Isla Contadora

When my guests were here, we went with them to Isla Contadora, one of the beautiful Pearl Islands off of the coast of Panama in the Pacific.

We took a ferry from the Balboa Yacht Club on the Amador Causeway.

The ride took about 1hour and 15 minutes, but the time went by quickly. They showed a movie on a flatscreen TV on the boat. I think it was Jurassic Park, but I didn't pay attention. Plus it was in Spanish...

It was late February which is the "dry" season in Panama. The weather was gorgeous and the sky was as clear as the water. It made for smooth sailing, although the return trip was a little choppy. I spotted my future private paradise along the way......

The ferry stopped a few yards out and from there we took a little local johnny boat to shore. #saltlife

The water was beautiful and clear, with not too many waves.

I was able to search for sea glass and smooth rocks for my collections... #beachcombing

I wandered a around the island on my own before the tide got too high.

With a little paint and some elbow grease, I could have this up and running in no time! This boat was similar to the one we took back to Panama (kidding). #graffittiart

I found a project that had been abandoned half way through. I don't know what happened during the construction but the view was breathtaking. I pictured myself floating in the crystal pool with a Mojito in my hand...

I had always wanted to visit the Pearl Islands and was glad I had a chance to go with my friend Xiaoning.  Like most of Panama, it has beautiful aspects, and areas that just couldn't quite make it in the battle for tourism dollars. I liked it and enjoyed it's beauty. I will return to explore another day. Maybe by private plane?

Casco Viejo

View of Casco Viejo from the fish market

 Casco Viejo is one of my very favorite places to visit in Panama so I will probably (most certainly) have many posts following this vibrant, emerging town. It is just outside of Panama City, right at the end of Balboa Ave. It was built in the 1500's during the time of Pirates and Buccaneers. I can picture them in my minds eye, just like a scene from Pirates of the Carribbean. "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!" I literally wander aimlessly around the centuries old cobblestone streets for hours, peering in windows (which I probably shouldn't do) and open doors. I photograph the old tiled sidewalks and once majestic facades that now stand as mere shells of their former glory. My dear friend Xiaoning was visiting me on this particular trip so it was fun to see this place through the eyes of a tourist.

Graffiti art by Rolo de Sedas

Wandering, wandering, wandering...

Life imitates art.

wandering.......................

Shopping local

We purchased some beautiful hand embroidered pillow covers, and I found a new Mola to turn into something fabulous. That will be a separate post ;)

Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

We wandered upon a very old lady feeding stray cats in La Compania church. There are MANY stray dogs in Panama, but they don't get as much attention as the cats. Xiao and I both have dogs, so we took an interest in this little guy.

Xiaoning and Viv with Panama City in the background

wandering.............

Esteban Huertas Promenade

We wandered along this beautiful stretch along the waterfront. I call it the Tourist Gauntlet as you can't walk 2 feet without someone trying to sell you local handicraft that most probably was made in China. Shop wisely my friends...

Granclement boutique ice cream shop

So after all this wandering around, shopping, and posing for touristy photos, I was ready for a little refreshment. I spotted this cute little place and fell in love with the artfully displayed scoop collection. How clever is that! And then I went inside..... :)

Bloglovin'

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14720031/?claim=zzsztnweytp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

I just added Bloglovin' to feed my social media addiction. It gets easier to connect with the USA and the entire WORLD everyday. I am amazed by the leaps and bounds technology has made in connecting every inch of this big blue marble. Good or bad, not sure. It does make me feel a little less homesick :(.

7 sweet little ideas for a quick glitter fix.

Just a few ideas of what to do with glitter...

Ornaments,

glitter sticks,

glasses,

tape,

packages,

 nail polish,

and shoes!!!!