Republic Of Panama- Dec 2006- Feb 2008
The Journey
The world of "TRAVEL" opened in my life, with this lengthy journey I set for; from Mumbai with a 4 month old, a 4 year old and the man who was responsible for it; my husband. We were relocating from Mumbai (as dictated by his work). Needles to say that most dominant feelings were of curiosity, excitement and concern for the kids due to the long flight. I knew (as I was told) parents were tormented in the flights because of their children's not so social behavior; the challenge was tougher for me as we were travelling Business Class on a British Airways flight and I could not imagine excruciating the comfort of my fellow- travelers knowing how much extra they have had to shell out for their sleep.I am glad to report that my children were sleepy angels and the cabin was only 25% full for its capacity.
The Struggle with Spanish
What do you need the most when you land in Latin America? You have guessed it right! Spanish...It was not my third language at school and I was as alien to it as I am to Martians. I did a bit of homework back home by enrolling in a Spanish Class hoping to make butter smooth communication. I was appalled to find my in adequate vocabulary with little or no grammar and incorrect pronunciation raising eyebrows and sign language form the listener. I enrolled myself in Spanish Class.I must mention that my Spanish teacher was a very fine, inspiring Dutch Woman Mrs. Annette Zeller who instructed at my home and assisted me in broadening my perspective to assimilate the culture of not only Panama but entire Latin America.
Vivo En Panama
Life in Panama started with one month stay at El Panama Hotel. We were booked for the suite and coming from Mumbai I could not complain that I was cramped. The hotel lived up to its name as far as service, food ( We are Vegetarians and do not eat Eggs, Chicken and Fish too) and hospitality was concerned.
Panama Relocation Services ( Member Of LARM) helped us in locating a desirable home, buying furniture,frequenting us with essentials places and taking us through the neighborhoods inadvisable for us. Their service was fairly satisfactory .
Panama Relocation Services ( Member Of LARM) helped us in locating a desirable home, buying furniture,frequenting us with essentials places and taking us through the neighborhoods inadvisable for us. Their service was fairly satisfactory .
Home- Costa Del Este
We chose to live in Costa Del Este a plush, modern (Mucho Americano) neighborhood with gated communities, high rises, developing commercial and industrial Park, Recreational and Entertainment centers. We were living at Costa Serena which had one or two-storey houses with a large recreational area in the center. As there was no common swimming pool in Costa Serena most houses including ours had a private one. We had to use a toll bridge called Corredor Sur to reach the heart of the city (Avenida Balboa) and the airport Tocumen. I love Mumbai City and its not fair to draw comparisons but homes like these keep you going in a far away foreign land.
Beauty in heaps and bound
PANAMA CANAL- A modern 'SEVEN WONDER' A true - engineering Marvel!!
THE AMADOR CAUSEWAY
Four small islands on the Pacific side of Panama Canal were linked to the mainland using rocks excavated while making of the canal. There is a nearly 3km stretch of embankment which provides spectacular views of the sun, sky and ocean to walkers, joggers, cyclists, roller- bladers and dreamers. It is one of the best family place in the city where kids, parents and grand- parents all can have a great time.
Four small islands on the Pacific side of Panama Canal were linked to the mainland using rocks excavated while making of the canal. There is a nearly 3km stretch of embankment which provides spectacular views of the sun, sky and ocean to walkers, joggers, cyclists, roller- bladers and dreamers. It is one of the best family place in the city where kids, parents and grand- parents all can have a great time.
GATUN LAKE and GAMBOA RESORT
At the distance of 30 km from the heart of the city is a large artificial lake- Gatun Lake, it is second biggest fresh water lake in the world and is a part of the canal. On its banks is The Gamboa resort which is a perfect place to spend a day. It is surrounded by dense tropical forests and the green water of the lake is transparent enough to see crocodiles and turtles. There are guided monkey and bird watching trails. A guide who explains botany, there is small butterfly research center and a green house too. There is boating facility at the lake and it is also a venue for various canoe racing competitions. The resort has a warm and tasteful ambiance with a restaurant in the terrace to enjoy sumptuous food and soak in the flora and fauna of the place.
At the distance of 30 km from the heart of the city is a large artificial lake- Gatun Lake, it is second biggest fresh water lake in the world and is a part of the canal. On its banks is The Gamboa resort which is a perfect place to spend a day. It is surrounded by dense tropical forests and the green water of the lake is transparent enough to see crocodiles and turtles. There are guided monkey and bird watching trails. A guide who explains botany, there is small butterfly research center and a green house too. There is boating facility at the lake and it is also a venue for various canoe racing competitions. The resort has a warm and tasteful ambiance with a restaurant in the terrace to enjoy sumptuous food and soak in the flora and fauna of the place.
