn that only blooms once and only in the early morn. Beeeutiful! Orchids are everywhere. Saw 3 dif kinds of monkeys in trees right next to each other. Several with babies., And, yes, heard the Howler monkeys. LOTS of birds. Saw several sloths with a baby ~ both 2 and 3 toed. Lots of butterflies and insects too.
Combo just played "Rice and beans." Fun! Meals all include rice an dbeans made with a great sauce, some meat, and chopped vegies and lots of fruit. Today the dessert was covered with wsp ike fly so I passed.
I could stay here a week, but we are off at 7AM manana to travel until 5 PM to Fortuna in the middle of country - I could be wrong on the name. This drink is really good.
Pura vida, Claudia
We are now on the East Coast. Walked in the Caribbean Sea this aft. It took 2 hours to get at this lodge by boat. Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. This is the area to which I really wanted to go. The turtles are not laying eggs now. That ended in Oct. It would be fun to be a volunteer to help count the eggs at night. Will have to come back for that. Have seen only a few live turtles. Lots of turtle art in the the stores tho. :-)))
Have gone on several small boat trips into the canals and rivers. Saw a flower this morn that only blooms once and only in the early morn. Beeeutiful! Orchids are everywhere. Saw 3 dif kinds of monkeys in trees right next to each other. Several with babies., And, yes, heard the Howler monkeys. LOTS of birds. Saw several sloths with a baby ~ both 2 and 3 toed. Lots of butterflies and insects too.
Combo just played "Rice and beans." Fun! Meals all include rice an dbeans made with a great sauce, some meat, and chopped vegies and lots of fruit. Today the dessert was covered with wsp ike fly so I passed.
I could stay here a week, but we are off at 7AM manana to travel until 5 PM to Fortuna in the middle of country - I could be wrong on the name. This drink is really good.
Pura vida, Claudia
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
VOLCANOES AND GOLD
Our first real day of touring in CR took us 90 minutes north of San Jose to the Poas Volcano which last erupted Christmas Day in 2009. It is in a cloud forest and that's what it was - a cloud! We were told to wait because the cloud can disappear at anytime. Not this time! And, I waited 30 minutes imagining it clearing. It was a half mile hike up to the top to ba able to look down at the lake in the center. Well, they say there is a lake. All around it there is very dense growth with huge leaves. Cloud forests are like rain forests but with less rain and more humidity. It was also very cold and windy up there on top. Not what I expected in CR.
We saw a sloth in a tree along the road on the way up. It looked like a nest in the fork of the tree. Couldn't tell if 2 or 3 toed. Saw a raccoon on the deck of the diningroom after dinner tonight.
Down the mountain we saw many coffee plantations but could not do a tour as in the past. The gov passed a bill prohibiting tours of coffee plantations because of the machinery. We did stop at a small coffee planting where we could get up close to the trees. Beautiful, full of berries. Banana and other trees grow among the coffee to provide shade and use the land more effectively. Coffee export is no longer a top industry. Currently, 1. tourism; 1. Intel microchips; 2. bananas; 3. pineapples; 4. ornamental plants.
On the way back we visited the Gold Museum in downtown San Jose. Very interesting. Amazing history og CR money and collection of preColumbian gold figures. I bot a stamp to use on my scarves. I am sure it is an authentic PreColumbian artifact. :-)
I had planned to stay downtown after the Gold Mus so I could visit a coffee shop and look around. Planned ot take a taxi back. But after listening to a couple at lunch whose daughter lives in CR and they had just visited with her for 4 days I decided to get back on the bus and visit at the end of the trip. She had her wallet stolen out of her purse in the city without even knowing it and has experience living here. They said yo don't even use a cell phnoe or camera in public. I had my purse and backpack with me so I might have looked like a tourist... I figured better safe than sorry.
Tommorrow we head up north to cruise for 2 hours thru rivers and canals to get to the Tortuguero National Park to spend 2 nights. This will be my highlight of the trip.
Hasta manana. Thanks for the emails. Love, Claudia
We saw a sloth in a tree along the road on the way up. It looked like a nest in the fork of the tree. Couldn't tell if 2 or 3 toed. Saw a raccoon on the deck of the diningroom after dinner tonight.
Down the mountain we saw many coffee plantations but could not do a tour as in the past. The gov passed a bill prohibiting tours of coffee plantations because of the machinery. We did stop at a small coffee planting where we could get up close to the trees. Beautiful, full of berries. Banana and other trees grow among the coffee to provide shade and use the land more effectively. Coffee export is no longer a top industry. Currently, 1. tourism; 1. Intel microchips; 2. bananas; 3. pineapples; 4. ornamental plants.
On the way back we visited the Gold Museum in downtown San Jose. Very interesting. Amazing history og CR money and collection of preColumbian gold figures. I bot a stamp to use on my scarves. I am sure it is an authentic PreColumbian artifact. :-)
I had planned to stay downtown after the Gold Mus so I could visit a coffee shop and look around. Planned ot take a taxi back. But after listening to a couple at lunch whose daughter lives in CR and they had just visited with her for 4 days I decided to get back on the bus and visit at the end of the trip. She had her wallet stolen out of her purse in the city without even knowing it and has experience living here. They said yo don't even use a cell phnoe or camera in public. I had my purse and backpack with me so I might have looked like a tourist... I figured better safe than sorry.
