Sandy begins her Adventures...

Boquete delights

2010-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

These birds are so beautiful and this was the first morning they actually came to my feeder (banana on a table). I believe they are called "White-ringed Flycatchers" And this I bought at the weekly market here. Can you tell what it is? Its a hand carved wooden shoe! The man who carved it (is holding it in pic) said it was very special to him and close to his heart. I love this piece!! It is about 2' long and beautifully decorated all around. It looks like an aladdins shoe, so I tell my friends to rub it and make a wish!!

La Orchida Tipico Restaurant

2010-10-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

This little out of the way cafe has quite good food. This is what is called a "tipico" restaurant, meaning it serves the tipical Panamanian food. (Bet you couldn't guess that, huh). I had a plate of fish that I had never heard of before. It was really good, done on the grill with lots of lime, a salad, beans, and vegetables and it was $3.00 total. A tipico meal is meat, rice, beans and salad. It has a nice outdoor area also to sit, but all the tables were full.

taking a walk

2010-10-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Just too beautiful to not share. This is just a little ways up the road from where I live and I enjoy it so much when walking my dog. Try to imagine the sound of the water, and the breeze blowing through the trees. Click and make it bigger.

When I was in the hospital...

2010-10-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

When I was in Chiriqui Hospital spending 2 nights for some kind of horrible bronchitus and sinus problem gone wrong, I saw a little alcove with benches and this statue of Jesus. I think it was a little chapel, a place to pray or seek solace. What I found very cool was all the rosaries that had been left on the statue. There were hundreds. I have never seen anything like this in the states. It was quite colorful, more so than the picture.

Panamonte Restaurant inside

2010-10-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

I said I would get some pics of the inside of my fav restaurant next time I went there, and that didn't take too long. See what I mean about old world charm?

One of my favorite restaurants in Panama

2010-10-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

I just love the Panamonte Restaurant. It has old world elegance and white table cloths, and really good food for a fair price. It is not as cheap as alot of places, but you always know you are going to get a really good meal when you go there. Plus they give you a 25% jubilato discount!! (It goes with a type of visa). They always have a huge boquet of large fresh flowers, and bring such good homemade bread in a basket with the cutest little embroidered hanky type cloth covering them. There are always fresh flowers on the tables and quiet, elegant service.

This is the view outside through the window. I will see about getting pictures of the inside next time there. My fav's are the Caesar Salad with chicken, it is really a great caesar!!! And the Salmon with dill sauce and aspargus is always wonderful when you feel the need for healthy food. And when you don't, the cheeseburger is great with avacado and fries and it comes to about $5.50 with the discount.

I will tell you about the bar/lounge area next time. It is so beautiful with outdoor seating and a huge fireplace. You can have your dinner out there too!

shopping for kitchen stuff

2010-09-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

A new 2 story department store "Conways" opened up a few months ago in David, Panama. A mere 30 -45 minutes away from where I live. Everyone was very excited about this new place to shop. Much more modern than the other stores in town, and it has a fabulous kitchen department ! Felt a bit like I was in Macys and it was a good feeling. Prices are much better too!
They also have a nice cafe (coffee) shop area with tables and huge windows to enjoy a great cappachino.

To paint or not to paint...

2010-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take painting classes! I have always wanted to learn how to make wonderful, colorful paintings. Here is my painting supply basket. It makes me feel artsy just looking at it! This is the terrace where the classes are held. An absolutely beautiful view and lovely place to be inspired. With only 3 people in class the teacher has lots of time to help.
The gardens are beautiful with lots of lush flowers.
Yep, I am going to paint!!!

Luscious sidewalk shopping

2010-08-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this tiny little 'mercado' that is right on mainstreet in town. These luscious "Star Fruit" where right up front near the sidewalk and caught my attention. They are so beautiful, but I don't know how good they are to eat.

2010-07-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just gorgeous!! I believe it is a type of Hibiscus. I found it in my garden area while I was walking my dog and had to take a quick snap.

Economical cat carriers!

2010-07-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

These are the pics I promised you in the post about the animal sterilization clinic. I thought what an innovative idea for folks that don't have the money to buy fancy cat carriers, and they are sturdy, well ventilated and it looks like they were all strapped in very well for the ride!

"Amigos de Animales" Helping the animal population in Boquete

2010-06-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

There is a group here that was started by an American expat several years ago that has sterilization clinics every month to reduce the dog and cat population. Imagine all these dogs running free and most had not been 'fixed'. Now, the group, Amigos de Animales, helps the locals here get their pets neutered or spayed. It is a great organization, with the help of many volunteers, and vets from the area and also vets who come in from Costa Rica. It is like an assembly line of sorts, but done so well, you would be amazed. The animal population is now much more under control and a blessing to all not having hundreds more unwanted pets running loose and hungry. They usually 'fix' around 50-100 animals at each clinic.

I have worked in a couple of the clinics and the organization has it down like a well run play. Sterile cotton and alcohol and thermometers everywhere. Each animal has it's "own" person who takes it through the whole wake-up procedure. After the operation, the dogs are laid on a blanket on the floor, and the cats on tables on clean towels with their "person" rubbing them and talking to them, keeping another towel or blanket on them to keep them warm, and taking their temperature every 5 minutes to make sure all is well.

They just had the big clinic today and I volunteered. Usually I sit at the cat table and wake them up after surgery, but today I was taught a new job. I shaved the tummies and "other areas" and disinfected the area just before being moved to the surgery table.

I will post a pic soon that I had to take even though I was in surgical gloves and had betadine all over. Call it a highly innovative and low cost cat carrier!

