We are safe and sound at home and I am writing this about a week after returning. Just wanted to share our final day and some final thoughts on the trip.

Our flight did not leave until 6:30pm on Saturday, and if we could have done things differently, we just would have taken an early morning flight. It is hard to really do much the last day, you don't want to get your suit wet, and you can't really go out and do anything, so most of the day was waiting. We did go to breakfast (Yay!) and had to check out by noon. We were not granted a late check out as a 400 guest wedding was arriving that day and they needed to get our room ready. (Looks like we left just in time!) Jon and Shareen were able to check out late from theirs though, and Jon is part of the Westin Rewards program, or whatever it was, so at least we got to hang out there for a little longer.

We did sit by the pool for a bit after packing up. We were able to store our large bags while we waited to leave. They did not take our wrist bands upon check out, so still were able to go get some food at the snack area down by the pool. I had nachos with guac (yummmm) and Jaime, Jon and Shareen had burgers and hot dogs.

Oddly enough even though our flights left at similar times, they sent separate shuttles to take us to the airport, but we found each other again after dropping off our checked bags and walked around the airport a bit together before parting ways. The two of them back to Chicago, and Jaime and me back to California.

Panama was really incredible. The skyline was gorgeous. The people were nice. It was amazing weather. I was happy we got to experience this country, it is not a place really high up on people's lists as far as Carribbean or tropical destinations. But I would highly reccommend it.

So, yes, we both got sunburned, which made some things like sleeping or showering a little painful. And yes, my lip swelled up, which we determined was a side effect of the sunburn, because there was really no other explanation. But even with those minor issues, it was still a legedary trip. Our ocean view was different, with the tide going in and out, and while not the picturesque blue waters one might expect in a tropical location, still a cool thing to see everyday. We even found a brand of chips called Bravos! And they were pretty good! We got to see the Canal, the crystal clear waters of the San Blas Islands, enjoy lazy pool days, and the best part, being able to spend time with our friends we don't get to see very often.

And that is that. As always, thank you so much for following our travels, I hope you enjoyed the ride. Until the next trip.....