15 days in Panama with the Wichert family... my cousin Rob wanted to celebrate his 50th birthday in Panama and we said 'sure!' After a tough day waiting for our flight to leave Geneva (darn snow) and an overnight at a Newark airport hotel, we arrived in Panama. The first 10 days were on the tiny island of Contadora (1km x 3km), about 50 kms from Panama city in the Pacific Ocean. This was the perfect place to kick back and spend time with family. The first few days were spend with Uncle Ed, Aunt Dorothy, Dad, Patricia, and Karen. Chelsea (Rob's oldest daughter) arrived on the 22nd, and on the 23rd Rob and Olgy arrived with the rest of the kids (14 to 22 years old).
The slow pace meant we could just talk. In between meals (yummy fried yucca and calamari) we would go to the beach, snorkel, visit nearby islands, or walk around the island. It's not really a tourist island with only 2 small hotels and 4 restaurants, but this meant that it kind of felt like 'our' island.
On Christmas eve we grouped around a laptop and sung along with youtube Christmas carols... including the traditional 12 days of Christmas by Bob&Doug McKenzie
[http://youtu.be/sEbUtpPQihM]
Uncle Ed organized the Christmas turkey supper with the Austrian owner of the Romantico Hotel on the other side of the island... my dad goofed around with Alee's fancy hat, but we did eventually get a few good group shots.
The other popular activity was beachcombing, especially for my Aunt Dorothy. She made a project of collecting shells to inspire her quilt making (she's an expert). She plans to display the inspired quilt with a group of shells set out next to the quilt.
I went crazy with my new camera and played to 'official' photographer role. But many of the photos I've posted on this blog were actually shot by Olgy, Chelsea, or Wonda.
We returned to Panama City on the 28th and stayed in a the Veneto Casino Hotel... dad taught me how to play craps, but not how to win big. I think I came out about $10 ahead at the end of the week, plus enough to buy a new pair of shoes. We visited some of the sites... the Miraflores lock at the canal and Casco Viejo (old town) but the BIG highlight was Rob's birthday party at the Playa Bonita hotel just outside Panama City. It was one of the best parties ever! The vibe was perfect thanks to the people, the location, the food, the drink, and, of course, the latin music!
Really, being in Panama was great but was only the backdrop to being with family... must do this more often.
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