New Restaurant La Posada

2010-06-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Or as I call it, "the Argentina restaurant" because it has so many signs on top of the building you really can't tell what the name of it is. But it is owned by a lovely Argentinian couple and they make some good food. But, of course, it's the coffee that has to be good in my book. Cappucino, served up with almond cookies. yum, yum, wish I had one right now.
I just learned that some of Peet's Coffee (one of my favorites in the states) comes from beans grown right here in Boquete!! How cool is that!

oh yeah!

2010-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Our local grocery had a surprise for me last week. They had a booth set up and were giving away samples of the Panama made liquor, Seco. Yeah, giving away mixed drinks in the store! Of course, I had to try one! They had ginger ale, orange juice and milk(?) to pick from as mixers. It was quite good, tasted like vodka to me and looked like vodka. Ok, I confess, I did buy a bottle, spending a whole $1.67. I just love Panama!!

Local grocery store welcoming committee

2010-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our largest grocery store in town has its own welcoming committee. Dogs run loose for the most part here, and they can always be seen all over town and just about everywhere really. Its not like in the states where most people have fenced yards, here, most yards are not fenced and people let their dogs run free. It amazes me that they all seem to get along.

Arriving Panama City airport

2010-06-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

After the fiasco of getting my dog and going through customs, I found my way to my prearranged 'driver' who would be taking us to our hotel. I figured 16 hours of travel was enough for my 10 year old dog (and me) to handle in one day. While waiting for my driver to get his car/van/suv?? (it had to be big enough for the largest dog crate that you can fly) we made a few new friends with the airport workers.

I set in the backseat beside the dog crate, and for those folks in the u.s. that don't know this, alot of cars, taxis, etc. do not have seat belts in the backseats! It is not like in the states where it is a law. It is only a law here to have them in the front seat (and also that you use them.) So one needs to remember to always ask about seat belts, as well as air-conditioning.

So, sitting in the backseat, unrestrained, going through Panama City is a joyride in itself. They just built this new freeway that is above all the streets and congestion and is really wonderful and fast, but for some reason, my driver chose to go the old way.

I was very happy to finally be at the B+B, the Balboa Inn, which really was quite delightful if not fancy. The employees were so kind and considerate of everything I needed. The manager ordered a pizza for me from "a better place than all the rest" and indeed it was!! I was so happy to be able to relax in my room with wireless internet in my room, a good pizza, and yes, even a Panama beer!! Those of you who know me, know I am a Bud light kind of girl with lots of limes so I don't have to actually taste the beer, but this night, the Panama was excellente!! Of course they served lots of limes for me too.

I almost forgot to mention all the birds here. Amazing. All night they sang the most beautiful songs. It was a good thing.

Long trip from San Francisco to Panama City

2010-06-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am back in wonderful Panama and have some great pics to show you since I arrived last month. Sorry it took me so long to start posting, but the time was full of stuff I had to take care of. Mainly, my dog, Oscar, who I brought back with me, was a little 'out of sorts' from the trip and I had to get him all settled before I could do anything else.

I am not even going to go into what I had to go through and do to get my dog preapproved (my word for it, they don't really call it that) and ready for the flight. Lets just say, it ain't easy! And I was near hysterical on the arrival in Panama City, cause they (and just who are they?) didn't get my boy into the luggage area as quickly as they should have and I thought he was out in the 96 degree heat! After 20 minutes and a sick stomach of worry, he finally came through in his crate on the luggage ramp. He looked fine, so I guess he was indoors on the other side of that wall, and not out in the heat that I thought! Whew, that was close.

I flew out of San Francisco on the 'red-eye'. It has the best connections for me. I had a great ticket upgrade though, as I was offered a 1st class upgrade for only $50.00!!!! I have never flown 1st class, and I was very excited about this. So when I got to San Fran and did all the checking in for both my boy (Oscar) and me, I went straight to the Presidents Lounge. I have heard so much do-da about the place and only the very select first class ticket holders get in. Well, I only had an hour to spend in there and it was midnight, so needless to say not much was happening, and the food choices were slim. Actually, it was more of a munchies selection of which I took a pic. I do have to say, thought, the bar was open, and boy did I need a drink. The lounge itself was nice and had different areas, tv lounge, tables for eating, separate internet cubicles (which of course was where I was). Anyway, as I said the bar was open, and a very dressed up bartender made me the BEST BLOODY MARY I HAVE EVER HAD!!!! If I didn't have to face going through security when I left the lounge I would of had another, and maybe one more. But, as most everyone now knows, going through security is something where you need to have your wits about you.

Next stop is a 3 hour layover in Houston. More on that later.. Actually Houston was a drag so next post will be more of Panama!!

I will be back soon with more adventures

2010-03-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your patience. Check back in mid April for all new pics and stuff!

Dancers in Parade

2009-12-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

These dancers were a riot!! Maybe a Day of the Dead influence going on here??

Independence Day in Panama

2009-12-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

Boquete is the center of the Independence Day Parade here in the province of Chiriqui. Its really nice, this little town comes alive with people and marching bands from all over Panama. It reminds me of growing up in Napa Valley, California, where I lived in a little town called Calistoga, and that was the center of the 4th of July festivities, with the parade and the fair. Memories there and memories here.I like the ice cream vendor rolling along with the parade!
Girls dressed in the famous Pollera dresses.
All kinds of folks watching from the side of the road.
Nobe Bugle indigenous family sitting on the curb watching the parade. I love the beautiful colors they dress in every day.
Cute little girl carrying a flag in the parade.

Sharing the road...

2009-12-06T16:18:00.001-08:00

Leaving Zancudo Beach, Costa Rica to return to Panama. I love the small dirt roads and the ranchers you find herding their livestock. Something you don't see in the states.
He was just too cute, had to get a closeup. I think he was making eye-contact, don't you?

Transformation Italian style!