Tommorrow we head up north to cruise for 2 hours thru rivers and canals to get to the Tortuguero National Park to spend 2 nights. This will be my highlight of the trip.
Hasta manana. Thanks for the emails. Love, Claudia
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Good Life
Slept 12 hours! Caught up on several short nights. CR Tour starts tonight with dinner and talk. So, I get a day of leisure. CR is on CST time so I also gained an hour.
Permit me to describe my room. This NOT roughing it right now. The room with a view has a king size bed, dark wood paneling, 3 closets, leather couch and flat screen TV both bigger than at home, table chairs, desk adn a pants presser! Hotel includes a casino, 3 restaurants, convention hall decorated tonight with glorious flowers for a Pirate Party, lots of art work, piano bar, and enclosed gardens with 30' trees and plenty of orchids.
This aft I had a golden facial using real gold. I am hoping to look 10 years younger.
Correction on the Soccer Stadium - it seats 35,000 and has parking for 500.
Last night I coldn't get money from the ATM machine here, so I called Rabobank at $1.99/minute. There is plenty money in my account as I thot and no freeze on my card. That machine just didn't like my card. Tonight I got plenty of Colones for the trip, so I don't have to worry.
To see the floating islands we saw last week from the flooding in Panama go to Youtube to Gamboa Destruction. The islands we saw floating by looked just like those except they went 2 dif ways after they went under the bridge. The bridge is an old train bridge where theu put boards over the tracks. You do have to drive carefully to stay on the boards.
In Panama we HAD to have our passports with us at all times or could be put in jail. Here, in CR we were told to leave them in our safes. If we lose them it takes 15 days of paperwork to get out of CR.
Looking forward to new adventures tomorrow. We will be visiting 6 counties here.
Night, Claudia :-)
Permit me to describe my room. This NOT roughing it right now. The room with a view has a king size bed, dark wood paneling, 3 closets, leather couch and flat screen TV both bigger than at home, table chairs, desk adn a pants presser! Hotel includes a casino, 3 restaurants, convention hall decorated tonight with glorious flowers for a Pirate Party, lots of art work, piano bar, and enclosed gardens with 30' trees and plenty of orchids.
This aft I had a golden facial using real gold. I am hoping to look 10 years younger.
Correction on the Soccer Stadium - it seats 35,000 and has parking for 500.
Last night I coldn't get money from the ATM machine here, so I called Rabobank at $1.99/minute. There is plenty money in my account as I thot and no freeze on my card. That machine just didn't like my card. Tonight I got plenty of Colones for the trip, so I don't have to worry.
To see the floating islands we saw last week from the flooding in Panama go to Youtube to Gamboa Destruction. The islands we saw floating by looked just like those except they went 2 dif ways after they went under the bridge. The bridge is an old train bridge where theu put boards over the tracks. You do have to drive carefully to stay on the boards.
In Panama we HAD to have our passports with us at all times or could be put in jail. Here, in CR we were told to leave them in our safes. If we lose them it takes 15 days of paperwork to get out of CR.
Looking forward to new adventures tomorrow. We will be visiting 6 counties here.
Night, Claudia :-)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
COSTA RICA
Sorry I am skipping a few days. Got busy. Thank you to all who are responding to me by email. It is fun to hear from you. :-)
Right now I am staying in the Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel and Casino just outside of the capital city of San Jose across the freeway from the brand new Soccer Stadium which seats 5,000 that will open in March, but only has parking for 500. A bit of a controversy in town. The computer time here costs $10/hour!!! I have had it free up until here.
This morning I awoke before 5 in order to catch the 6AM Caravan bus shuttle to the airport - a short 20-30 min. ride. Last night our closing dinner with local dancing was held overlooking the locks. They are all lit up as ships travel 24/7 except during last week's flooding. That was either the 1st or 2nd time the ships have been stopped in its history. At the airport I was very tempted to buy Stohli's vodka at the duty free shop. The huge bottle was only $18. But alas, I have no room and that's after Sharie took my 2# bottle of rum with her as she flies back to SLO.
I was excited about my seat on the small plane being 1A. I have never sat there. There was a single row on one side and double row on the other side. As soon as I sat down I was given a drink and asked about my food order. Now, this was very strange as it was only a 60 minute flight. Apparently, I was one of 5 first class seats. What fun! Plenty of leg room. I could get used to this. We were delayed leaving and on landing, but I didn't care! I ordered the quiche as I couldn't understand what the other choices were. Fig cheesecake for dessert!
