thisisclaire

Since my last post I have been in Panama City, Panama, visiting my dear old friend Hilary. Hilary lives in the El Cangrejo area of Panama City. When I arrived I was completely exhausted from the trip here from Argentina via Chile. I took the day to recover while Hilary and her boyfriend Mike were at work. That evening we went to a pick-up softball game with some teachers Mike works with. Despite the mosquitos, it was great to be out.

The days since have been filled with more relaxing and sports (pick-up soccer), as well as some very necessary catching up with Hilary*. While she’s at work I try to stay cool, and not to get too distracted by the noisy parrot who lives on the balcony across the street. Whenever Hilary is around she also doubles as a tour guide - due mainly to her job at a Panama Travel Agency.

On Friday evening we went to Casco Viejo, one of the oldest areas in Panama City. After wandering through the narrow, cobble-stone streets for a bit and getting some history from Hilary, we had a great dinner and Sangria at Ego. Later we were joined by some of Hilary and Mike’s friends for some live jazz at Cedro’s - a great way to spend a (VERY) warm Friday night.

The next morning we headed out to Coronado, a beach town about an hour from Panama City. A group of Hilary and Mike’s friends rented a Villa for the weekend so we went to partake. BBQ, pool, beach, and lots of intense sunshine were involved.

It has been a lovely visit to Panama. I can’t believe I have been gone for over three weeks - Argentina seems like so long ago! All my photos from Panama are on Flickr.

*Hilary and I have known each other since we were about nine years old. We went all through high school together and have stayed buddies through college and beyond. Despite her living in Hawaii and Panama since college, we have seen each other a few times. That’s why this visit has been great even if just for getting to spend time with her!

Well, I’m sitting here in the airport in Santiago, Chile. But - by the time this gets online, I will be in Panama. Today I will set my own personal record for the earliest I’ve ever been for a flight: 12 hours. I’m about half way through and doing well (thanks to the few hours Dave was still here, the NY Times Magazine, and Scrabble for the iPhone).

This day started in Mendoza, Argentina. Dave and I parted ways with Drew at about 8:30am to catch our bus to Santiago. The ride lasted about six hours, taking us over the Andes with some magnificent views (and questionable roads). Fortunately, the seats on our El Rapido double decker bus were cushy and reclined, the border crossing was painless (despite Dave having to surrender the honey he was carrying), and the transfer from the bus station to the airport was easy. Just that minor layover to worry about I guess.

Mendoza was … Interesting. To start things off, we arrived the night before May Day - which is basically like Labor Day. The streets were packed with locals and street vendors - but not necessarily the good kind. After Buenos Aires and Bariloche, it was a bit of a culture shock to come to a desert town of 110k people. Regardless, we were excited to check out some wineries the next day - seeing as that’s what the region is known for and what brought us there. Not so fast though - nearly all the wineries were closed for the holiday weekend!

The alternative then? Hot springs of course! The small nearby town of Cachueta provided an excellent day of soaking, sun bathing, and gorgeous views of the mountains it was nestled against. To top that - the locals set up a mechanical bull every weekend and Drew took a ride that entertained everyone.

Despite May Day, it was still our goal to see some wineries. With odd luck upon arriving in Maipu after a long and lost cab ride, a bike rental opened to us because the manager was out watering his yard (random!). Mario hooked us up and 12km later - we were at a small family owned organic winery called Cecchin. From there we went to Zuccardi - a winery at the opposite end of the scale in terms of production levels, quality, and varieties. I have never seen grapes so big on the vine. We had an amazing south American style (read: long) lunch with really excellent wines, particularly some Malbec and Cabernet Savignon hybrids. By the time we made it back to Mendoza we were pooped and just relaxed for the final evening together. All the photos from Mendoza are on Flickr

These past two weeks in Argentina have been incredible. As each day passes I am more and more pleased with this trip and introduction to South America (love the passport stamps I’m collecting!). I am also SO grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with friends and especially those who know Spanish (thanks Drew!)

Okay, just six hours to go! Guess it’s time for more Scrabble!