Beach

The Beach


Since we've been in Panama many have heard us talk about the "beach." There are a couple of destinations we've come to enjoy.

Playa Blanca is a beach community some 1 1/2 hrs southwest of Panama City and about 5 hrs. south of Boquete along the Interamerican Highway. Bruce and Giselle have multiple residences in Panama including the "beach," the city and Boquete. They are very generous and we've been guests a few times as well as they volunteered to allow us the use of the house when Laura, Nick and Nicholas visited last year. Its right on the beach at Playa Blanca with pool, palapas, ATV's and staff. Staff is very cool. Golf is nearby at Decameron, another resort 10 km away. Its a nice course A few restaurants are nearby. But fun is vegging in the pool/spa with a cool one.

Also nearby is another development--- Buenaventura which includes their Bristol Resort. This is truly a five star hotel/resort. We tried it out in June. Four days and three nights and Becky's "inner princess" was satisfied. The food and ambiance was way over the top anywhere but here in Panama its truly unique. Food, wine. room, and service was five star. Its on the ocean and includes a two large pool/ cabana areas leading to the beach. Several swim up bars. Covered lounge/chairs protect againt the sun and the sporadic rain shower.

This development is eventually supposed to include a Nicholas designed golf course but we believe that's a good two years away now. Some very beautiful homes are being built with some "old" Panama money. And some condos are also on the property. The hotel also includes a few 3-4 bedroom villas/houses for the "big" spenders. But we plan to make this a regular spot.

Our Cats

Our two cats, Jasper and Pachie, came to live with us about a year and a half ago. They were 5 years old at the time and very cosmopolitan...they were born in San Diego and then lived in Lima, Peru, for a year.

They are Ragdoll cats - bred for their people-friendliness - and looks. The breeders had moved to Boquete with 5 cats and found that they needed to downsize a bit. These were the youngest and healthiest and we became their home.

They are very easy going except when they want something -- attention, to show you a bug or critter that they have cornered, or their food dish is empty. They like to be with us....if we are downstairs, they are downstairs. If we are upstairs, they are upstairs. On days when we go between the two floors frequently, they get a lot of exercise.

They do not go outside. Pachie took a leap from our upstairs terraza and scared us all to death. Plus the hummingbird owns the upstairs terraza.

Even with their long fur, they are not difficult to keep groomed...which is a plus. This doesn't mean that they don't get fur EVERYWHERE but they stay looking nice. We use a lot of lint removers!

They are most enjoyable companions and we are glad they came to live with us. They have their own web album for you to see.

Hooked on Panama

Hooked on Panama is a fishing resort located about as far West as you can go in Panama -- on the border with Costa Rica. Four couples - all neighborsplus one Labradoodle (Buddy) and one Pomeranian (Zoya) - went for two nights.

It is a beautiful spot making all of us think of Hawaii. Most of us just lazed around, enjoyed the views and the quiet, read books, etc. The more adventurous went out on the boat where they saw dolphins and caught a dorado and two yellow fin tuna. The meals are served family style in the lodge accompanied by plenty of cocktails and a lot of great stories from the owners! The dorado was cut into fingers and fried and served as an appetizer -- the tuna became sashemi and seared Ahi served with wasabi! Delicious.

The dogs loved running around on the grass and we were all startled when Buddy started barking and two Federali policemen, in full camo plus AK 47's, came out of the jungle. They were just walking through - probably a border patrol of some sort - but a bit startling nonetheless.

See the photos in the Gallery.

Becky's Birthday Party

Doug threw a wonderful dinner party for Becky's birthday - 11 close friends attended. It was held at the restaurant in Valle Escondido. Doug arranged for a special menu, brought excellent wine and we all had a terrific time.

Take a look at the gallery for photos!

Latest Paintings

Becky keeps on painting and the latest have been flowers. Look on the gallery for photos!