Had to give up my apples from See Canyon when entering SC. While filling out the form I realized I didn't have the list of CR hotels with me nor the email from Caravan saying I could stay an extra day. They offered the hotel, meals, taxi ride and cost to change departure air if I could move my tour to start Monday. NO PROBLEMO! Problem now as I didn't have any idea where I was going to in San Jose. So I stopped at an info Desk after I got my big checked bag (weighing in at exactly 50# this morn....). She knew one place but when she called I was only registered there for the 21st. In Panama you start and end at the same hotel. Somehow she found out the other hotel. We called there but they only had me staying Monday and Tuesday nights and could not add me in the Caravan group without an email from Caravan. Caravan has no registered phone number in CR that the hotel would giveout. She could not call the states. She even called her tour leader huband - dif company - to see if he knew anyone. My cell phone was not catching a satellite so I couldn't call.
So, I just took a taxi to the Monday night hotel - this fancy one and tried to check in. They were going to give me a discounted rate until I could square up with Caravan Tours (CT). Well, they found me for tonight but with a dif spelling of my last name, so I am a happy camper. Great room with a view of the stadium. I immediately made a pot of coffee in the room. Better than Panamanian coffee!
After unpacking I decided to take a taxi into the city to see the Mucio de Artes Comtemporario. The taxi driver - the safe one - didn't know where it was but followed directions from the dispatcher. I only had 45 min. to get there before closing at 4. The city was very and messy as they had celebrated the Fiesta de Luz until midnight last night with parades and dancing in the streets. Unfortunately once he got there, he dropped me on the other side of the block from the entrance. When I got to the right mucio huffing and puffing they were closed. But, contrary to the tour book and concierge the guards told me they are open manana.
Fortunately, I had asked the driver to come back after 4. So I waited by the parkchatting and despere\ately trying to understand the policeman on duty there. There was a dance show going on in one of the buildings. Several policia cars came by. I asked why, he said because there was an activity going on. I felt safe, even if I couldn't understand half of what he said.
When Eduardo, the taxi driver and now my friend, arrived he took me on a tour of the city as we tried to find places I could walk to manana. There is a coffee house I want to try under an old hotel. He was very clear about the areas I should not walk in. And pointed them out to me. Nice. guy.
I still don't have any colones to spend, but will try to get them in change. I asked the ATM for 200,00 and it said no. So, I will have to figure that out manana. Got US dollars at the airport Citbank ATM.
Gotta go my time is almost up. I am having fun!
Hugs, Claudia
Right now I am staying in the Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel and Casino just outside of the capital city of San Jose across the freeway from the brand new Soccer Stadium which seats 5,000 that will open in March, but only has parking for 500. A bit of a controversy in town. The computer time here costs $10/hour!!! I have had it free up until here.
This morning I awoke before 5 in order to catch the 6AM Caravan bus shuttle to the airport - a short 20-30 min. ride. Last night our closing dinner with local dancing was held overlooking the locks. They are all lit up as ships travel 24/7 except during last week's flooding. That was either the 1st or 2nd time the ships have been stopped in its history. At the airport I was very tempted to buy Stohli's vodka at the duty free shop. The huge bottle was only $18. But alas, I have no room and that's after Sharie took my 2# bottle of rum with her as she flies back to SLO.
I was excited about my seat on the small plane being 1A. I have never sat there. There was a single row on one side and double row on the other side. As soon as I sat down I was given a drink and asked about my food order. Now, this was very strange as it was only a 60 minute flight. Apparently, I was one of 5 first class seats. What fun! Plenty of leg room. I could get used to this. We were delayed leaving and on landing, but I didn't care! I ordered the quiche as I couldn't understand what the other choices were. Fig cheesecake for dessert!
Had to give up my apples from See Canyon when entering SC. While filling out the form I realized I didn't have the list of CR hotels with me nor the email from Caravan saying I could stay an extra day. They offered the hotel, meals, taxi ride and cost to change departure air if I could move my tour to start Monday. NO PROBLEMO! Problem now as I didn't have any idea where I was going to in San Jose. So I stopped at an info Desk after I got my big checked bag (weighing in at exactly 50# this morn....). She knew one place but when she called I was only registered there for the 21st. In Panama you start and end at the same hotel. Somehow she found out the other hotel. We called there but they only had me staying Monday and Tuesday nights and could not add me in the Caravan group without an email from Caravan. Caravan has no registered phone number in CR that the hotel would giveout. She could not call the states. She even called her tour leader huband - dif company - to see if he knew anyone. My cell phone was not catching a satellite so I couldn't call.
So, I just took a taxi to the Monday night hotel - this fancy one and tried to check in. They were going to give me a discounted rate until I could square up with Caravan Tours (CT). Well, they found me for tonight but with a dif spelling of my last name, so I am a happy camper. Great room with a view of the stadium. I immediately made a pot of coffee in the room. Better than Panamanian coffee!
After unpacking I decided to take a taxi into the city to see the Mucio de Artes Comtemporario. The taxi driver - the safe one - didn't know where it was but followed directions from the dispatcher. I only had 45 min. to get there before closing at 4. The city was very and messy as they had celebrated the Fiesta de Luz until midnight last night with parades and dancing in the streets. Unfortunately once he got there, he dropped me on the other side of the block from the entrance. When I got to the right mucio huffing and puffing they were closed. But, contrary to the tour book and concierge the guards told me they are open manana.
