Crystal Suites Hotel Panama City

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... guys used sticks to figure out where the biggest rocks were on the bottom of the river so we could try to avoid them when crossing back over, and surprisingly this method worked quite well. We made it back across with just a minor scare or almost toppling over sideways into the river! And that's when we all finally exhaled and had a good laugh about the whole situation..humor makes everything better! Needless to say, I don't know how the hot springs are ...

... to become an economics lecture! Its just not fair the way things work, but I suppose little is fair in the world at the moment.

This experience has definitely changed me as a person. I feel completely happy and relaxed for the first time ever, I just hope I can keep these changes when I come back to the real world and have to get another job! YUCK!!!

It has also been the single best experience in my life. Travelling alone at times can be quiet lonely, but you ...

... the first taxi driver, this one didnīt really feel the need to stay in only one lane at a time.  However, gassing was a new adventure for me.  He pulled up to a gas station, honked, and had the guy put $5 in the car.  Notice I didnīt mention turning off the car.  As soon as the gas tank was closed, we could take off because the car was still running.  I was a little nervous, but if thatīs whatthey always do, then I guess itīs got to be relatively safe.  I ...

... death due to some drizzle and the constant spray from the waves. Incredibly uncomfortable. We arrived at a small island with palm trees, crystal clear water and white sand beaches... our beautiful honeymoon getaway! The accommodation was basic with no freshwater to wash with, let alone a shower, and a wooden toilet built over the sea. The food was dreadful, fish and rice for every meal but breakfast. I really do hate fish. But, if you're hungry enough you will eat anything ...

... City, and I suspect we saw an aspect of that today. But, violence is a part of city life everywhere, and by most accounts, Panama City is still very safe. One of the scientists accompanied us to dinner on the Causeway-a narrow spit of land created from the construction of the Canal that has walking and biking trails, a yacht club, discos, and restaurants. We had seafood, live music, and cold Balboas to wind down a successful first full day in Panama.

... and strong. There is a school at the village and the children receive education from a teacher that comes in on occasion... I wasn't clear on how frequently they have classes. The Embera are trying to hold onto their culture and their existence in an expanding world that is closing in around them. Tourism helps to support them and protect the land they live on, as well as to bring attention to their way of life and to respect and protect it.

... 2 in a taxi). We were leery of the driver at first but he turned out to be extremely nice. The ride took about half an hour and he pointed out a ton of sights along the way. I was very happy to discover that I could understand everything he said. I had been afraid that Panamanian Spanish would sound different but it is actually quite clear, much like Perú. I quizzed him on all the prices of things, and found out that at the hospital ...

... morning. 11/24/2008 Sea Day Today we checked in on the internet, worked on the community puzzle and played Yahtzee. The goal of the day was to take a photo of our tv with our cruise route stating that we are only 7 degrees from the equator. Attended the morning lecture, "How not to lose your mind." The ideas are to keep your mind happy by doing a few exercises daily. Stand on one foot with eyes closed for 15 seconds, eat an apple-nuts-water all at once and walk around bare ...

... which was accessed by kayaking across the lagoon to a deserted beach and then having a little scout around at all the parrotfish. Next stop was Boquete for a coffee tour. Boquete, up in the hills, was completely different because it was fresh, drizzly and full of old Americans (as opposed to young Americans). Apparently it is the 4th best place to retire in the world, but I canīt think why what with all the rain. They make some yummy coffee, all organic and speciality grown etc ...