Panama City

We had good fun in Panama City.  The marina here is La Playita and the Panama City is vibrant and fun, in complete contrast to Colon on the Atlantic side.  It was such a surprise to see the impressive high rises which comprise Downtown Panama City after so much time enjoying beaches and palm trees.  Sam and Clem took us out into the city for a thank-you dinner at ‘Maito’ which was a seriously good ‘foody’ style Panamanian restaurant with a tasting menu and wine pairing.  Actually the thing on the menu we liked best was the green mango with pepper and salt – apparently a Panamanian school kid’s staple.  We explored the city, particularly liking the Bio Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, focused on the natural history of Panama.  Full of beautiful tree frogs – the Panamanian Golden Frog is deadly but gorgeous.  And the sloths!  Just hanging in the trees right by the Marina, along with the racoons which we were warned to keep at bay lest they get into your boat which is a big problem.  Patrick bought a Panama Hat (apparently they are from Ecuador).  It came complete with a video for Patrick explaining how to take care of his new possession, including folding into tiny box for the aeroplane.  The last night we went to the Carnival - fun if a little sinister.