2009-11-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

Having heard how FABULOUS this Italian restaurant down the beach was from several people, I walked down during the day to see it and get a reservation for that night. Like a reservation was actually needed in the off season! Anyway, I found the owner lounging and having a cig in front of the fan, with a big smile, and he had quite an accent. Here from Italy for about 20 years, and operating this on the beach restaurant for about 8 years, and very serious about his food.

The transformation was astonishing! The ambiance was of a fine eatery in Italy. White tablecloths on all tables, fresh flowers, and the lighting was unbelieveable since we were 'on the beach' in what is lovingly called "the end of the world" by tourists and townsfolk.

The Porcini mushroom raviolis I had that night were excellent, and he brought the mushrooms back with him on the plane from his last recent visit to Italy! Now thats what I call dedication. Also, he makes the pasta from hand.

I really like how he draped cloth across the ceiling to hide the corrugated tin roof. And with the tropical plants and sound of the ocean it made for a wonderful, completely surprising experience at the 'end of the world'!

3 days on the Costa Rica beach!

2009-11-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Food was fabulous where I stayed. This shrimp cocktail had 4 of the biggest shrimp and a wonderful salad to boot! Fresh caught just that morning. umm, with lots of lime, yum. Wish I could have another right now.

Black sand beaches. Sometimes the waves would be close, licking at the drift wood piles high on the beach, other times it would seem you had to walk far on the sand to get to the roaring waves. It was quite an experience. I enjoyed it alot, even though it could be quite warm. Luckily this time of year, the sun was hidden behind clouds most of the time.

Walking away from the beach to the entrance of the cabinas where I stayed. I was so happy to find one of the few places that had air conditioned rooms at a reasonable price. Thank God. I wouldn't have made it otherwise.

I will post more information about where I stayed next time and also the OMG fabulous Italian restaurant I found down the road!

Just returned from my second trip to Costa Rica...

2009-11-09T17:39:00.001-08:00

pictures coming soon. Went to the beach this time, and I am still scratching multitudes of bug bites!

Breakfast at Olga's Restaurant

2009-10-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Oh yum, I just found my favorite food on the menu at Olga's in Boquete, Panama. The Huevos Rancheros!! Absolutely delicious! And my friend ordered pancakes, and oh my, those were some pancakes, can you tell!

I can't wait to go back and do it all over again!

Is this the Craziest Fruit you ever did see?!!

2009-10-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

This fruit is so wonderful and juicy with a nice sweet flavor, that is if you can get past the looks and actually try it. They are about the size of a golf ball, and you pop open the skin and this clear/whitish fruit is inside, much like a grape that has the skin taken off. You pop the whole white pod in your mouth and suck on it around the seed. When all the juice is gone you spit out the seed. You cannot cut the meat away from the seed with a knife and eat it like a mango, you must suck on the seed. But, after my initial hesitation, I tried it, and now I, and all my friends, by these by the bag full. Really, they taste just like candy!

2009-09-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of Nobe Bugle (pronounced No-Bay Boog-Ley) children my friend saw and snapped the pic. They are the main indiginous tribe here in Boquete. The women are seen all over town in their bright colored dresses with a contrasting bric-brac design. They make the dresses out of all different colors, but always a solid color. This little girl looks to have a more simple 'childs' version.

If creepy crawly things bother you, skip this post!

2009-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this experience with you before I ended my posts on Costa Rica.
The first day at Wilson's Botanical Gardens I was heading for my room and saw this black kind of blob thing at the front door. It was moving, I knew it was alive, but had no idea what it was. I had never seen anything like this before. Since it was moving so slowly I figured it was safe to take a closer look. And besides, it looked like it was heading to go under my front door!

Once I got a close look, I ran up to the office to tell management, I figured they would want to capture and study this thing, or things, or do something kind with it, like remove it from my front door. I described it, in a hurried, out of breath, emergency type voice, and was calmly told, it was ok, nothing bad, it was a cluster of Beetles in caterpillar form! I had no idea that beetles started out as caterpillars! I assume they move together as one to protect their individual selves from looking small and enticing to all the birds here.

I have a video of them moving that I really wanted to show you, its truly amazing, but I can't figure out how to turn the sound off on the video. If you know how, let me know please. In the end, I gently scooted them over with a leaf (a very large one) onto the grass away from my door, as the guide suggested. I think nature is amazing!

Two Comical Characters!

2009-09-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun watching these 2 characters playing in the trees and making many different kinds of sounds. They kept watching me and I really think they were putting on a show for me. They are such beautiful birds, and watching them fly was amazing. I would see this big long bill flying through the air with a bird behind it! Quite a sight.

Words from the Winner..

2009-09-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

Renee was so excited to hear she had won. Here's what she had to say,

"Dear Sandy,
oh my gosh--you just totally made my day!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Tears are streaming down my face.
I feel so honored and deliriously happy. It is so perfect. thank you.
This is so encouraging and beautiful -- i am full of tearful joy...
Renee"

I am so happy too Renee,
Enjoy~Enjoy~Enjoy!!

And the Winner is....

2009-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

RENEE ALTSON!!! Congratulations Renee, you are the winner of my sterling "Protect Me" pendant!! I will be contacting you shortly to get your address to mail the gift. (If you see this first you can email me directly).

A big thank you to all you wonderful folks who took the time to leave comments about their favorite Toby and Max jewelry pieces. I have enjoyed reading all of the comments and it makes me very happy to know that the meaning behind my jewelry has touched all of you in a special way.

Musical Palm -Marimba!!

2009-09-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

This huge palm is nicknamed Marimba Palm because it has thorns, and I mean long ones, 3" or so, and when you very carefully strike them they make different sounds. Here is the tour guide explaining at Wilson's Botanical Gardens.

