Panama City - day 13 - El Valle de Anton

Has it been 13 days already? Our trip is more than half over, and as much as we wish to be home, we are still enjoying our 'total' immersion of living in Panama. There are still a few places we want to visit.

This morning we drove about 2 hours to get to El Valle de Anton. This is another mountainous area that has a big mercado on Sundays. Jan and I went there last year when we visited Panama in January 2012, and we noticed that not much has changed. There is a huge fruit and vegetable market, along with numerous vendors selling their wares. After picking up a fresh pineapple and onion, we bought a few trinkets, then headed out of town. On the way out we found a little coffee shop so we dropped in for a quick waker upper.

Coffee Shop

After getting back down to the highway, we stopped by a new condominium that had an 'Open House' sign out front. We tried to explain to the guard that we were interested in the open house sign, but he did not speak any english. Somehow we got it across that we wanted to 'see' the condos. He smiled and let us in. But it was Sunday, so no-one was there. Bummer. We may go back next Wednesday.

Off we went to Coronado to see the beach. We drove to a gated community and explained to the guard that we were going to the Coronado Resort and Hotel, and they let us in. We picked up that little trick from the Moon Panama guide. Otherwise the guard will not let you in unless you are a resident. Eventually we found a path to the beach between two houses. What a disappointment. One kool thing is that the beach was black sand.

Black sand beaches

Heading back home we stopped by for a refreshing refreshment.....a cold coconut with a straw..

Enjoying a cold coconut drink