Last day in Panamá

It's 11:30 p.m. here and we have had a long day of it.

We planned to leave 'early' this morning to drive to Panama Viejo but of course, kids being what they are, it takes FOREVER to get out of the house! 

Panama Viejo is the site of the original city which was founded by the Spanish in 1519 and became an important trade centre for gold and silver until it was destroyed by pirates in 1671.

After this, it was never rebuilt on this site; the new city was built several kms away - this is the Casco Viejo that My Friend and I visited on our last visit. Of course, the modern Panamá City is not this area; it is an adjoining area of freeways and skyscrapers and is a huge modern business hub - and a tax haven as we are all currently finding out ...

From Panamá Viejo, one can see the modern city in the distance. But at the archaelogical site are many reminders of a bygone time: there are ruins of what must have been once lovely stone buildings. The cathedral tower is very prominent and has great views out over the Pacific coast.

Afterwards, making the most of Sophie sleeping in the car, we kept driving. At the Albrook Mall we stopped for lunch and some shopping. Got an electric can opener! Plus a PINK phone charger so Regis won't disappear off to other countries with Kathryn's. Mosquito wipes were on the list; we got six packs. Somehow we ended up with a blue fluffy chair for Sophie too???!!! Plus new (TINY) sandals for her. We even managed to find steristrips and replaced the grotty one on Kathryn's thumb. Touch-wood - the healing process seems to be going well.

Back home, a late afternoon short nap for Sophie, take Bobba for a walk, dinner for all of us, bath time for Sophie, bedtime for Sophie (!), clean up kitchen (& the floor - where so much food ends up), put on a wash (I leave in the morning), pack - and a wine and chat with Kathryn before bed ...

Oh yes, and the electric can opener worked very well opening the can of dog food!