Strange and Beautiful

2009-09-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

More experiences in Wilson's Botanical Gardens in Costa Rica.This tree is amazing. When it is young it has these large hard thorns to protect it from the animals who would push on it and knock it over to get the fruit. But when it gets larger and stronger it will drop its thorns!
One view of the gardens.
A huge bamboo!! Largest variety that grows in the world. Grows about 4 inches each day.
Ever heard of pink furry bananas??? Well, here they are. Not eatable, but very pretty and unusual. What a place!!
Later, my new friends the toucans!!!

some sights in Botanical Gardens

2009-08-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived here at Wilson's Botanical Gardens in Costa Rica, I walked through my room and onto the deck overlooking the gorgous gardens and trees. I was wondering how long would it take for me to see something really cool. I am staring into the trees and right in front of me, kind of hidden inside the tree was this beautiful long tailed bird. I had only been there less than 5 minutes!! I looked it up and its a Blue Crowned MotMot. A good sized bird with a beautiful long tail. And my stay here was only just beginning!
In front of my balcony I could see these Agouti running around. I think a family of them lived under the large tree because every once in awhile a mom would come out with her twin babies. Too cute for words. They Agoutis here are very happy as their favorite food is the palm nut and this botanical garden has one of the largest collections of palms in the world.
Always one of my favorite flowers. Passion Flower. I had these growing at my home in Cambria California when I lived there. One of these days I will plant them at my new home (where ever that will be!)

Zillions of Hummingbirds!

2009-08-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have to interrupt my posting about Costa Rica to show you what I did today. I went up to Poterillos, Panama (about 1 hour from where I live) to a place that is just filled with hummingbirds. The couple live way out of town surrounded by beautiful pastures, lots of cows, and some jungle. They have many feeders hanging all around their deck and the hummers are there constantly. They refill the feeders 5 times a day!!! There were probably at least 40 birds zipping around at all times.

I discovered it is difficult to get a good pic of a hummingbird, at least for me. So I took some videos and this one shows quite a few different types each chasing off the one before it to get to this feeder where I had my camera perched.

Hummingbirds Everywhere!

2009-08-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just could not catch a clear picture of the hummers. There were so many different kinds, and so many color combinations. I love the one that was mostly purple and green.
The bottom pic is of 2 hummers and they were moving so fast they look transparent!! I thought that was kinda cool.

Day 2 ~ leaving San Vito and hello Botanical Gardens!

2009-08-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

This appeared to me to be the city square. Saturday there were venders selling and music.
This is the balcony off the back door of the hotel in San Vito. Very lovely view off the balcony, but it was only big enough for barely 1 chair if you sat sideways (looks much bigger in the picture) and there was no other window in the room to look out of at the view. The room was like being in a box. Something I don't like. I like windows, the more the better. There was a window on the opposite wall, but it opened into a hallway (open air hallway, but still a hallway) which meant you had to leave the curtain closed or folks would be looking right in at you. So with that closed there was only this small door that opened to the balcony and this lovely view. However you couldn't see it from the beds because the bathroom wall was in the way, so, like I said, it was like being in a box. To see outside you had to walk around the wall and stand by the door. Hard to explain, but I hope you are getting the picture. For those of you interested it was 49. a night american dollars.
Now on to bigger and better things........ DO REMEMBER TO CLICK ON THE PICS TO MAKE THEM BIGGER FOR MORE DETAIL.
I had been hearing about Wilson's Botanical Gardens even before I made my trip, but I thought it was on a completely different road, another couple hours away. Can you imagine my joy when I discovered it was only 15 minutes from where I spent the first night! What a beautiful, amazing place. It is a ecological study center and they only rent a few cabins to help offset their expenses. I was so afraid it was going to be closed 'cause this is the slow (winter) season, but I found out they are open year round.
This pic is the main visitors center, lobby, and gift shop. The cabins are a bit further up the hill along with the restaurant and offices and study rooms.
The restaurant was family style and had several long tables inside and 3 outside on this large patio with an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful view. You sat with the other guests and it was quite interesting. I met a lovely couple from Austria who were here studying frogs. I really learned alot about frogs from them in the 2 days I was there, and believe me folks, it is not good news. They say that we can learn the health of the planet from the health of the frogs. And I am sad to say, that they are dying off in many parts of many countries.
MY ROOM!!!! Look at those windows! The whole wall is windows! And a private balcony that overlooks the beautiful gardens. I feel like I am in heaven, and I haven't even told you about the plants in the gardens yet. I could have stayed here much longer. Serene, peaceful, birds everywhere, and Agouti running around like crazy. A mother and her twin babies lived just below my balcony. I will post a picture next time.

Only a few days left to enter my Sterling giveaway...

2009-08-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is a substantial piece of Sterling. Not the light weight, can't tell if you have them on, (or lose them) neck charms that are so common now. I made this pendant first in clay, forming the wings into a beautiful sculpture. Then on the back I stamped the words "Protect Me". You can use this as a talisman for protection, a reminder that you are not alone, or just as a beautiful piece of sterling art. It is almost 1" across and quite thick. Reminds me of those lost treasures that are found at sea, when the trunks are opened and all the silver and gold coins fall out.

You can win this "treasure" by simply leaving a comment below telling me what your favorite Toby and Max piece of jewelry is. If you need to visit my website to browse all my designs click here to go to www.TobyandMax.com BUT, DON'T FORGET TO COME BACK HERE TO THIS BLOG POST to leave your comment. (COMMENTS are listed at the end of this post, click, and you can read all the comments left or you can click on the Jump to Comments Form and leave your comment.) AND, BE SURE TO include your first name and your email address or some way I can contact you if you should win the contest. Also, just to make it a tad more interesting please put the name of the state or country you are currently in.
Contest is over the end of August, so enter now, and I will notify the lucky winner shortly thereafter.

