Our plan for the next phase of life is all about slow travel around the world, probably beginning in Southeast Asia. However, this means living like a local, not living in hotels. At the moment, it seems the best option for travel is Airbnb. It gives us a sense of security for the financial transaction, fixing problems with renters in a foreign country, and dealing with the language barriers. Airbnb also provides an option for a kitchen so we...
The Panama Canal is truly one of those man made wonders that you must see in your life time. Its history is so bizarre it almost seems unreal. We would recommend you read The Path Between Seas: The History of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough to really see the egos, personalities, politics and everyday people that made the canal possible. You will also get a great appreciation for the power of the mosquito and its influence over...
Let's set the record straight up front. We're tea people. We've owned a tea company for the better part of 10 years and regularly import tea by air and ship from Asia. We also import rooibos and honeybush from South Africa. So we understand variations in taste, quality, growing, and labor conditions that impact agricultural products. We are not coffee people. Or, at least we weren't before visiting Panama. A number of our wholesale (coffee shop)...
Our second coffee plantation visit in Boquete was to the Finca Dos Jefes, home to the roasted coffee brand of Cafés de la Luna. Amy was our passionate host for the two hour visit to this farm. A visit that included learning a ton more about what makes great coffee, the coffee industry, the coffee price crash, and so much more. Amy came to the plantation from Panama City a number of years ago and appears to have fallen in love with it. As she...
Our first coffee plantation visit during our trip to Boquete was Santa Elena Estate. We dropped in unannounced and, after a bit of confusion, met Roberto. He is the son of the owner, and the manager of the coffee estate. He graciously spent two and a half hours walking us through the finca (estate) which backs up to Piedro de Lino Mountain, namesake for their roasted coffee under the Cafe DeLino brand. During our tour he was a fountain...
If you enjoy hiking, and especially pushing yourself a bit, either for the views or the personal satisfaction, then hiking Volcán Barú is a must if you are in Boquete, Panama. As the highest peak in Panama, it offers views of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, if you are lucky enough to catch it on a clear day. If not, you get the personal satisfaction of a tough hike, full of amazing plants and animals, that most only experience by a harrowing...
Yes, you can fly from Panama City to David and then take a taxi to Boquete. But, where is the fun in that? More to the point, if you are looking to try slow travel, this is a great way to learn to do it. In summary:$15.25 per person and 8 hrs to David. Tickets purchased at Albrook station.$2 per person and 45 minutes from David to Boquete. Payment when you get off the bus.An amazing way to view the real Panama.The return trip to Panama City is...
Due south of Panama City and the Amador Causeway is Taboga Island. This tiny island seems to a favorite day-trip for tourists and locals alike. The tiny town is a mere 30 minutes away by Taboga Island Fast Ferry ($24/person), has great views of the city, and for most, provides a great beach upon which to sit all day long. However, we think the real opportunity is hiking Taboga Island itself. This also fits our goal of living to 100 far better...
Amador Causeway is one of the top attractions referenced both by Panama Tourism as well as virtually every other tourism related website. They tend to focus on shopping, bike rentals, and generally the more touristy activities. This isn't our thing. Instead, we loved the Amador Causeway for the walk, the views, and more importantly as a mechanism for understanding Panama history and its strategic importance to the United States. /*!...
A short trip from nearly anywhere in Panama City, the nature preserve of Metropolitan Natural Park is an amazing way to experience the plants and animals of a tropical jungle as well as views of the city. As foreigners the entry fee is $4/adult and $2/child. Walking to the park is a hard pass for us as there don't seem to be good safe routes with sidewalk. And while we could have taken a bus the time involved when compared to the...
