July 8 to 14

Not much new to report in this past week. We walked on the beach every day except for one as it was kind of a rainy drippy day. We often see small iguanas on the walk through the condo complex to go to the beach. This one was on the roof of the bohio.

 

One day I found a ton of beautiful intact shells. Pretty pinks, purples, tans and black & white ones. It seems the beach looks different almost every day, with black & white sand in different patterns with the shift of the tide. On sunny days they both sparkle like crushed diamonds, though I think the black sand really sparkles more.

We watch pelicans fly low over the water fishing for food. Not sure if you know what Grackles are, but they are very common birds and often seen at theme parks begging for fries or other scraps. Well here many Grackles act like Sandpipers. They run along the waters’ edge and go after sand crabs. They catch them and then usually carry them away from the surf to get them out of the shells and eat them. Who knew?

One day we saw a small juvenile barracuda that had washed up on the beach. It had turquoise teeth!

 

Other interesting sites on our beach walks:

 

 Ensenada Naranjo crab

 Chiton (mollusk)

 seashell

 lobster (dead)

 iguana

 washed up puffer on the beach

this one was from another day





We went to happy hour at Picasso’s on Wednesday and met 2 new couples, 1 on vacation and the other not new to Panama, but just moved to the area. Saw the same couple that we met at the Canada party on the roof. They received their temporary visa and are waiting for their permanent. They said they have a lease for 5 weeks here in Coronado Bay and are looking around the area to see where they want to live long term. Pretty much what we are doing, except we signed on for 10 months. (though all it takes is 2 months’ notice to leave sooner) So far we like it here, just would prefer a higher floor since we can’t leave the windows open at night because the moths and small bugs still come in. The couple on the 19^th floor said they don’t have any problems with that. (we are on the 10^th floor) We don’t get flies or mosquitos though, which we did in the villa. Greg bought an electric fly swatter and that was hilarious watching him go after them to hear them sizzle.

We went back to Westland Mall to get a few more things for the condo. We had Japanese Food. Greg had sushi and I had tempura. Good, but not great, but then after eating it in Japan I doubt anything will compare. (though we have had some really good stuff in the States) Of course we had gelato. We didn’t find a desk we liked for the bedroom, but found a few other things I wanted for the kitchen. We’ll have to look in the city next week. We need to join PriceSmart (like a Costco or Sam’s Club) and there is an Office Max next to it.

Just some miscellaneous things that may be of interest:

Our little slice of paradise does not include a dishwasher or garbage disposal or ice and water in the refrigerator door. We laugh hysterically when we buy something that is dishwasher safe. Not sure anything is safe with us washing it!

We are on the metric system here, so meat is in kilos and gas is sold by the liter.

We are also adjusting to the small space. The condo is around 1,114 sq. ft. The villa we were in was around 2,000 sq. ft. Our house in Florida was 3,750 sq. ft. not including the huge screened room enclosing the pool and patio. Of course we have been living in Residence Inns for several months and were in a small stateroom on the cruise. Much like the cruise ship we have 3 pool areas where we can hang out and of course the beach.

 Coronado Bay condo building

 rooftop pool

 common areas on the roof

 downstairs on way out to pool/ocean

 walkway to lower pools and ocean

 mid-level pool

 common areas downstairs

the lower pool is a wading/kiddie pool



Also of note is that the beaches here on the Pacific Coast are more surfing beaches than snorkeling beaches. There is good snorkeling in Panama, but you need a boat to get there and in some cases a plane and then a boat. The islands of Bocas del Toro have nice snorkeling as well as the Pearl Islands and Coiba Marine National Park. All are at least a day trip or longer to get to. So, we get to listen to 24/7 crashing waves on the beach. Very nice!

In deciding to move to a condo we weighed a lot of things:

The villa had propane water and range (water was either scald or cold and you had to turn it all off at least 6 times during a shower to kick start the hot water again) The condo has electric instant on water and electric smooth top range, so the water is consistent!

The villa had a manual gate that to get out you had to get out of the car and open it, drive out and then get out of the car and close it up. (rain or shine) The condo we can just drive in as the gate guy opens up the gate.

The villa had an outdoor laundry area. We had to walk down passed the pool and another villa to get to it. Once there it was covered so if it rained your clothes would stay dry. There was a dryer, but it was propane and was often empty so we had to hang all the clothes up. In the condo we have a laundry room right next to the kitchen. (works well)

A condo is probably safer than being right on the ground in a house or a lower floor of the condo building.

There were some other minor differences as well, but you get the idea. Everyone has to weigh what is most important to them in deciding where to live. So far we are liking it here. No maintenance is nice. We  had to have our bedroom door fixed since it didn’t close easily and I went to open it and the knob came off in my hand. They sent someone to fix it. Greg didn’t have to fix it and we didn’t have to pay the guy. Nice!

For those checking out my web albums, I have finished up to Muscat, Oman and am currently working on Egypt.

Well, I’m about out of thoughts……so until next week Ciao! (no they don’t adios here….)