So now were in Panama, and have just done 4 nights in the city, and have just finished 3 up in the Bocas Del Torro region in the Caribean. So Panama City... there isn't as much to do as in many other cities, but there are some cool things to see like the ruins (old city) which Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed, Casco Viejo whihc was where the city was when relocated too, the Canal of course, and then the causeway. So we flew in to Panama city, and as we flew in, you can see just how many ships are queing to pass through the canal as you have to pay the duties to pass through like 2 days in advance, and its obviously a busy ocean highway! After landing, we managed to get a taxi to the city for a good deal, and on the way in down the main road, its easy to see the huge impact that the States has had on Panama as the place is just loaded with Macdonalds, Wendys, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, the list is endless. The other thing is the buses too, whihc are decomissioned US school buses, that now roll around the city, covered in flashing lights etc, they really are a cool ride!

After our first night, we went to explore, and over the next few days, saw alot of rain, and the sites above. The canal is quite cool, though not the greatest thing to look at, its more cool just to consider what was achieved as you see a huge container ship pass through the locks with around 2feet of clearance on either side! The causeway is cool too, as it connects four islands via a palm tree lined strip which made for a nice walk, and then a great beer as we got to one of the islands. The ruins are ruins, and Casco Viejo is quite run down as the rich moved elsewhere when the city grew, though the area still holds alot of charm, and some nice buildings, and finally some good views back over the city! on our last day before heading for a night bus, we got such a cool thunderstorm. Have never heard cracks of thunder like that in my life, as it set car alarms off, and even rang the door bell at the hostel!

So we got on the bus, and headed for the Bocas Del Torro, more specifically, Isla Colon, which kind of a party island, which lots of cheap beers and bars to occupy yourself with on the nights. Through the day we took a cool boat trip to see some islands, dolphins, emarld green waters, jungle etc, ending up at an awesome beach with some tiny red poison frogs. On our other day, we went to a place called Bocas Del Drago, then walked up the beach to see tons of starfish. Its a really cool place, as the water is crystal clear, and there are so many starfish its awesome. The pics we took of a bunch of them took like 5 mintues to collect! The town itself was ok, quite cool artisan shops and stuff, but definitly better to be by or in the sea! Like i say though, isla Colon is a bit of a party town, so we got down a few nights, and had a good few drinks at our hostel, which was one of the cooler hangout spots, run by 3 americans who love to party. we didnt party too hard, but nevertheless probably drunk a touch too much. So now its off the the cloud forest to stay in an eco lodge, then on the Boquete.

Ciao