Fortunately, I had asked the driver to come back after 4. So I waited by the parkchatting and despere\ately trying to understand the policeman on duty there. There was a dance show going on in one of the buildings. Several policia cars came by. I asked why, he said because there was an activity going on. I felt safe, even if I couldn't understand half of what he said.
When Eduardo, the taxi driver and now my friend, arrived he took me on a tour of the city as we tried to find places I could walk to manana. There is a coffee house I want to try under an old hotel. He was very clear about the areas I should not walk in. And pointed them out to me. Nice. guy.
I still don't have any colones to spend, but will try to get them in change. I asked the ATM for 200,00 and it said no. So, I will have to figure that out manana. Got US dollars at the airport Citbank ATM.
Gotta go my time is almost up. I am having fun!
Hugs, Claudia
Thursday, December 9, 2010
FLOODING
Thursday Dec. 9 I think
Only 20 free miutes so will be fast
Went thru three locks on a small boat from the Pacific O several days ago amazing! we went 7 miles in several hours.
Yesterday we didn´t get to see the Embera Indians in the rainforest as we were supposed to travel to their village down river on rafts. With all the rainstorms for several days and nights, the river had risen over the dock. We couldn´t go out. There were floating islands coming down the river with 10' to15 ´trees on them. They floated into the Gatun Lake and most were floating out to the Caribbean Sea. We were at the Continental Divide so islands on one side of the river were floating to the Atlantic and some were floating to the Pacific. Weird! The Gatun Lake was at its highest ever since it was created by the damn. Ship traffic was stopped in the canal, not a usual happening because of rain. It rains almost daily during the rainy season so the ships usually keep moving. But visibility was very low. Usually the islands just float on out to sea, but this time they used tugboats to help move them along. Ship traffic started back up this morn at 5 AM. This was all big news to stop the traffic. Roads across Panama were also closed and many towns were flooded. The Portobello area where we were on Monday is no longer accessible by road because of flooding. We were there the day the rains had started. Fortunately, our driver´s wife got back home to Colon before the transisthmus roads closed. She had been over to Panama City for a Breast Cancer treatment.
Yesterday, instead of the Indinan visit, we went to PC and visited the 2nd site of Panama City. It looks a lot like New Orleans with narrow streets. Much is in disrepair and people living in the empty buildings. But parts of the old city Casco Viejo (Old Compound) are being bot up and rebuilt to create a wonderful place to stay, shop, dine out, and hear great music. The city, county, and state gov centers are there also. We did all this walking thru Casco Viejo along cobblestone streets in the rain. It started light but got worse. It was also Dia de Madres so a holiday. The church of the golden alter had a Fisrt Communion ceremony happening while we were there. Fun!
Fro there we headed northwest up the Pacific Coast in the rain to a resort in Playa Blanca.
Adios, Claudia
Only 20 free miutes so will be fast
Went thru three locks on a small boat from the Pacific O several days ago amazing! we went 7 miles in several hours.
Yesterday we didn´t get to see the Embera Indians in the rainforest as we were supposed to travel to their village down river on rafts. With all the rainstorms for several days and nights, the river had risen over the dock. We couldn´t go out. There were floating islands coming down the river with 10' to15 ´trees on them. They floated into the Gatun Lake and most were floating out to the Caribbean Sea. We were at the Continental Divide so islands on one side of the river were floating to the Atlantic and some were floating to the Pacific. Weird! The Gatun Lake was at its highest ever since it was created by the damn. Ship traffic was stopped in the canal, not a usual happening because of rain. It rains almost daily during the rainy season so the ships usually keep moving. But visibility was very low. Usually the islands just float on out to sea, but this time they used tugboats to help move them along. Ship traffic started back up this morn at 5 AM. This was all big news to stop the traffic. Roads across Panama were also closed and many towns were flooded. The Portobello area where we were on Monday is no longer accessible by road because of flooding. We were there the day the rains had started. Fortunately, our driver´s wife got back home to Colon before the transisthmus roads closed. She had been over to Panama City for a Breast Cancer treatment.
Yesterday, instead of the Indinan visit, we went to PC and visited the 2nd site of Panama City. It looks a lot like New Orleans with narrow streets. Much is in disrepair and people living in the empty buildings. But parts of the old city Casco Viejo (Old Compound) are being bot up and rebuilt to create a wonderful place to stay, shop, dine out, and hear great music. The city, county, and state gov centers are there also. We did all this walking thru Casco Viejo along cobblestone streets in the rain. It started light but got worse. It was also Dia de Madres so a holiday. The church of the golden alter had a Fisrt Communion ceremony happening while we were there. Fun!
Fro there we headed northwest up the Pacific Coast in the rain to a resort in Playa Blanca.
