it was a place rich with textures.
Showing posts with label panama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panama. Show all posts
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
panama :: boquete-the hills
it was epic.
the 4+ hour run in the hills of boquete.
daypack stuffed with bars, water, rain jacket and first aid.
dressed in my favorite running outfit (comfortable and cute).
...i had felt in my body that i desperately needed to run.
i had come to this new country to run. run run hike run...and run.
so i awoke with a ready heart that morning. ate some breakfast at shalom bakery cafe down the street from the hostel we stayed at and was ready to go.
up & up & up
i pointed to the top and said to nat, "i want to be there."
we went on this 2-lane road that wrapped the hips of the most succulent hills.
the sense of beckoning was so real to me that morning...and all i knew was that i was meant to be running. running under the million drops of rain, seeing the clouds overtake the surrounding hills, and breathing in the jungle spoke directly into my soul. the grin on my face and the joy overflowing out of my heart reassured me that i was very much alive.
we ran until we were hesitant to run any further. i was scared about not knowing where we were and by not having a legitimate map; we were also going to run low on calories and would probably have to turn back anyway (the trail didn't seem like it would loop back into town.) the clouds suddenly became eerie to me, and my mind went rampant with headlines of "two american women captured and murdered in the peaceful hills of boquete." it was time.
over four hours later, i finally cross the bridge that lead back into town. it was pouring & i remember being in pure love. steam arose from my skin as i stood there completely soaked, relishing the experience.
in that moment, i remember just knowing i am meant for this - this love of running and adventure. because in this space, i expand. and it's in that expansive space that i can know more love.
the 4+ hour run in the hills of boquete.
daypack stuffed with bars, water, rain jacket and first aid.
dressed in my favorite running outfit (comfortable and cute).
...i had felt in my body that i desperately needed to run.
i had come to this new country to run. run run hike run...and run.
so i awoke with a ready heart that morning. ate some breakfast at shalom bakery cafe down the street from the hostel we stayed at and was ready to go.
up & up & up
i pointed to the top and said to nat, "i want to be there."
we went on this 2-lane road that wrapped the hips of the most succulent hills.
the sense of beckoning was so real to me that morning...and all i knew was that i was meant to be running. running under the million drops of rain, seeing the clouds overtake the surrounding hills, and breathing in the jungle spoke directly into my soul. the grin on my face and the joy overflowing out of my heart reassured me that i was very much alive.
we ran until we were hesitant to run any further. i was scared about not knowing where we were and by not having a legitimate map; we were also going to run low on calories and would probably have to turn back anyway (the trail didn't seem like it would loop back into town.) the clouds suddenly became eerie to me, and my mind went rampant with headlines of "two american women captured and murdered in the peaceful hills of boquete." it was time.
over four hours later, i finally cross the bridge that lead back into town. it was pouring & i remember being in pure love. steam arose from my skin as i stood there completely soaked, relishing the experience.
in that moment, i remember just knowing i am meant for this - this love of running and adventure. because in this space, i expand. and it's in that expansive space that i can know more love.
Monday, October 4, 2010
panama :: corner man
he stood
he sat
he saw
on calle 8a oeste
of casco viejo.
this corner, that corner, this corner again.
large metal canister on a narrow shoulder
he had dealings with our hostel.
for what, it didn't matter so much.
what did, was that he seemed invested in the people who stayed there.
he seemed invested in us.
he acknowledged us every time we came and went.
a gentle nod, a smile, a heart that welcomed.
there was not a time he was not there.
his presence reassured me in this foreign land.
a stranger of strangers made me feel at home.
o, beautiful encounter.
panama :: reviews.
i thought it'd be helpful to any future low-budget travelers to share my experience of the places we stayed, approximately how much it cost, and links (if available).
hospedaje casco viejo - panama city
the vibe: quiet, keep to yourself; not the friendliest place i've been, but i could imagine you'd like it if you've been traveling for a while and want some peace and quiet for a budget price. not sure it's the best entry place to stay if you're new to the country.