PANAMA VIEJO
Panama is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the Pacific Coast Of Australia. Panama Viejo is the archaeological remain of the original settlement. The site is an exceptional example of scientific and efficient colonial planning. Panama Viejo was very close to my heart because we passed it every time I went to Avenida Balboa (central Business District) which sparked emotional turbulence and set the mind working to find answers as to why man is greedy, why is there war and why does creation lead to destruction. On one side is ruins of a thriving colony and on the other side is the modern city with its sky scrapers, glass edifices and flashy lights.
Panama is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the Pacific Coast Of Australia. Panama Viejo is the archaeological remain of the original settlement. The site is an exceptional example of scientific and efficient colonial planning. Panama Viejo was very close to my heart because we passed it every time I went to Avenida Balboa (central Business District) which sparked emotional turbulence and set the mind working to find answers as to why man is greedy, why is there war and why does creation lead to destruction. On one side is ruins of a thriving colony and on the other side is the modern city with its sky scrapers, glass edifices and flashy lights.
ROYAL DECAMERON GOLF AND BEACH RESORT
This all inclusive resort takes you to a different world all together where the most important feature is water, its right on a magnificent white sand beach on the Pacific side of Panama and it has a dozen or more pools, there are bars everywhere and some sunken bars too; serving little water and more spirits. There is only one motto get heated under the sun and cool up in the water and between these trips quench your thirst with Long Islands and free the mind from its shackles. It happens to be a favorite destination for Canadians and Europeans you know why.
This all inclusive resort takes you to a different world all together where the most important feature is water, its right on a magnificent white sand beach on the Pacific side of Panama and it has a dozen or more pools, there are bars everywhere and some sunken bars too; serving little water and more spirits. There is only one motto get heated under the sun and cool up in the water and between these trips quench your thirst with Long Islands and free the mind from its shackles. It happens to be a favorite destination for Canadians and Europeans you know why.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PANAMA
There are two popular International Schools in Panama, ISP- International School of Panama and The Balboa Academy. The former has American influence and the latter one European. I decided to put my child in ISP, he had to wait for a month to join the school as there was no vacancy. There were only 14 children in his class and the classrooms had everything( individual table- chair, group table, pantry, rest-room, pet corner, audio- visual set up etc.) He did not have any Indian in his class as there were very few Indians studying in that school. My son had an excellent teacher Mrs. Gutierez and he still remembers her. There were uniforms and role- playing was largely used as a medium for learning.
There are two popular International Schools in Panama, ISP- International School of Panama and The Balboa Academy. The former has American influence and the latter one European. I decided to put my child in ISP, he had to wait for a month to join the school as there was no vacancy. There were only 14 children in his class and the classrooms had everything( individual table- chair, group table, pantry, rest-room, pet corner, audio- visual set up etc.) He did not have any Indian in his class as there were very few Indians studying in that school. My son had an excellent teacher Mrs. Gutierez and he still remembers her. There were uniforms and role- playing was largely used as a medium for learning.
BEACHES AND MORE BEACHES
Isla Grande- Its a small island in the Caribbean Coast of Panama. A two hour drive from the city brings you to the water front from where you take a boat to the island ( Banana Village resort). It is a very small island with a small resort with cottages on the hill and pool in the front. The blue- green sea is so clear that you can see the marine life as soon as you bend your head. There is no beach but the water is so serene and tranquil that it is absolutely delightful for swimming and snorkeling. There are small shacks jutting into the sea to enjoy the magic of Sun, Sky and Sea. We hired a boat to visit some other island, after an hour of boat ride the sea got so choppy, there was no sign of any land close by and as the boat shook we trembled and quivered and decided to return back. We were there for 3 nights and loved every moment of it.
Isla Grande- Its a small island in the Caribbean Coast of Panama. A two hour drive from the city brings you to the water front from where you take a boat to the island ( Banana Village resort). It is a very small island with a small resort with cottages on the hill and pool in the front. The blue- green sea is so clear that you can see the marine life as soon as you bend your head. There is no beach but the water is so serene and tranquil that it is absolutely delightful for swimming and snorkeling. There are small shacks jutting into the sea to enjoy the magic of Sun, Sky and Sea. We hired a boat to visit some other island, after an hour of boat ride the sea got so choppy, there was no sign of any land close by and as the boat shook we trembled and quivered and decided to return back. We were there for 3 nights and loved every moment of it.