After un-cocooning ourselves from the mosquito netting (it really was a wonderful feeling being "tucked in"), we both took hot showers. The no see ums were gone from the bathroom, and we set off for breakfast in the main dining area. Orange juice, a full pot of coffee (for me having one cup), water, fresh fruit, eggs (why were they orange? cheese possibly?), delicious bread, and cheese were devoured. We had walked the beautiful gardens prior to breakfast and when we were just finishing our meal, Jeff and Denise from California arrived. They are on a two week vacation celebrating her big birthday. They are headed to Bocas del Toro but will stop along the way in Pedasi for fishing and the David/Boquete area. We chatted for a long while and off Ray and I went to the farmer's market. Such a great market. One day I would love to be able to shop for flowers, fruits and vegetables. For now, I browse.
Moving right along, we had a St. Patrick's Day party to attend, but we first met our wonderful friends, Clyde and Terry, for a quick lunch and conversation at El Machetazo's cafe. We followed them through the gates of Coronado to the party house where there were more than sixty people in attendance. All so friendly, warm and inviting. Sharing their stories and listening to ours. The party was being given by the CASA (Coronado Area Social Association). This club contributes many charitable hours and donates money to different organizations in Panama. On this occasion, the President of the club, Louise, gave checks out to Panama Animal League, SOS Orphanage House 4, Spay the Stray, Chame Orphanage, and Spay and Neuter. It was a wonderful day making new friends and getting to know Clyde and Terry just a little bit more. And although it was ninety plus degrees in Coronado, I never noticed sitting under the expansive bohio sipping green punch.
But wait, there's still more. Once we said our goodbyes and thank you's, we headed back to El Valle for the happy hour. It takes about forty-five minutes to travel to the town of El Valle. The new guests had arrived and showed up for wine along with Jeff and Denise. Jeff and Denise spent the day in El Valle shopping, sitting in the thermal baths, hiking to the waterfalls and exploring petting zoos and just the town in general. Bob was vacationing with his son, Daniel, and they too stayed in El Valle for the day. Bob lives in Cuenca, Ecuador and Daniel is in California. More sharing of stories, and then Jeff had the idea to try O'Pedros Irish Pub for a Guinness beer. We needed to continue celebrating the holiday!
We found the pub (near La Casa de Lourdes--a stunning restaurant!), and it was empty. "Everyone partied last night". A day late, and a dollar short. I tried seco con leche (sort of like a watered down white russian)--it's the national drink here apparently. It was much better when we jokingly asked the girl for chocolate syrup. Out came the Hershey bottle! Much better! Muy bien!
Instead of going for dinner to Casa de Lourdes, Jeff and Denise came along with us for burgers at Ty's Sports Bar. Mona, the monkey, and her owners (Michelle and Ty) were not there and no one else was for that matter. People go to bed early here! It was a Sunday night at about eight pm. We ate quesadillas, drank Balboa beer and wine, had burgers and wraps and called it a night.
Until Ray asked about the discotheque! We were told "you will stick out, but you will be safe". We paid $3 and again, we were just about the only people there. The music was blasting, we were dancing, and had a silly night just because we could. The only thing I really regret is using that Panamanian bathroom. Oh dear. I will leave it at that, and I will walk away. Problem was that Ty's had closed the door behind us, and when you have to go...
Excuse the typos or the rambling. Ray has fallen asleep. Today was a busy day spent with Clyde and Terry in Altos del Maria (we had a realtor take us in beyond the gates), and we met Tonya Coronado (attorney) who had wonderful information to share. That will be posted another day! It is an early day for us tomorrow. We are hitting the road at six am to head to Penenome, Las Tablas and Pedasi. Jeff and Denise are in Pedasi so we may just stalk them a bit :) Ciao for now!
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