Adios, Claudia
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
COLON and the Caribbean Ocean
Monday was a long day driving 60 miles transisthmus and northeast to Portobella to see the bay and old fortresses as well as the church of the Black Christ. Just a little rain during walking portion. Locals call the bay Buenos Aires because sewage is dumped into the bay. Sounds like Pismo... The government is working to change that by building sewage treatment plants. This area is not in the canal zone so it doesn't have the improvements done by the Americans during the building of and possession of the canal. Since the freeing of Panama from US control the government has been working hard to improve many areas, but there still remains a large dif between the rich and the poor.
37% of the population are below the poverty line according to my lonely planet travel guide. Unemployment is now at 7%. Literacy is 92% with education thru college paid for by taxes. All students even indigenous indians must wear uniforms to school even if the skirts are below the knee. The total population of Panama is over 3 million, and I was wrong about PC. Panama City now has over a million people, many coming from all over South and Central America to work.
As our bus traveled thru the province and city of Colon we saw a lot of poor housing. This was only a driving tour as the city is known to be a little rough... We also drove by the 3 Gatun Locks. Altho there is a growing Free Trade Zone next to the city of Colon where there are HUGE warehouses and more are being built, the city has a lot of poverty and crime. Hello? those do go together! The gigantic warehouses in the Free Trade Zone contain merchandise from sea containers that a country or business wants to sell in LARGE quantities. The containers or merchandise are downloaded from the ships that are either too large to go thru or want to leave merchandise. No taxes apply in the Zone. Locals also buy single items illegally with no taxes applied and no receipt! A booming business. Do you think there might be mafia involved? The Free Trade Zone of Colon is the 2nd largest in the world next to Shanghi. sp? The ports (not Free Trade) on the Pacific side of the canal are leased by the Chinese. These ports are for offloading sea containers form ships too large to go thru the canal. The Chinese are also buying large quatities of lumber. It is then shipped back as furniture to sell to the Panamanians and other countries.
The Chinese arrived in Panama (Columbia then) to help build the transisthmus Railroad. They have stayed moving into small business and now are a large minority with their own parks, etc. This is also why rice is served at every meal in Panama. Going to a Chinese restaurant for Sunday brunch is very popular.
On our way to Portobella on the Southeastern coast, we stopped to see Jerry, our driver's Rojo Diablo. It is a common mode of transportation ~ school buses painted with bright pictures including a red devil. The paint job alone can cost up to $5000. The government is planning to phase out the Red Devils, clean them up, and donate to schools as there is no transportation for the students. So, these busses must come from other countries. Our commercial bus is beautiful, holding 46 passengers, but has no bathroom. Apparently those buses are not available in Panama. So, Caravan Tours is planning to buy some from Brazil as the Pan gov has not come thru with buses with bathrooms in the year this tour has been offered by Caravan. Bathrooms would allow for longer trips into more remote areas.
The man behind the driver is not an official job and is called the "turkey ~ El Pavo." Frequently, a driver will pay a friend to help take money, call out stops, make the riders behave, and answer questions.
The Census is taken very seriously in P. It occurs on a Sunday when most people are home. No one is allwed on the streets until they have their census card. The police check people for thier cards. I guess there are a lot of census workers!
Most of our travel is close to the the canal. In outlying provinces there are many villages without electricity. possible toilets also....
A little history ~ In 1513 Balboa endured a "tortuous trek" from the Atlantic to the Pacific to become the first Europian to see the Pacific. In the 15-1600's there were many pirates on both seas raiding the ships and cities. Remember Henry Morgan! He was a meany! Panama gained its independence from Columbia in 1903 only to sign over to the USA sovereign rights over the canal zone and concession rights. In many ways this was good for P as many improvements were made in health, sanitation, and of course the building of the canal which as an amazing feat in itself. In 1999, the US left Panama Canal zone turning it back to Panama. All bases are now empty and being renovated for other purposes, i.e., schools.
The people on both sides are beautiful with big smiles and always waving. A man with a hardhat working a jackhammer on a road saw our bus and waved while still hammering away! Scared me!
Today it dumped rain while we were driving back across the istmus to a hotel in teh rain forrest on "Crying Mountain." Not the center of the rain forrest as it has a golf course, but there is a walk into the jungle and many birds I can hear but haven't seen yet! No mosquito bites either!! :-)
Night for now, Claudia
37% of the population are below the poverty line according to my lonely planet travel guide. Unemployment is now at 7%. Literacy is 92% with education thru college paid for by taxes. All students even indigenous indians must wear uniforms to school even if the skirts are below the knee. The total population of Panama is over 3 million, and I was wrong about PC. Panama City now has over a million people, many coming from all over South and Central America to work.
As our bus traveled thru the province and city of Colon we saw a lot of poor housing. This was only a driving tour as the city is known to be a little rough... We also drove by the 3 Gatun Locks. Altho there is a growing Free Trade Zone next to the city of Colon where there are HUGE warehouses and more are being built, the city has a lot of poverty and crime. Hello? those do go together! The gigantic warehouses in the Free Trade Zone contain merchandise from sea containers that a country or business wants to sell in LARGE quantities. The containers or merchandise are downloaded from the ships that are either too large to go thru or want to leave merchandise. No taxes apply in the Zone. Locals also buy single items illegally with no taxes applied and no receipt! A booming business. Do you think there might be mafia involved? The Free Trade Zone of Colon is the 2nd largest in the world next to Shanghi. sp? The ports (not Free Trade) on the Pacific side of the canal are leased by the Chinese. These ports are for offloading sea containers form ships too large to go thru the canal. The Chinese are also buying large quatities of lumber. It is then shipped back as furniture to sell to the Panamanians and other countries.
