And Back Again...

Tuesday morning we flew from Bocas back to Panama City. We were in the same sort of little plane we flew in the first time to David. I have to admit I was white-knuckled and pounding-heart almost the whole way... those little planes really shake, rattle and roll with turbulence. I suppose that someday I will forget all the little details and look back fondly on our Aeroperlas flights (aka Aero-perilous), but right now I think that next trip I'd rather drive 8 hours across Panama than take another 1 hour flight! Everyone said the flight was normal and really didn't bounce around much at all... so I'm thinking... what are the bad flights like???

But we arrived safe and sound at Albrook Airport, which is the smaller airport right in town where all the domestic flights are based out of. It's only about 5 minutes from La Estancia, the B&B where we stayed when we first arrived. We checked in at La Estancia and decided we would go for lunch first then come back and rest. I tried to find the direct phone number for the wonderful taxi driver that took us through Casco Viejo when we were here a few weeks ago, Arroyo. I was sure I had saved his card so we could call him when we were back in the city, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Dad and I were both disappointed because we had hoped to see him again - he was very friendly and a great tour guide! Instead I called the big taxi company to order a taxi. When it showed up and we opened the door of the cab, guess who the driver was?!

Arroyo remembered us and wanted to know how the rest of our trip had been. I told him that we had really enjoyed our time with him before and were so glad to see him again. He took us to a big, new pharmacy so we could buy more creams for our bug bites, then I asked him which restaurant he would recommend out on Amador Causeway. We had been out there before and the view is beautiful over the Bay of Panama. He suggested The Buccaneer (The Pirate) and dropped us off for an outstanding lunch. Dad and I were both amazed at Arroyo showing up in our life again. The odds of getting the same taxi driver again are very small. So we were appreciative of the turn of events and had a great little party. I ordered a picture of sangria which was full of wine-soaked fruit and absolutely delicious. For starters we had fried ceviche - corvina and onions marinated in lime juice - it was outstanding! Dad ordered langosta (lobster) and I had langostinos (prawns) stuffed with lobster meat. It was a meal to remember on our last day in Panama!

Arroyo picked us up and delivered us back to La Estancia where we had a long, restful nap. In the evening we just stayed in - chatted with the other guests, played some cards on the patio and then hit the sack early. I had arranged for Arroyo to pick us up at 5:30 the next morning and take us to the airport. International flights leave from Tocumen Int'l Airport which is about a half-hour's drive from downtown Panama City. On the way Arroyo told lots of stories and shared history and facts about all the places we were driving through. He told Dad and I that we would always be welcome back in Panama and I took that as a great compliment. He shook our hands when we got to the airport and wished us a good journey.

It took fifteen hours, but we finally arrived in Missoula. It is only four hours from Panama to the States. The rest of the time is spent getting from one side of this huge country to the other! There was even a young gal who had left Panama City that morning, too, flying into Missoula. We took different flights through the day and ended up flying in together. It was fun to have a Panama-mate to share a few stories with as we arrived back in snowy county. Michael greeted us at the gate with warm jackets and hugs, loaded us and all of our luggage into the 4Runner, and drove home where he tucked us road-weary travelers in bed. Michael said I was giggling and laughing in my sleep so he knew I had a great time in Panama! Dad headed back to Kalispell the next morning and I know Mom is really glad to have him back, too.

We've had a few days to get re-acquainted with life back in the States. It's hard for me to jump right into a fast-paced stream of life again so I've been staying around the house and only ventured out into the world once so far... and found out it wasn't so bad! This morning I went through some of my photos with Michael and he was wonderfully patient and interested in all of the stories that go with the pictures. It was like being back in Panama - I could almost feel the warm tropical air and smell the flowers again.

(I will be creating some photo albums online over the next few days and will let everyone know when they're up.)