Part II - Panama

After the family reunion we headed to Panama. I think I had low expectations but I loved it! I also wished that we has visited the country 10 years ago so that we could have invested! Panama City looks more modern than most American cities and the coast line near the capital is now riddled with fancy homes and increasingly nice hotels. We were too chicken to explore the depths of the country with the kids so we stayed at a resort like place 1.5 hours west of Panama City. We did get a quick tour of the city, the old town and the Panama Canal - which is way awesome. Here is the skyline of the city from the old town:

I was skeptical about our choice as we left Panama City and drove in the dark through increasingly dark, back, windy roads and there were no signs to be found. But upon arrival we were met with cool, scented towels to refresh ourselves from the ardous journey, a personal 'butler' and basically a beautiful empty resort. Although it was on the coast Charlie had no interest in the beach and we spent most of our time in the pool. Given that we were almost the only ones there the staff got to know us and fought over Diego's attention and even got Charlie to get over his shyness long enough to order drinks at the bar (jugo de pina was his favorite).

In addition to pool time Charlie got to ride a pony. It was so funny. He sat as stiff and serious as could be as they walked around the stables. It didn't seem to enjoy it much but I enjoyed watching it!

We did take a day trip to El Valle de Anton which is a town in a major crater. It is the most lush place I've ever been. We visited a zoo which had animals I've only read about like Tapirs, Agoutis and Poison Dart Frogs. The cutest were the monkeys which jumped on the staff's back and below is a picture of Charlie communicating with something like an ostrich.

This is my all time favorite picture - not because we look good (in fact we look terrible) - but because Charlie took it. I realized that we didn't have any pictures of Carlos and me so I asked Charlie if he could take a picture of us. He took his task seriously and I think he did a pretty good job!