Birthday in Gamboa

• Gareth.alanna's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Gamboa

Trip Start Apr 05, 2008 Previous
Entry Trip End Mar 20, 2009 Next
Entry

  Gamboa, Panama
Saturday, August 30, 2008

After another night of very little sleep (the girl next door was a screamer) and still resorting to wet wipes we set out early to catch the Panama Train to cruise up along the canal and it's lakes to the final destination of Colon.  Tourist class was completely full so we had the observation carriage which was an open carriage, standing only.  To us it was the best seat in the house as we got to see the stunning scenery without obstruction and without freezing in the air conditioned carriages.  It was only an hours journey and we soon had arrived in Colon.  The train serves more as a commuter train for people who have the pleasure of working in Colon and only runs two services a day, one to get to Colon in the morning and the other to return to Panama City in the evening.  There is nothing nice to say about Colon, I'm sure it's only on the map as it's the second largest duty free zone in the world.  It is a dirty, decaying slum with no redeeming features.  The only thing it did was make me feel depressed and pleased that we could actually leave, provided we were willing to pay the exorbitant taxi fee of $60 to get to Gamboa

Panama Canal Train

.  After one guy offered us his bodyguard services and taxi we had no problem paying the fee and soon set out for the safety of Gamboa.  Gareth had booked the Gamboa Rainforest Resort as a surprise and treat for my birthday.  I would have been more than happy with just a simple room with our own bathroom and hot shower so this was even better.  The location is stunning over looking a lake and rainforest and our apartment is set in a historic building which has been beautifully restored (inside that is, except for the kitchen which is definitely an original feature and not one to brag about).  After humanizing ourselves again with hot showers, lots of soap and shampoo we set off to spend the day in the sun by the amazing pool. 
My birthday was fantastic.  Lots of calls, texts and emails from family and friends topped off by half the day spent in the spa care of GT and finally I feel human again.  It's been a great birthday and a great way to complete our trip through Central America.  Tomorrow we fly out to Quito, the start of our journey around South America.   

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Looking out from the lobby	Poolside bar	Waterfall over pool	Pool and Lake
Our apartment (1st floor)

Slideshow Print this entry Share

Previous Entry Next Entry