Long time since the last update. I have to start from just before New Year 2015. So for me, as I write this, in my mind, I am comparing this year with last year. What a contrast.
However, on with it .......
This was the period when we were carless , just after Christmas but before New Year.
We were sitting in the communal pool when one of our American friends, Mark, joined us and felt a bit sorry for us. He asked us if we had been to the local river at Anton and did we want to go - like now.
We jumped at the chance. His wife was back in the States for Xmas so think he also liked the company.
Just for film buffs, they live in Onset , Mass. Where the film Way Way Back was filmed and our friend Mark owns the pizza parlour where the boy visited and all the crew from Water Wizz had their lunch.
Back to the story.
We went in Marks 4 X 4 to Anton River - close to our gated community.
What a wonderful experience . The road leading to the river was challenging to say the least. It was like driving along a ravine, In fact people pay money to go off roading like that.
But it was worth the drive. The river was wonderful with a waterfall , shallows and deaper parts that you could dive if you wanted too. Most of all, not too cold. It had lots of tiny fish that nibbled your feet. Again you would pay a fortune for that treatment. Very refreshing by the waterfall and a workout too.
All in all a great afternoon.
On New Years Eve we were invited by our neighbors at Las Villas to join them at the beach at Santa Clara. Everyone paid $4 entrance fee. For this the beach restaurant built you a beach bonfire and provided tables and chairs to put your nibbles on. A real deal for $4. All this on a lovely soft sandy beach and warm sea.
The bonfire was perfect for toasting our marshmallows.
We clubbed in to pay for fireworks which were lit during the evening . Other groups took turns in lighting theirs . Then at midnight with a toast of bubbly more fireworks were lit but also we had a good view of the displays from Panama City and hotels along the beach.
After this we headed back home to the communal pool for more drinks and laughs. Then well into the early hours a short journey to our homes.
A great First Christmas and New Year in Panama.
