We had an early start to our day in Toronto. We got into Toronto around 10 pm. By the time Joel and I sent to bed, it was around midnight. Joel and I got up around 5 am (4am MN time) so that we could get on the airport shuttle at 6 am. We stayed at a Hampton Inn and breakfast was included but didn’t open until 6. As luck would have it, the first shuttle was full, with the second one about 5 minutes behind and breakfast opened up! We were able to grab a quick few bites before going to the airport.
Once at the airport, we made it to the lounge. Caroline was suuuppeeeerrrr tired and crabby and managed to fall asleep in the chair for about 20 mins. The flight was 5 hours and uneventful.
Once in Panama, we got a taxi to our hotel and were checked in by 2 pm. After a costume change into summer clothing we were off to find a place for lunch. Fonda Lo Que Hay was a restaurant I saw recommended many times on travel forums. It was a Vietnamese Panamanian fusion restaurant voted in the top 50 restaurants in Latin America. It did not disappoint. We ordered pho (which ended up being just the soup), fried chicken, and catch of the day. Despite being super surprised that the pho was literally just a teapot of the broth, it was so amazing, Bennett asked that we order a second. Similarly, we ordered a second entree of the fried chicken as well. The fish was served with coconut rice and was very delicious. It was worth the hype! And all dishes were fantastic! This meal is one that would easily be on my top 10 meals if all time list. The only bummer is we were seated outside in their courtyard which was surrounded by buildings at least 3 stories high. Despite fans, there wasn’t much air circulating and it got HOT. The air temp is around 90 anyway, but without much airflow and eating temperature hot and spicy food didn’t help. Poor Caroline was miserable. She’s had a tough time finding things she likes to eat but did manage a few bites of chicken. We’re at the point where we figure she needs to learn and can’t keep bending over backwards for her. So being overly tired, hot and hungry isn’t a great combo for her.
After lunch we went to the Canal Museum. I think the only one interested was Joel so after a bit, the kids and I left him to enjoy while we went back to swim at the hotel. The museum is a literal 2 minute walk from the hotel, so that wasn’t a problem.
The kids loved the pool at our hotel. It’s small but on the roof, which is on the 4th floor, which is also the floor our room is on so it was very convenient.
Once the sun set behind the buildings, the kids decided they were hungry again. It was about 6 pm, and while Bennett did eat some chicken and pho broth, neither kid ate a full meal. So this time we went to a kid friendly pizza place, recommended in travel forums. Caroline couldn’t get enough of it, as did Bennett. Bennett wanted a crepe earlier in the day but we told him we’d do it later on, only to find out the crepe shop is now closed until Monday. No crepes for Bennett. But the restaurant did make a calzone with Nutella. That appeased his sweet tooth and he ended up eating 3/4 of it on his own.
As we were finishing up dinner, we hear music outside, like a drum playing. Then the drum turned into a marching band. We ran out to see it was the Good Friday procession to celebrate Semana Santa, Holy Week. This procession was a silent one, with marching bands playing hymns. Priests and people in hooded cloaks marched, with the highlight being a crucified Jesus being carried on the shoulders of more hooded people. I had read about this in my travel research but didn’t think we’d have a chance to see a procession, so it was great timing! The procession ends up in the main square right outside our hotel, so as I type out this blog now, I can hear the hymns being played. When we first saw the procession at 7:15, it was near the beginning. Now 2 hours later, it finally reached the square. The route was very roundabout the Casco Viejo (old town) area and the procession was extremely slow moving, often stopping for 5-10 minutes at a time. We wanted the kids to go to bed, so we didn’t wait for it to make it to the square, but since Bennett was awake, as it made it last way outside our window, he and Joel went downstairs to check it out. It’s certainly a once in a lifetime event for us!
Other things to note, we were told by the travel clinic not to drink anything but bottled water. I read on some forums that the water in Panama City is treated and actually ok to drink. We took a few sips of it when we were served tap water at lunch, plus the kids ordered a soda and were served glasses with ice. No one has gotten sick yet… but at dinner we opted to buy bottled water. It’s quite the gamble to take! Now I need to go to bed because we have an easy day tomorrow. We’re hoping to eat breakfast in the hotel at 6 am (it’s included with our reservation) before we’re picked up for a tour at 6:45!