the cost: $9/person/night for the 6-person dorm room
the cleanliness: the place is very modest so it's easy to keep things tidy. my pillow sham smelled like dirty rag, so i didn't use it. my travel buddy's didn't - i suppose it's a hit or miss.
the location: in the casco viejo neighborhood, which is undergoing quite a bit of transformation. you'll see ruins next to completely renovated buildings. it's fascinating to see how the town will be gentrified in a few years. not too far from the city, but there isn't a ton going on in the actual town. there is a fish market that's definitely worth checking out!
hostel mamallena - boquete
the vibe: really friendly, great community feel; the staff are not pushy with excursions and such, but are super helpful if you ask questions. the kitchen is super well taken care of, so
the cost: $13.75/person/night for a private 2-bed room with private bath
the cleanliness: very clean and organized; they are on top of it! clean sheets and towels available. (although, if you're there long enough, you're bound to see some cockroaches.)
the location: right next to a major bus stop and close to everything. if you want to be in town and have that convenience, mamallena is the place to stay
hostel mamallena - panama city
the vibe: stayed less than 24 hours (11pm-5am) so didn't see it during the day. it's not as communal feeling as mamallena in boquete, but i think it still attracts friendly people. the staff were helpful and they even came in to wake us up at 4:30am so we wouldn't miss our ride to san blas.
the cost: $11/person/night for an 8-person dorm
the cleanliness: relatively clean; the shared bathroom was kinda grody with the shower being the worst part; the kitchen was clean and tidy
the location: the neighborhood seemed a little shady, as indicated by the locked doors and "security." i wouldn't stay there if i were to visit panama again.
iron's place - san blas
the vibe: to get a better sense of the san blas island, i think this guy did a really good job with his write-up.
the cost: $42.50/person/night for a private shack - it's absurdly expensive and it's not worth staying here for the upgraded option of having wood floors (versus sand).
the location: the island is great, and there are four places you can stay on the tourist side, that are all placed side-by-side. i would suggest you stay at any of the other cheaper options instead of iron's place.
eco inn - panama city
the vibe: boutique hotel with a business vibe; it's a bit more 'upscale' and by far the fanciest place we stayed before heading back to the states. we wanted a clean, bright room and we got it. the blanket was down, the sheets were creamy nice, and overall it was super comfortable.
the cost: $77/night for a private room
the cleanliness: excellent! sparkling clean, soft sheets, AC'ed, delightfully pleasant hotel
the location: great location in the city, in a neighborhood called bella vista. there were a row of street food stalls about a block away that we went to a couple times. it seemed like a very local spot where they're open until post lunch. some men let us cut maize b/c he made it look so easy. and for our effort, he gave us some fresh maize empanada with white cheese. it was absolutely delicious!
hospedaje casco viejo - panama city
the vibe: quiet, keep to yourself; not the friendliest place i've been, but i could imagine you'd like it if you've been traveling for a while and want some peace and quiet for a budget price. not sure it's the best entry place to stay if you're new to the country.
the cost: $9/person/night for the 6-person dorm room
the cleanliness: the place is very modest so it's easy to keep things tidy. my pillow sham smelled like dirty rag, so i didn't use it. my travel buddy's didn't - i suppose it's a hit or miss.
the location: in the casco viejo neighborhood, which is undergoing quite a bit of transformation. you'll see ruins next to completely renovated buildings. it's fascinating to see how the town will be gentrified in a few years. not too far from the city, but there isn't a ton going on in the actual town. there is a fish market that's definitely worth checking out!
hostel mamallena - boquete
the vibe: really friendly, great community feel; the staff are not pushy with excursions and such, but are super helpful if you ask questions. the kitchen is super well taken care of, so
the cost: $13.75/person/night for a private 2-bed room with private bath
the cleanliness: very clean and organized; they are on top of it! clean sheets and towels available. (although, if you're there long enough, you're bound to see some cockroaches.)
the location: right next to a major bus stop and close to everything. if you want to be in town and have that convenience, mamallena is the place to stay
hostel mamallena - panama city
the vibe: stayed less than 24 hours (11pm-5am) so didn't see it during the day. it's not as communal feeling as mamallena in boquete, but i think it still attracts friendly people. the staff were helpful and they even came in to wake us up at 4:30am so we wouldn't miss our ride to san blas.