ALSO, if you can't wait, or want one for a friend, then now is the time to buy, as I have just put them on sale. 25% off only for the length of the contest. Click here to learn more

early morning and where is some coffee!!

2009-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

One thing my friends and family know about me, is that first thing in the morning I HAVE to have my cup of java. Not just want, but,I am a bit crazy until I get down the a couple good draws on a nice foamy latte or cafe con leche. Best not to talk to me until then. So after a lovely night (not) in the best hotel in town (good news and not so good news) I throw myself together enough to walk downstairs to the lobby and restaurant to get whatever kind of coffee they have available to drink while I finish getting ready.
Now, you know without asking that there are no coffee pots in the rooms, don't be silly, I didn't expect that. I didn't even expect much of a room, but I would have liked a WINDOW!!! (more on that later).
So I trot downstairs to the lobby, and wait! whats this?! The front door to the hotel is closed, locked, not open. What if I had wanted to pay and check out?? Oh well, I will just walk down the street and find a coffee shop, or something no problemo.
I am telling you now, that I could not find a place at 8 oclock in the morning that was open to get a cup of coffee. I was getting desperate! I ran up to a taxi driver, cause they know everything about their towns right, and in my best broken espanol, I say, "Donde cafe (coffee in espanol) awww, restaurante, cafe??" I am pantomining drinking a cup of the good stuff and the driver says " ummm, cafe, ummmm" and he is turning his head in all directions and I can see he is thinking where can I tell this poor girl to go to get some coffee, and he looks back at me and says, "no, no place, no restaurante, nada."with this apologetic look on his face. Oh no, what am I doing here, this can't be, how can this be?? I only want a simple cup of coffee, I am in Costa Rica, known for its wonderful rich java joe.
I can't quite believe this is happening, but on the walk back to the hotel, I spot this little, tini tiny restaurant that just opened its doors. Yea! so I go in and have coffee and breakfast. I am human again. (confession: My watch said 8 oclock, but it was really 7. No one had told me there was a time difference between Costa Rica and Panama.)
Later in the day I find this bakery, really, a very nice bakery (much better selection than any bakery I have seen in Panama). And they have a wonderful espresso machine and I think this is a good thing, or maybe its very, very bad!!! yum yum

And the best part of the trip is still to come.
Wilson's Botanical Gardens!!!

1st day, San Vito, Costa Rica

2009-08-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

I love checking out venders on the streets. This man was selling banana chips in the hanging bags with different kinds of spices on them. Most of them I noticed were hot spices with the bananas. I bet they were good, but I didn't try any. He had a nice friendly smile.
After walking around the main central square in town, which was actually more of a triangle, I went to check into the 'best hotel in town' and this was the entrance. I could have taken a pic of the inside of the room, but really, it was a bit too depressing. I did take a pic of the back patio though and I will put it on the next post. And also tell you about my morning search for a good cup of coffee. After all, this is coffee country.

3 days in Costa Rica!!

2009-08-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

I just spent 3 days in Costa Rica and will have lots of pictures and posts soon!

traveling by bus here in Panama

2009-08-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

I can imagine what some folks picture in their minds when you mention "taking the bus" so I thought I would show you a couple. And no, I have not seen anyone carrying chickens on their laps on either one. The large beautiful double-decker air conditioned with movies bus I took from Panama City to David when I first got here. I believe it was something like 26. dollars for the 5 hour ride, in which they stop in the middle at an open air restaurant so you can have lunch.
The more colorful bus is the one that travels every 30 minutes from Boquete to David. It is not air-conditioned, but not really necessary here where it is cooler. The rate is around 2. dollars for the 30 minute ride. They use old school buses for these short runs, and many are painted colorful and a joy to see.

Coatimundi and me

2009-07-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I was walking in the door and I happened to look over to my right and there was this animal, long and kinda big, sniffing around the side yard around 10 feet away. An animal I have never seen before. I hurried through the door (needless to say) and grabbed my camera. Seems this fella is a common visitor in the neighborhood. When he saw me he stood up on his back paws like he was begging. Reminded me of a VERY LARGE raccoon. Quite a cutie, and I guess nothing to be fearful of, although I would not hand feed him. ha. He has a snozzola sort of like a pig.
Everyday is an adventure here!

Alternative Transportation

2009-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Won't get stuck in the mud on a rainy day! It is not unusual to see people riding horses around town. I love the sound that the hoofs make. I notice that most of the horses have a most beautiful walk or gait, like they are showing off and dancing down the street. Really beautiful to watch.
This is the first time I have seen of one of these. Notice that the driver is wearing a helmet. What a hoot!

Yard Sale, Boquete Style!

2009-07-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

I volunteered to help at the "Amigos de Animales" (Friends of Animals) once a year sale that brings in much needed $$ to help the very successful spay and neuter clinic.
There were some great things offered and I met some very nice people and got to practice my espanol too! The highlight for me was this man, who was standing with 2 other hombres (men) and just LAUGHING THEIR HEADS OFF over this fish plaque. I enquired to their glee, and this man turned the fish towards me and it started playing loud music and flapping its tail. (I am sure many of you have seen these in the states, they were really popular a couple years ago) and these guys were hysterical with their laughter!!! They just thought this was the funniest thing they had ever seen. I wish I could have captured the whole scene in a video, but when I brought out my camera, 2 of the men backed away. darn. It is good to see such honest joy over a silly, fun thing. Especially with men. I know he took it home and showed it to everyone of his friends!!
There were some high ticket items too! These electric bikes were really cool. I thought about it, since I am walking everywhere these days, but then I remembered the taxi drivers, and not wanting to be an obstacle in their way... well that is another story for later.
Oh, and Dutch TV was there filming. Interesting. If you happen to catch it on your Dutch television station be sure to let me know.

