Panama City & Isla Contadora

Yesterday we explored Panama City, which is such a juxtaposition between the haves and the have-nots.  From a distance it looks ritzy and metropolitan, which parts of it are- similar to New York City.  But when you dig a bit deeper into the city (or not that deep), you become truly appreciative of all that you have in life.

Our afternoon involved walking in circles around the old part of the city, Casco Viejo.  It reminded us of parts of Cartagena and Granada, in that it is incredibly easy to get lost in the narrow cobblestone alleyways.  The area was interesting in that new money was busy developing the neighborhood, alongside crumbling buildings that have been around for hundreds of years.

Today we experienced the most extraordinary flight on a tiny plane (I sat right behind the pilot) from Panama City to Isla Contadora.  We couldn't believe the number of uninhabited islands with exquisite looking beaches that we passed before roaring onto the airstrip on Contadora.  Contadora is part of the Pearl Islands, which apparently have been used as Survivor destinations for three seasons.

After checking into the lovely Contaora Island Inn we jumped into our bathing suits and headed to the beach.  The water was bath temperature and crystal clear.  Heaven.  TH was excited because a school of gigantic fish swarmed around our ankles in the shallows.  We look forward to exploring this island for the next four days!  

Question:  Have you ever seen "Survivor, Pearl Islands"?