The Chinese arrived in Panama (Columbia then) to help build the transisthmus Railroad. They have stayed moving into small business and now are a large minority with their own parks, etc. This is also why rice is served at every meal in Panama. Going to a Chinese restaurant for Sunday brunch is very popular.
On our way to Portobella on the Southeastern coast, we stopped to see Jerry, our driver's Rojo Diablo. It is a common mode of transportation ~ school buses painted with bright pictures including a red devil. The paint job alone can cost up to $5000. The government is planning to phase out the Red Devils, clean them up, and donate to schools as there is no transportation for the students. So, these busses must come from other countries. Our commercial bus is beautiful, holding 46 passengers, but has no bathroom. Apparently those buses are not available in Panama. So, Caravan Tours is planning to buy some from Brazil as the Pan gov has not come thru with buses with bathrooms in the year this tour has been offered by Caravan. Bathrooms would allow for longer trips into more remote areas.
The man behind the driver is not an official job and is called the "turkey ~ El Pavo." Frequently, a driver will pay a friend to help take money, call out stops, make the riders behave, and answer questions.
The Census is taken very seriously in P. It occurs on a Sunday when most people are home. No one is allwed on the streets until they have their census card. The police check people for thier cards. I guess there are a lot of census workers!
Most of our travel is close to the the canal. In outlying provinces there are many villages without electricity. possible toilets also....
A little history ~ In 1513 Balboa endured a "tortuous trek" from the Atlantic to the Pacific to become the first Europian to see the Pacific. In the 15-1600's there were many pirates on both seas raiding the ships and cities. Remember Henry Morgan! He was a meany! Panama gained its independence from Columbia in 1903 only to sign over to the USA sovereign rights over the canal zone and concession rights. In many ways this was good for P as many improvements were made in health, sanitation, and of course the building of the canal which as an amazing feat in itself. In 1999, the US left Panama Canal zone turning it back to Panama. All bases are now empty and being renovated for other purposes, i.e., schools.
The people on both sides are beautiful with big smiles and always waving. A man with a hardhat working a jackhammer on a road saw our bus and waved while still hammering away! Scared me!
Today it dumped rain while we were driving back across the istmus to a hotel in teh rain forrest on "Crying Mountain." Not the center of the rain forrest as it has a golf course, but there is a walk into the jungle and many birds I can hear but haven't seen yet! No mosquito bites either!! :-)
Night for now, Claudia
Sunday, December 5, 2010
MIRAFLORES LOCKS
Well, the tour guide said Panama has the safest water in South America because the Americans made processing plants while stationed here so it would be safe for them. It is safe! The mint in my Mojito last night was safe also. Yay!
Today strated off with a trip to the Panama Viejo. It was a very organized city built in the 1500's by the Spaniards with 7 Catholic Churches. Unfortunately, the pirates who plied the Pacific waters liked it also. Times were not smooth. The city has been moved 2X. The older homes in the current PC have lots of barb wire to prevent unwelcome entries. When the older families finally sell their home it is razed and a high rise apartment complex is put in. It is guessed a lot of drug money is being invested in the city growth. Dubay and PC started their growth at the same time 15 years ago. This city has even built up the swamp area by the Pac O and put in parks along the waterfront. Citizens are very proud of the new area.
There are 3 hospitals in PC. Punta Pacifica is a privte hosp with an exchange program with John Hopkins.
Today, as we were pulling out of the hotel parking lot we could see the many runners of in International 10K Marathon. Good thing they started at 8am b4 the heat of the day.
Interesting - I was told one of the richest families in Mexico City built and owns this hotel and the huge mall next door. They now live in El Salvador. Wonder why?!
Later in the day, we visited the Miraflores Locks and saw 3 huge ships loaded with sea containers move from a small lake thru the 3 sets of double locks at Miraflores into the Pac Ocean. The main middle section of a ship can go up 7 stories and the containers can go as high! There is a limit now of 4,000 containers. The new locks will allow for 10,000 containers. This overwhelms me!
The canal cuts right thru the Continental Divide with the Carib Sea being higher than Pac Sea. It is built on a gravity system so they also lose fresh water (a staggering 52 million gallons per ship) to the Pacific Ocean. The canal generates huge money for Panama.Nearly 14,000 vessels pass thru each year. Shios pay according to their weight, with the average fee around $30,000 US. The highest amount paid was US$200,000 in 2001 for a French 90,000 ton cruise ship Infinity. The lowest amount US$0.36 was paid by Richard Halliburton in 1938 when he swam thru.