My personal shopper

2009-07-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

For vegetables and fruits that is! I just love this guy. He always has a big smile and his stand is one of many in the farmers mercado building. I buy pineapples (pina's) from him and he picks just the right one to cut into either that day or the next day, whatever I request. The best pineapples I have ever had. $1-1.50. And mangos, I love those mangos, depending, I get either 6 or 4 mangos for 1.00! And avacados, .25 cents each!!!

I just love the people here, they are always smiling and friendly and eager to help. FOR EXAMPLE; I bought a small lamp the other day at a pharmacy (farmacia) gift shop and it didn't have a light bulb in it. It must have been the manager that was helping me cause he was dressed in a nice suit and went into his office and brought out a light bulb for me to try. (I am sure he took it out of one of his own lamps). "Good, can I buy the light bulb?" "No" he says (it really wasn't the right type of bulb, it was more of a spot light), "I need a light bulb for my lamp" I say. Now mind you, I am trying to speak in espanol, which is not a pretty picture, and I am smiling and moving my hands and trying to get the point across, and he disappears. Umm, he was gone so fast, where did he go? My lamp is there, so I wait looking at other stuff in the store for maybe 2 minutes, and in the door he comes with a huge smile and a brand new light bulb, in the box, in his hand!!! He shows me the receipt, .30 cents. He had gone down to a store a few doors down and bought one for me!!!!! Oh my, I was astounded!! What service, but what a lovely thing for him to do! And he looked even happier than I did!

Did I mention, I just love the people here!!

2009-07-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Just outside of town (Boquete) I ran into these adorable children who were looking at me with the camera. Can I take your picture? I say in my version of espanol, "Puedo tomar photo, por favor", Si, with smiling faces they said. These are the Nobe Bugle (pronounced No-Bay Boog-lay), one of the 3 indiginous people here in Panama. The women, and girls too apparently, wear only these dresses sewn in different colors with different colors of bric brac accents on them. They pick the coffee beans in season and also make beaded jewelry and other crafts to sell.

My new Angel

2009-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

I love her face. She is carved wood, (except the wings are metal) and she is from Guatamala. I bought her here in Boquete at the store I blogged about before Casa Colonial. She is such fun to have around. I put her on a little table in the corner of my livingroom and I am going to put a spot light on her as soon as I figure out how to get one to work.
I didn't notice the golden boots till I got her home! She has a few fingers missing, but I think that makes her more interesting and handmade looking. She is about 2 feet tall.
Oh, and she has some cracks in her; but don't we all!

What colorful birds!

2009-06-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

When I was visiting Paradise Gardens I saw many wonderful birds and unusual animals. These birds were plentiful and brillant in color! Such a sight, I was hoping to capture a closer picture, but they would fly away and then come back when I moved away.

Are these WEIRD or what!!!

2009-06-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, what kind of flower is this??
I think they are really kind of beautiful in a strange sort of way. I found these at Paradise Gardens, a bird and animal perserve in Boquete. I still don't quite believe my eyes when I look at these, but yes, they are real. Does anyone have an idea of the name??

By the way, Paradise Gardens is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is truly a paradise, and I will have more on it and many pictures soon.

Boquete, known for fine coffee

2009-06-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Cafe Ruiz, known for outstanding coffee for several generations from a local family living here in Boquete. It is very nice to sit outside while having your coffee, or latte, with a sweet (dulce) or sandwich and watch the people walking along the main road through Boquete. It is just far enough out of the major downtown part to be tranquil but close.

I walked down yesterday morning instead of making my usual espresso at home, and stopped in and had a double (doble) espresso with milk (leche) on the side so I could add as little or as much as I want. $1.30. and since I hadn't had breakfast and I didn't want anything sweet I had an Americano sandwich, which was ham and cheese for an additional $1.50. A very good way to start the day.
I peeked in the "no admitance" part of the working coffee processing area and was surprised to see how modern everything was. Quite a large production area.
I bought a pound of their special espresso beans, not the regular variety and I made it this morning and it was Delicious!

New pretty in my kitchen window

2009-06-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

A friend found someone selling these beautiful LARGE Heliconias downtown by the super mercado for a couple bucks and got one for herself and one for me. I just love these plants, they are so exotic and beautiful. So my kitchen window is now duded up for awhile.

Taking a walk and seeing what I see..

2009-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sweet little French Restaurant on main street.

I guess Karaoke is everywhere.

Happy Birthday TRACY!!

2009-06-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my FAbulous assistant. I found this cake at our local bakery and was wishing you could be here to eat it with me! Oh well, I will do my best! Have a good birthday celebration of your own in Oregon!

You know I am kidding, I can't do much sugar at this time. darn.

Discovered a Great New Shop----Casa Colonial

2009-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Great place to shop and actually be able to buy some things. And did I buy anything?? Ooh, Yes!!!
Check out the legs on this table! Incredible carving, beautiful table to seat about 10 or 12 people. Magnificent!
Lots of different types of wood cabinets, armoires, buffets, and tables. All kinds of rustic styles. Lots of colorful vibrant pottery from Mexico that is very nicely made. Wish I had more room!!
Lots of pots, all kinds, all sizes. And huge ones too!
The owners are a very nice couple from New York who are very welcoming and full of information about the pieces in their store. They are relatively new to Boquete and very excited to be in this wonderful community. The store is now on Volcancito Road just below Paradise Gardens. It is a must shop at destination as far as I am concerned. I look forward to going back often.

My front yard was naked!

