On Wednesday, we packed our bags, hopped in the rental car and headed southwest for El Valle. It is amazing the transition from the big city to the country! Just over the Amadour Causeway and the traffic is dramatically diminished and lots of greenery comes into view. I guess I didn't realize it, but there are quite a few mountains in Panama! We are visiting during the dry season and inspite of the lack of rain, the trees and grass are green and the flowers in full bloom. El Valle is an area of Panama, a crater actually, that was formed after the top of a volcano blew off. It is a pleasant area, minimal traffic, lots of cool breezes, beautiful flowers and 'bajareiki' (sprinkles) at various times during the day.
Raquel had made arrangements for our accommodations at a little B&B, Park Eden. Directions went something like, 'follow the paved road. You'll go past the Texaco and over a little bridge. Follow the signs and the dirt road.' Through the gate we went and entered into a beautiful, lush garden with lots of little sitting areas and houses. Our host, Monica, welcomed us and showed us the rooms she reserved for us, but had a surprise. The guest house was available! A charming little cottage with lots of windows and comfortable rooms. There were 4 hammocks and everyone took an opportunity to test them out. Millions of different birds call these gardens home along with an orange-bombing squirrel!
We enjoyed breakfast in the garden and then took a walk around the neighborhood to work off a delicous meal. We happened upon quite a managerie of animals...geese, ducks, chickens, roosters, goats, and rabbits...some in cages but most of them wandering around. We considered going to the thermals for a dip in the pool and mud bath, but decided to go to the waterfall instead. A small waterfall, hidden off the main street where all the local families go for a dip to cool off and where the tourists go for a canopy tour and 'hike' through the woods.
Back to Eden for afternoon tea and more hammock time. We have enjoyed our time here and really appreciate the ability to get our daily 'internet fix'. Tomorrow we head south to the beach at Santa Clara.
Hasta Luego!
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