Helen: [Got a bit carried away last time and forgot to mention something really cool - we met up with Ben and Erika in Cartagena - they've been in S America for a year and are just about to go home, but as we weren't planning on stopping in Columbia we didn't arrange to meet up. Then, when our plans changed and we were going to be in Columbia after all, I sent Ben an email...and we managed to meet up for a beer - it nearly didn't work out - if I hadn't been online when Ben emailed me back we would've just missed each other...but as it happens I'd asked C if we could spend another half hour in the internet cafe so I could finish something...and then Ben's email arrived. :) ]
Now we're in Shelter Bay Marina in Colon - when we told the guy in our hostel in Panama City where we were going, he rolled his eyes in horror and asked us why on earth we were going there - our guide book says the same - it says it's not a matter of if, but when you'll get mugged. Have to say though, the 5 mins we spent in Colon getting from the bus to the taxi (bloody typical - for the last 3 months we've been harrased by taxi drivers when we don't want a taxi, then when we finally do want one it takes ages to get one to stop!) the city seemed fine - really lively and bustly... We had to cross the Canal to get to the marina - it's so small!! Considering how important the Canal is for the world economy and the size of the ships that pass through, it's so small - kinda like how I felt finally seeing the Berlin Wall - despite its fiercesome reputation it was barely over 6ft high...
Panama City was very big and very busy - it reminded us of American cities with 4 lane roads, no crossings for pedestrians and no real 'city centre', just sprawling strip malls. But, the historic/natural bits we did see were good and the people were friendly and forgiving of our bad Spanish. Unfortunately Panamanian food seems to be deep fried (home away from home!) though. It was good to just have a day to ourselves though - we have really enjoyed meeting new folks during our travels, but we do need some time just the two of us...
Now we're on board Nomad with Stuart. He seems ok, and the boat is sturdy and well laid out - we have our own (aft) cabin and heads (loo). She needs some TLC in the cleaning/decorating departments, so when I'm done here I'm going to scrub the sink in the galley (kitchen) and fix the seat covers in our room. Should be leaving for the Canal on Thurs.
Hxx
2 comments:
Funny how one of the greatest barriers in the world can look smaller than it really was. The Berlin wall was at least 10 ft high. I should know, I knocked it down... well a part of it... perhaps a few lumps. It was very hard reinforced concrete. Also to deter would-be wall jumpers there was razor wire all over the place on the east side. That was enough to slow your approach so that the guards in their lookout posts could take aim and fire. I would not have liked to try an illegal crossing. I did the 'check-point-Charlie' thing once and felt hugely intimidated by the whole thing... at least as scary as broaching 10m waves :]
You will never look at chilli powder the same way again! Just back from Oz after long return flight which was diverted via Mumbai to deposit sick passenger and so missed Dubai connection AAARGH. Caro and Mark now en route for Glasgow in big white van. Hope things going well with new skipper.Very many thanks for Scilly flowers which are still scenting the house.Much love Susan xx
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