Plans for a new, second set of locks which are wider, longer and use tug boats to move the ships, as well as a deeper canal are in the works. The new locks will recycle the water. Yay! The Tour Guide said 76% of all new ships in the world are being built to the new docks' specs. Currently, the smallest lock is 305 m long and 33.5 m wide. The ships we saw today had barely a foot clearance on each side! There is also a very busy Panama Canal Railway that runs across the isthmus carrying cargo boxes from ships which do not fit thru. Even tho countries all over the world use the canal, the main users are the USA, China, Japan, Chile and South Korea. Interesting! Today in an hour we saw Morovian, New York and Greek ships. This is called Transisthmusian travel.
Oh, I didn't tell you ... tonight I am sipping the local 12 year old Panamanian rum called Abuelo and coke. This is a good life!
Manana is the other end of the canal - Gatun Locks and Portobello.
Hasta manana!
Claudia
Today strated off with a trip to the Panama Viejo. It was a very organized city built in the 1500's by the Spaniards with 7 Catholic Churches. Unfortunately, the pirates who plied the Pacific waters liked it also. Times were not smooth. The city has been moved 2X. The older homes in the current PC have lots of barb wire to prevent unwelcome entries. When the older families finally sell their home it is razed and a high rise apartment complex is put in. It is guessed a lot of drug money is being invested in the city growth. Dubay and PC started their growth at the same time 15 years ago. This city has even built up the swamp area by the Pac O and put in parks along the waterfront. Citizens are very proud of the new area.
There are 3 hospitals in PC. Punta Pacifica is a privte hosp with an exchange program with John Hopkins.
Today, as we were pulling out of the hotel parking lot we could see the many runners of in International 10K Marathon. Good thing they started at 8am b4 the heat of the day.
Interesting - I was told one of the richest families in Mexico City built and owns this hotel and the huge mall next door. They now live in El Salvador. Wonder why?!
Later in the day, we visited the Miraflores Locks and saw 3 huge ships loaded with sea containers move from a small lake thru the 3 sets of double locks at Miraflores into the Pac Ocean. The main middle section of a ship can go up 7 stories and the containers can go as high! There is a limit now of 4,000 containers. The new locks will allow for 10,000 containers. This overwhelms me!
The canal cuts right thru the Continental Divide with the Carib Sea being higher than Pac Sea. It is built on a gravity system so they also lose fresh water (a staggering 52 million gallons per ship) to the Pacific Ocean. The canal generates huge money for Panama.Nearly 14,000 vessels pass thru each year. Shios pay according to their weight, with the average fee around $30,000 US. The highest amount paid was US$200,000 in 2001 for a French 90,000 ton cruise ship Infinity. The lowest amount US$0.36 was paid by Richard Halliburton in 1938 when he swam thru.
Plans for a new, second set of locks which are wider, longer and use tug boats to move the ships, as well as a deeper canal are in the works. The new locks will recycle the water. Yay! The Tour Guide said 76% of all new ships in the world are being built to the new docks' specs. Currently, the smallest lock is 305 m long and 33.5 m wide. The ships we saw today had barely a foot clearance on each side! There is also a very busy Panama Canal Railway that runs across the isthmus carrying cargo boxes from ships which do not fit thru. Even tho countries all over the world use the canal, the main users are the USA, China, Japan, Chile and South Korea. Interesting! Today in an hour we saw Morovian, New York and Greek ships. This is called Transisthmusian travel.
Oh, I didn't tell you ... tonight I am sipping the local 12 year old Panamanian rum called Abuelo and coke. This is a good life!
Manana is the other end of the canal - Gatun Locks and Portobello.
Hasta manana!
Claudia
Saturday, December 4, 2010
PANAMA CITY
I woke at 4 AM CA time with an amazing sunrise blasting through the window in front of me on the plane. We were flying over the ocean. 3 hours later, as we lowered for landing I could see many muddy riverlets draining into the bay contrasting with the lush green of the low trees at a very low tide.
This is a city of highrises, amazing architecture, haunty young ladies in tight leggings with very high heels, and humidity or afternoon rains. I knew it was hot when from the plane I could see the local firemen washing their truck and spraying each other in their uniforms. But, there is airconditioning everywhere.
Right now I have a perfect Mojito from the hotel bar beside my computer to help me concentrate. We are staying 2 nights at a Marriott Courtyard in the center of the city (450 thousand people) right next to a huge mall. Of course, we had to check it out. Found an ATM machine to get local currancy ~ the Balboa ~ as the bartender told us we had to use Balboas in stores. The ATM kept giving us US dollars no matter which button we pushed. So, we asked people walking by about Balboas. Oh my no! US dollars are accepted everywhere. We must not have communicated to the bartender. The Balboa is the same value and "old." Their coins are the same value and size as ours but have their impressions on them. However, it is very hard to cash $50 and $100 (HAVE to have your Passport) as a major business in Central America is making counterfeit 50 & 100's. Also, banks and hotels will not cash Travelers' Checks. Interesting.
