41˚C and Roger and I are sweating like the proverbial. We still had so much to do before catching our flight. The logistics weren’t easy either, as we needed to make sure we could shower before we left, but that would mean leaving wet towels and it meant we couldn’t close the sea cocks until the last thing, which meant Roger getting down into the engine room and tight spaces and getting hot and sweaty again.

We worked flat out and managed to finish in time for our 3pm boat ride to Boca. God it was such a relief to have the ‘breeze’ created by zipping along in Josef’s lancha. The water was flat calm and both Roger & I commented how it was perfect conditions to water ski.

After bidding Josef and Maria a fond farewell, we hopped into a taxi and headed off to the airport to start our journey home, by way of Panama, Ft Lauderdale, Melbourne, (Florida) Jacksonville, Washington, London, Hull, Shrewsbury, Milford Haven, Singapore,  (or maybe Abu Dhabi, not got that flight booked yet) and Sydney until we finally reach home in Coolongolook!!!

We had booked our flights to avoid an hotel stay in Panama so arrived early evening and left early morning….Very early morning – 02h00 early!

Suzi & Georg had recommended a restaurant in Panama and we would like to pass on the recommendation. It is called ‘Manolo Cariacol’ and is in the old town.

They have a set menu consisting of 13 tapas-style courses. Basically they bring each dish, which though it looks small, is more than enough and you work your way through. Well we had a superb meal, the food was delicious, inventive, well balanced and presented and the ambiance of the place was great. Vanessa, the maitre d’ spoke excellent English and was only too happy to accommodate both us and our luggage. It was an excellent way to pass a few hours though I have to add that you can expect to pay the same as you would in London for example.

We had negotiated with the taxi driver that he would take us to the restaurant ($2) and then pick us up in 2 hours and take us to the International Airport (total cost $25). We were surprised when he told us he would wait outside for us and would be ready anytime we were, no hurry. I guessed right when I said to Roger that he was probably having a sleep!!!

Now those of you who have been reading about Roger’s sadistic ‘anti shopping’ campaign, will not be surprised when I tell you that he managed to inhibit my shopping even further.

We arrive at the airport. Imagine, all that duty free!!!! I know I was looking forward to a little retail therapy but should have known it was seeming too easy. We were at the airport from 23h30, due to fly out just after 02h00 and yes, you guessed it, all the shops were shut!!!!