the cost: $11/person/night for an 8-person dorm
the cleanliness: relatively clean; the shared bathroom was kinda grody with the shower being the worst part; the kitchen was clean and tidy
the location: the neighborhood seemed a little shady, as indicated by the locked doors and "security." i wouldn't stay there if i were to visit panama again.
iron's place - san blas
the vibe: to get a better sense of the san blas island, i think this guy did a really good job with his write-up.
the cost: $42.50/person/night for a private shack - it's absurdly expensive and it's not worth staying here for the upgraded option of having wood floors (versus sand).
the location: the island is great, and there are four places you can stay on the tourist side, that are all placed side-by-side. i would suggest you stay at any of the other cheaper options instead of iron's place.
eco inn - panama city
the vibe: boutique hotel with a business vibe; it's a bit more 'upscale' and by far the fanciest place we stayed before heading back to the states. we wanted a clean, bright room and we got it. the blanket was down, the sheets were creamy nice, and overall it was super comfortable.
the cost: $77/night for a private room
the cleanliness: excellent! sparkling clean, soft sheets, AC'ed, delightfully pleasant hotel
the location: great location in the city, in a neighborhood called bella vista. there were a row of street food stalls about a block away that we went to a couple times. it seemed like a very local spot where they're open until post lunch. some men let us cut maize b/c he made it look so easy. and for our effort, he gave us some fresh maize empanada with white cheese. it was absolutely delicious!
Monday, September 27, 2010
panama :: casco viejo, ii
see what i saw.
panama's casco viejo neighborhood is undergoing gentrification as i type. there are buildings that are falling apart next to million-dollar newly renovated complexes. what a juxtaposition of what is old & new, contradictions, opposites! i surely hope that what comes of this transformation benefits the community, and doesn't damage the livelihood of those who currently reside there.
panama's casco viejo neighborhood is undergoing gentrification as i type. there are buildings that are falling apart next to million-dollar newly renovated complexes. what a juxtaposition of what is old & new, contradictions, opposites! i surely hope that what comes of this transformation benefits the community, and doesn't damage the livelihood of those who currently reside there.
Friday, September 17, 2010
panama :: casco viejo
we landed in panama city on the afternoon of monday 9/30, day 1.
65 liter matching red backpacks and a lonely planet guidebook in tow, our mouths were fully loaded with broken spanish. we decided to take a bus to our hostel, knowing that we'd undoubtedly get ripped off for a cab ride from the airport. we made a friend along the way, who was in panama for a 12hr layover.
we arrived at hospedaje casco viejo, to check into our 6-person dorm room, and head out almost immediately to go grab some food & drink with that new friend who was still with us. we picked the most expensive spot to eat overpriced fried cheese & fried potatoes (i.e. french fries) and drink overpriced beer. (score!)
a little wandering here and there lands us back to our hostel for a short nap before we got picked up by bob & mary of wycliffe. they've been living in panama for most of their adult lives, so we got to hear a lot of adventure stories like the time when mary gave birth to their first child and two weeks later, headed to jungle camp! (what the heck?!) they are amazing people! and, while having dinner with them, we had by far the best pineapple drink that we weren't able to find anywhere else in panama. o piña, o piña.
on day 2, we discovered one of nat's new obsessions: fried bread. she literally couldn't stop talking about it all day until the next morning when we satiated the craving. this is something i learned about her -- when she wants something, she can't stop thinking or talking about it until she gets it. it was hilarious.
we walked around a lot today, taking pictures, trying a strange fibrous fruit, eating something vinegarily-delightful that a stranger on the street offered...
nat bought a $1 watch that broke two days later during a 4 hour trail run in the mountains. (story to come.)
cab to canal, oops, "can you take us to the causeway instead?" broken spanish conversation with the cab driver, canal to causeway, illegal eats at restaurant, ceviche served up by an adorable waiter, intro to pescado frito con papas fritas - yikes!
