A Guest’s View of Panama
Allison asked that I submit a short blog about our trip to Panama in February and share some of our experiences.
First of all, I should get the kudos for Premier Panama Properties and their team out of the way. The trip went very smoothly and Allison did a wonderful job of meeting out needs and making sure we were comfortable in the house known on the Premier Panama website as Oro del Sol. She even found us a bar where we could watch the Super Bowl. The only problem was that cell phone service is very poor there and the house has no phone. However, after a few days relaxing in the sun, it didn’t seem to be that big a deal.
The house was absolutely fantastic. We had four couples and it was very roomy and comfortable. The pool and the views from any where in the back yard were terrific. We got to the point that we rarely wanted to leave the house, except of course for walks on the beach.
Veronica, the housekeeper, made us feel welcome and cooked wonderful breakfasts. The fresh fruit was plentiful and delicious. For dinners, Allison had recommended Alberto the chef and we decided to engage him for four of the days we were there. This turned out to be an excellent decision. The food he and Luis prepared was exceptional and we didn’t have to think about meals except to be at the table on time. The overall cost was less than if we had eaten out. This was a pleasant surprise because we had pretty much put ourselves in Alberto’s hands and left the menus to him. We didn’t have any idea how much the food was costing as we were merrily consuming steak, seafood and pina coladas. When Alberto presented us with the itemized bill it all seemed very reasonable. It could be my imagination, but it also seems like Alberto has access to better food, especially produce than what we found in the Super 99 in Penonome. I think it’s fair to say that when we go back our first move will be to make sure Alberto is available.
We made a side trip to Casa de Lourdes Restaurant in el Valle for an excellent lunch and a trip to the local market. It was just unbelievable to find this incredibly beautiful restaurant and garden after driving down a couple of dirt roads. The food was fantastic and very reasonably priced.
The trip to the market in el Valle was very enjoyable mostly for what didn’t happen. For any of you that have been to markets in Mexico, you know that the competition is intense and patrons are constantly having items thrust in their faces while being urged to buy something. The el Valle market was a delightful contrast to that experience. We strolled calmly through the stalls and even when we stopped to look, the vendors would allow us to browse without any evidence of hard sell. We didn’t even have the heart to bargain. The prices seemed reasonable and the atmosphere was so relaxed we simply paid what was asked.
The people of Panama all seemed friendly and anxious to help. This was good because the country is not big on street signs and directional markers. We were asking for directions a lot. This was mostly in Panama City, but we even needed directions in el Valle and Penonnome. Even finding something as common as the Miraflore Locks on the Panama Canal required the help of a kind Panama Canal Authority employee.
On the topic of driving, I would recommend traveling to Bueanaventura before dark if at all possible. Thanks to a couple of hours wandering around Panama City trying to find the Centenary Bridge (looked for it both coming and going and never did find it) we were late in arriving and had a heck of a time finding the house. The road to Bueanventura is well marked and Allison’s directions gave us good landmarks for our turn off the Panamerican Highway, however, once you are off the highway the road is dark and gravel. It was kind of a leap of faith for us city folks from the US to travel down this dark bumpy road in hopes that the gates to Buenaventura were going to be there. Happily they were, and our key was waiting with instructions to the house. While the instructions were clear and I am sure we would have had no problems in the daylight, we struggled as we searched for the right street and then the right house. We finally flagged down one of the ubiquitous security men and had him ride with us to the house. Once we were settled in though no one complained and the stars in the dark night sky were beautiful.
Finally, I should mention a couple of restaurants. We had an excellent dinner at Pippa’s Beach Front Grill and stopped in at Woody’s beach bar one evening for a drink. The food there must have been good because most of the clientele were eating and drinking despite having free food and drink available at the all-inclusive resort just up the road. XS is a good place for a burger and beer as well.
I think this pretty much concludes my observations. Obviously, if you are considering the trip I think everyone in our party would recommend it. We are all considering return again next year.
Submitted by John Amos, visited Panama in early February 2008