2009-06-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

As you can see from this "before" picture taken the day I moved in (hence the suitcases).

My porch had no plants in front of it for me to enjoy when sitting outside so I bought a large beautiful Heliconia plant, (I am sure you already know thats my favorite) from Carlos (the caretaker here who has his own nursery). He went right to work moving the paving stones that were there and brought all the perfect mixes of healthy black soil and mulch in his wheelbarrow and planted my new prize (already has 2 big heliconia flowers on it) and then he planted beside it 2 smaller bird of paradise. The plants cost me 5.00 and the planting with all the care and soil, was 'no charge'!! Made me very happy needless to say, and it's so much prettier isn't it!

Now I feel a bit more 'hidden' behind the plants and even the birds aren't bothered as much by my sitting there. Notice my fancy bird feeder!

Farmers Market

2009-06-11T10:17:00.001-07:00

Farmers Markets are always a treat and here in no different. Inside there are many stalls were each farmer sells his stuff. Although here you might get a few more unexpected surprises.

Beetle ART

2009-06-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

I bought this from a Panamanian artist and I think it is so very cool. I love the wood the artist choose to paint, notice the sides and how it has eroded. (proper word for rot away I think). The color brightens up my livingroom and I think insects, some insects anyway, are very interesting. And we do have BIG beetles here, not this big, but very close!!

I saw one the other night on my front porch waiting for me when I got home after dinner and I kid you not, when I saw it under the patio chair, I thought it was a crab!!! I got a bit closer (very carefully do I need even say) and saw that it was the largest beetle I have ever seen alive in person. It was about 2.5 inches wide and square, not long! Seriously, it looked like a land crab sitting there. And not nearly as pretty as my little art painting.

Eating healthy is a good thing

2009-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

And I should know, cause I haven't been for many years and now I am paying the price. (I am also in an extensive detox program here from all the heavy metals in my system from the many years of soldering all my own jewelry. That's a whole other subject). It is much easier to eat healthy here in Boquete as their is no fast food. (OK, they did open up a Subway a couple months ago, and I have only been there once, I promise!)
There is a nice american couple who have started an organic produce farm just outside of town. You order want you want on the internet and she actually delivers to your door once a week! She also makes these wonderful sauces from her garden with hot peppers, pesto, mustard sauce, and lots more I will tell you about later. And she makes them without sugar for me, so they are just good natural ingredients!

Breakfast is more of an adventure than I am used to having back home in the states. I go to the local farmers mercado downtown and buy my fruit right from the farmers. I buy pineapple (pina) (1.00 for the best pineapple you have ever eaten,) mangos, ewww, love those mangos (1.00 buys you 6, yes six mangos), bananas right off the tree, and then I added yogurt, mostly plain (less sugar) with some strawberry yogurt, and a whole lot of almonds. The yogurt and the nuts give me the protein I need.

Dinner today was a real treat. I had gotten some salmon from PriceSmart (Panama's Costco) and cooked it in my little toaster oven. Although you can actually cook Salmon deliciously in a microwave, I am trying my hardest not to use my microwave for anything but heating coffee and stuff like that. Do you know how bad the microwaves are for you?? I heard that they kill all the nutrients in your food in the first 30 seconds of cooking. So then whats the point of getting all this wonderful healthy food. Ok, so with the salmon I made for the first time, my recipe, fried rice. Quite tasty. I cooked brown rice like normal and then put in a skillet with just a bit of olive oil to brown and then at the end I added a bunch of fresh chopped garlic and onion. I did not want the garlic and onion to cook much and loose the wonderful nutrients they have. Then I added some kind of long 3" skinny red, hot, pepper, chopped up fine and that added a little fire!! Yep, it was good.

Are you wondering about that empty spot on the plate? Yeah, I was wondering about that too!

Sweet little Beauty!!

2009-06-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

I think a truck like this always gets your attention. Especially here in the highlands of Panama in a little town of about 7,000 people. And red too. Just couldn't resist taking a pic. Click pic for larger details.

Guacamole anyone?!!

2009-06-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Carlos, the caretaker of the little casitas where I live was walking me through the coffee plants behind the property to show me his nursery where he sells plants. He says, "you like avocados?" "um, yes" I reply, next thing I know he is up a tree picking handfulls of avocados!! Then to top it off he says "You like limons?" "um, yes, everything is better with limon!" I say, and up the next tree he goes!! "Guacamole!!" he says with a big smile as he hands me the bounty!! Click on the bottom picture to see better how beautiful it is here.

Got to love this place!

Bonito Flores (Beautiful Flowers)

2009-06-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

These are growing in my neighbors yard. She planted a little sprout a year ago and now it is up the side of her house over the patio and down the other side. I want one of these!!! They say here that if you put a stick in the ground a tree will grow from it and I believe it. I will show you why later. You won't believe it!!

Clothes shopping here in Boquete

2009-06-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

Shopping here turned out to be a treat that I was not expecting. When I was here 2 years ago you could not get any clothes that were larger than a size 6 it seemed. Panamanian people for the most part are quite trim and small. But now, with so many north americans here, who are, yes unfortunately alot of us have had a little too much of the super-sizers at fast food, well anyway, now the stores are carrying clothes (ropa's) in all sizes.

So yesterday to my delight I found 2 cute all cotton tops and I could not believe the price! One was 2.95 and the other was 3.95!! And I also got a pair of nice cotton pants for 4.95!! Needless to say, I was thrilled with this. And this is at the niciest 'department' store in town. Actually maybe the only real department store in town. Now, don't you wish you were here to go shopping! Who knew?!!

I see an art project coming up!