we also heard about VIP movies that day, where you get to sit in really plush leather seats, sip on cocktails and order food! we put on dresses and went to see what the hype was about. $10 was completely worth it. the chairs even reclined back so far, you might as well be laying down. all that was missing? a blankie.
later that night, an opinionated english guy (new dorm mate) offended us in every way over a nice cold beer, and i ended up having a very sleepy pillow talk with my bunk mate from germany. (he was quite the chatty! haha)
65 liter matching red backpacks and a lonely planet guidebook in tow, our mouths were fully loaded with broken spanish. we decided to take a bus to our hostel, knowing that we'd undoubtedly get ripped off for a cab ride from the airport. we made a friend along the way, who was in panama for a 12hr layover.
we arrived at hospedaje casco viejo, to check into our 6-person dorm room, and head out almost immediately to go grab some food & drink with that new friend who was still with us. we picked the most expensive spot to eat overpriced fried cheese & fried potatoes (i.e. french fries) and drink overpriced beer. (score!)
a little wandering here and there lands us back to our hostel for a short nap before we got picked up by bob & mary of wycliffe. they've been living in panama for most of their adult lives, so we got to hear a lot of adventure stories like the time when mary gave birth to their first child and two weeks later, headed to jungle camp! (what the heck?!) they are amazing people! and, while having dinner with them, we had by far the best pineapple drink that we weren't able to find anywhere else in panama. o piña, o piña.
on day 2, we discovered one of nat's new obsessions: fried bread. she literally couldn't stop talking about it all day until the next morning when we satiated the craving. this is something i learned about her -- when she wants something, she can't stop thinking or talking about it until she gets it. it was hilarious.
we walked around a lot today, taking pictures, trying a strange fibrous fruit, eating something vinegarily-delightful that a stranger on the street offered...
nat bought a $1 watch that broke two days later during a 4 hour trail run in the mountains. (story to come.)
cab to canal, oops, "can you take us to the causeway instead?" broken spanish conversation with the cab driver, canal to causeway, illegal eats at restaurant, ceviche served up by an adorable waiter, intro to pescado frito con papas fritas - yikes!
we also heard about VIP movies that day, where you get to sit in really plush leather seats, sip on cocktails and order food! we put on dresses and went to see what the hype was about. $10 was completely worth it. the chairs even reclined back so far, you might as well be laying down. all that was missing? a blankie.
later that night, an opinionated english guy (new dorm mate) offended us in every way over a nice cold beer, and i ended up having a very sleepy pillow talk with my bunk mate from germany. (he was quite the chatty! haha)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
panama :: intentions.
i believe that it's important to live an intentional life. be it small decisions, medium-sized ones, or something quite grand...our intentions are all important to living a meaningful, serendipitous, humble & joyful life.
last november, i learned a little something about intentions and putting them out there. (remember when i hitch-hiked my way around kauai?) i learned that when we can muster up even the smallest portion of boldness to say to the world, "this is what i want," it can become reality.
will it look exactly as you imagined? probably not. but it'll probably satisfy the hell out of you, whether you recognize it or not. (why?) b/c it feels good to get what you want, regardless of what shape, size, or form it comes in.
so of course i had some intentions going into panama. here are a few from my list:
last november, i learned a little something about intentions and putting them out there. (remember when i hitch-hiked my way around kauai?) i learned that when we can muster up even the smallest portion of boldness to say to the world, "this is what i want," it can become reality.
will it look exactly as you imagined? probably not. but it'll probably satisfy the hell out of you, whether you recognize it or not. (why?) b/c it feels good to get what you want, regardless of what shape, size, or form it comes in.
so of course i had some intentions going into panama. here are a few from my list:
- connect with panamanian locals.
- i want a mental shift to occur after challenging my body to do something really demanding.
- have a transformative conversation with nat.
- make a new friend.
- try a food that's really out there.
- engage in slow photography.
- ...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
panama :: what i missed.
i'm back from my little panama adventure, and i have 945 pictures to sort & edit to tell my story. in the meanwhile, i thought i'd share a few things that i missed the most while overseas.
- soft sheets
- conditioner
- lathering my hair
- flip flops
- listening to music
- fresh salads, &
- kimchee
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