So, while in the mall we tried a snack bar for Empeñadas and Cappachino. A Columbian lady made them with a lightly spicey vinegarette to dip them in. Many people here are from other countries. I hear folks from South America move here for the better wages. At the mall I even had time to buy gifts for Tim and Jorma! Pañama hats were $70 tho! The mall had stores from Payless shoes to 2 huge supermarts, Sanfords, and hi end stores like Jimmy Cho's. That section felt like Rodeo Drive. Lots of people shopping with lots of bags. Super large purple or yellow purses were everywhere. Most people are short and slim. Well behaved children. And, outside the mall there are lines of yellow taxis.
The rain is most important for the country's economy as the canal needs fresh water to pump through it. We were told at the intro meeting that the average daily income in Panama is about $20. This Caravan Tour is nice in that EVERYTHING is paid for in the $995 ~ all tips, in tour transportation and meals. Tonight's Grill dinner was only $10 on the menu, but "free" for us. I had a moist perfectly grilled Sea bass and salad buffet. No wine tho.
Tomorrow we travel to the old city of Pañama and Miraflores Locks. We were told that there is a web cam at Miraflores that will show us live on the internet going thru the locks on Tuesday. Not sure of the time yet as it is decided that day. We should be spending 5-6 hours in the canal.
Buenos noches for now, Claudia
This is a city of highrises, amazing architecture, haunty young ladies in tight leggings with very high heels, and humidity or afternoon rains. I knew it was hot when from the plane I could see the local firemen washing their truck and spraying each other in their uniforms. But, there is airconditioning everywhere.
Right now I have a perfect Mojito from the hotel bar beside my computer to help me concentrate. We are staying 2 nights at a Marriott Courtyard in the center of the city (450 thousand people) right next to a huge mall. Of course, we had to check it out. Found an ATM machine to get local currancy ~ the Balboa ~ as the bartender told us we had to use Balboas in stores. The ATM kept giving us US dollars no matter which button we pushed. So, we asked people walking by about Balboas. Oh my no! US dollars are accepted everywhere. We must not have communicated to the bartender. The Balboa is the same value and "old." Their coins are the same value and size as ours but have their impressions on them. However, it is very hard to cash $50 and $100 (HAVE to have your Passport) as a major business in Central America is making counterfeit 50 & 100's. Also, banks and hotels will not cash Travelers' Checks. Interesting.
So, while in the mall we tried a snack bar for Empeñadas and Cappachino. A Columbian lady made them with a lightly spicey vinegarette to dip them in. Many people here are from other countries. I hear folks from South America move here for the better wages. At the mall I even had time to buy gifts for Tim and Jorma! Pañama hats were $70 tho! The mall had stores from Payless shoes to 2 huge supermarts, Sanfords, and hi end stores like Jimmy Cho's. That section felt like Rodeo Drive. Lots of people shopping with lots of bags. Super large purple or yellow purses were everywhere. Most people are short and slim. Well behaved children. And, outside the mall there are lines of yellow taxis.
The rain is most important for the country's economy as the canal needs fresh water to pump through it. We were told at the intro meeting that the average daily income in Panama is about $20. This Caravan Tour is nice in that EVERYTHING is paid for in the $995 ~ all tips, in tour transportation and meals. Tonight's Grill dinner was only $10 on the menu, but "free" for us. I had a moist perfectly grilled Sea bass and salad buffet. No wine tho.
Tomorrow we travel to the old city of Pañama and Miraflores Locks. We were told that there is a web cam at Miraflores that will show us live on the internet going thru the locks on Tuesday. Not sure of the time yet as it is decided that day. We should be spending 5-6 hours in the canal.
Buenos noches for now, Claudia
Sharie Rouse and I are on the plane. Copa Air. I have never seen so many carry-ons!! No, not mine. True confession ... My checked ended up being 47#. When we arrived at LAX the computers were down. Only an hour wait. Good thing we were 3 hours early! And, yes, I did get a California massage! That was because they sent us thru the line without the new and improved x-ray machine. I was disappointed. I thot they were going to project the stays on the walls!
6 hour flight arriving 10ish am Eastern ST.
6 hour flight arriving 10ish am Eastern ST.
Friday, December 3, 2010
SUITCASE IS CLOSED
This is a record! Suitcase closed by 10:47 weighing in at 37#. I am allowed 50# and can already see things to add, but have learned airport scales weigh lower than mine by 3-5#. In less than 34 hours I will be in Panama City!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Getting Rready
I will close the suitcase by 10:17 PM I will. I will. Sharie and I leave Friday at 5 P.M. for LAX and fly out at 1 A.M.
Actually, blogging is totally new to me. I am blogging now to avoid putting all my clothes in the suitcase (already had to get out a bigger one) and CLOSE IT WITH THE ZIPPER DONE!
I will be gone over 3 weeks and am looking forward to 80' - 91' with thunderstorms in Panama! Am not taking a computer so will blog on my phone or in computer bars.
Actually, blogging is totally new to me. I am blogging now to avoid putting all my clothes in the suitcase (already had to get out a bigger one) and CLOSE IT WITH THE ZIPPER DONE!
I will be gone over 3 weeks and am looking forward to 80' - 91' with thunderstorms in Panama! Am not taking a computer so will blog on my phone or in computer bars.
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