2009-05-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Its Saturday, or Sabado as they say here in espanol. I am thinking about how to spend my day, I have already had my coffee, of course, got to have it first thing in the morning. I like a nice smooth strong cup of expresso with a little soy milk added. I am using a french filter pot now as I burned up my (oh no) expresso maker that went on the stove.

Two days ago I went to my new holistic doctor here in town, (more about that later, wow, what an eye-opener that was!) and then I stopped at a very cool woodworking factory owned by a woman here in town. Pictures above.

They make all kinds of wood furniture and anything you can draw up for them. I found they had a big pile of scrap wood, and started looking for 'keepers'. Just what I wanted to bring home so I can make something artsy!!! But, I needed a taxi of my own to haul the 2 heavy pieces I picked out. So I will go today with a pre-arranged ride (courtesy of Betsy the taxi maven) to pick up my goods. There are some half circles, about 2 ft. wide (kind of an eyebrow thing) that I want to get before someone else picks them up. (bottom left middle of photo). I will show you what I make as I proceed with the project.

Ok, now to go get them!! Hasta Leugo

Visiting pre-Columbian archeological site

2009-05-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

This wonderous place is about 1 1/2 hours from Boquete, up into higher mountains, near the famous Volcan Baru (also an inactive volcano). The beauty of this place just doesn't come through in these pictures (click on them for larger more detailed shots). The property has been in Edna's (below) family for generations. In the mid 1900's and up through 2007 many petroglyphs and stone carvings and ceremonial tables have been found. Life size statues of men with distinct asian faces and hats were found. How interesting is that!! All the statues and the ceremonial tables are in a museum in Panama City.

This pic below shows a stone at the top of the mountain that was discovered recently (it had been covered with moss for hundreds or thousands of years) and it has a map carved into it showing the entire civilization at that time. National Geographic as well as many other countries have had teams sent here to study and explore. The experts say that the entire civilization could have been upwards of 300,000 people! This map covers a very large area and all the round areas on the map as well as this rock itself have no gravitational pull. (means a compass won't work by them.)

There are several healing stones on the property, that have no gravitational pull and are said to heal and give energy. I grabbed onto one and hung on for awhile waiting for my energy to grow. I will let you know.
The property is so beautiful, full of huge heliconias, palms, and numerious exotic and colorful plants. They have a lemon tree from Thailand were the lemons are bigger than cantelopes!
The small tour took us over several simple handmade bridges like this one, and some even shakier!
Here, they found a gravesite with many pots with cremated remains. These are left there and not to be touched, but photos are ok.

Settling into Boquete, Panama

2009-05-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

My new home in Boquete, Panama. A little casita walking distance to town which I will be doing since I have no car. Heres the taxi dropping me off with my luggage on the front porch. Picture on top is my neighbors (vecino's) across the street. Very small little houses that make my humble abode look like an estate.

Great Lebanese Restaurant in Panama City

2009-05-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

A friend and I found this great Lebanese restaurant that was surrell, exotic and a step into another time, or place, or maybe both.

Watching the waiters light the hooka pipes with the hot coals kept in tin foil on the floor (bottom left) and then puffing away on them while taking them to the tables was quite fascinating to watch. The aroma was actually quite pleasant.

Great food, great ambiance, and I actually felt like I was in another country, well, of course, I am in another country, but I mean a middle eastern country. It is good to experience new and different things. I am finding it is fun to explore! I realize I had left off the name of the restaurant. It is called "Beirut" and you should go when here!!

Lots to tell!!

2009-05-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

I have been in Panama now for 1 whole week and have not had time to blog till now. So much has been happening.

I will start this first post with my first 3 days in Panama City. After an 11 hour plane trip I went to a "casual" hotel in the city. Hotel La Estancia was enjoyable, but my room was more like a hostel as I had to go across the hall to get to the bathroom. And that meant there was no air conditioning in the Bano!! and no window, so it was more like a steam room while putting my clothes back on to go back across the hall to my room! No complaining here, I am a sport!!! OK, I did do some complaining while in the john, but returned to all smiles when going back to my air-conditioned room.

High points while there, was the hotel advertised having sightings of sloths and monkeys in the trees from the guests. I thought this would be great, but then thought when I arrived (not wanting to be tooo disappointed) that it was probably all an advertising line. But, hold on, whats that big dark thing in the tree. Right outside my private balcony was a sloth hanging maybe 15' away!!! Unbelievable!! That was my first sloth sighting ever. Wow, they really did mean what they said! It was very cool and it actually moved faster than I thought they could. Not fast by any means, but definitely quicker than a crawl.

And then the next day, I discovered 2 monkeys swinging on the hanging bananas right across from the balcony. Little Capachin(sp) monkeys, their faces were about the size of a ping pong ball. The birds did not like them eating their bananas and I kid you not, they dove into the monkeys actually hitting them hard, I really think I could hear it, until after a bit the monkeys left. The birds were much smaller than the monkeys, thats what made it so striking.(no pun intended).

See the Birdie??!!!

2009-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Heading out on the first leg of my journey finds me in Napa Valley, California. Home of all those wonderful vineyards. It was where I was raised and I still consider it home. While visiting with family I noticed this large bird on the tippy top of this tall tree. It is a Great Blue Heron and it is so large I can't believe he could balance himself on that skinny little branch! I watched him for quite awhile until he flew away. It was a nice treat.
Love my telephoto lens. These birds are really amazing. When they fly overhead they look just like how I would imagine the flying pterodactyls looked like in prehistoric days.
Next week I will be flying myself to Central America, so stay tuned! Actually I will be on a plane, but you knew that.

2009-01-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

I will be going to cool places like this:

And meet interesting people like this:

Hi Micque, como esta?

And I hope to find some interesting artifacts along the way...

So if you want to join me, follow my blog, give me feedback when you feel like it, and together we will all enjoy the ride!