I wanted Kaidens last day in Panama to be a fun one and since he did not get to go to Bocas I thought a day on an island would be good. There is a small island named Isla Taboga and the only way to get there is a ferry ride. We had to be at the ticket office around 7:30 for some reason since the ferry did not leave until 8:30. There we are standing in line and the only ones speaking English and how was I supposed to know there there was a senior citizen group going for the day, and some how we ended up in the middle of them. When we got to the front of the line to board the guy looked at my tickets and said no- NO what did he mean I had tickets and we were getting on that ferry - one of the other workers nodded to just go on board - come to fine out we WERE in the middle of the senior group that had their own separate line since all the older people in this group were supposed to board first. We well fooled them and got on board and snagged some great seats!!!
The ferry ride on the Calypso took around 45 minutes as we passed thru the entrance to the Canal and past the many huge ships that awaited their turns to lock through. The day was sunny and warm and just made for the beach. We got off the ferry and turned right and followed the crowd. We had not worn our suits as we had been told there were changing houses - wrong- so I found what appeared to be a caretakers shed and we went in and changed - Kaiden just knew we were going to be arrested.
It was then on to the beach were man after man was trying to get us to rent an umbrella from him- me I wanted to get a lay of the beach before committing and finally did and right there johnny on the spot was a guy with an umbrella. $5 gets it for the day and we soon discovered it was a real deal.
Kaiden loved it - we walked the beach finding more sea glass and shells- he swam and sure enough he found another boy to play with. Once again they did not speak the same language but had a blast. They were running around catching crabs - it continues to amaze me what the world can learn from boys on a beach - yes we all can get along.
/We soon got hungry so wandered back towards town center and found a restaurant- he tried to convince me that ice cream would be okay again but I vetoed that and we got a platter of paticones, french fries and fresh fruit. Then back to the beach.
The Isle of Taboga at one times housed a colony of lepers - the separate small island is only accessible during low tide. The signs said no trespassing and we did not but it was fun to walk up to the edge to see remnants of old ships, and iron wheels etc. It was a baron spooky looking place.
Sitting on the beach you could see the skyline of Panama City but it felt miles away. Quiet and tranquil well that was until the senior citizen group must have gotten too much into the beer and 3 of the men spent several hours yelling at each other. Funny at first but later it got a bit old. Kaiden went and purchased an ice cream type treat for us from a vendor and eating fast took on a whole new meaning.
We were both ready to get back on the ferry at 4:30 and head back. Tired from the sun and water but another great day in Panama.
Being it was hot most people did not want to sit up on top so once again good seats. Kaiden sat, arm resting on the railing and watching the sights. The seas were calm and it was a pleasant trip. It was a great addition when the ferry came to a slowed way down - we were in the path of the ship that was leaving the canal and had to stop to let a huge freighter to pass. It was surreal being that close to such a ship.
We got back to the dock and as usual in Panama there were many taxi drivers asking you need taxi?
I chose one and we walked across the parking lot to his car and hanging on the electrical box was a huge sloth - these creatures are a kind of ugly cute type of animal- and he was within reach of Kaiden. The taxi driver pointed him out and said monkey - I said no sloth but he insisted it was a monkey - geez who would think I knew more than the Panamanian???
I really find these creatures kind of cute but did he ever hiss at Kaiden. Another day in Panama had passed- another day of fun, interesting and yes educational experiences for an 8 year old boy.
It was time to pack, time for one last walk and last bag of sea glass and sorry to say time for Kaiden to say good bye to Goldie and Mary and thank them for letting him be a guest in their house.
A month had passed and gone by way too fast for both of us. He was ready to see mom and dad, but like me when leaving Panama not ready to say good bye to this country. He has memories that I hope will last a life time and stories to tell to whoever should ask. Who knows maybe someday he will walk the streets of Panama with his grandson.
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