I rarely choose ‘vacations’ over travel, but when my girl Jen is like, “Let’s go to the beach!”, the only acceptable response is “Hells Ya!!”
This is by far the least prepared I have been for any trip. EVER.
When we originally booked the trip I was supposed to have finished my contract and I would have been free indefinitely. However, they liked me so much (obviously) they asked me to stay longer.
So instead of a nice, leisurely day spent packing and preparing, I was buried in handoff and meetings and emails until 1 am. I was tired, but the fun was about to begin. “I have enough time to do this” I said to myself.
It’s 5 am.
My house is in shambles. It looks like sporting goods department that was ransacked. I can’t see my bed through the array of sarongs, bikinis and sun dresses. The hallway is lined with travel cubes and knapsacks. #DisasterZone
My cab ride costs 2x because half way to the airport we have to turn back because I forgot my watch. (Does one even need that on vacation??)
I arrive at the airport in a catatonic state. I’m pretty sure I forgot to empty my organics bin and fear my condo will smell like a rotting fish market when I get home. Jen greets me at the airport with a bag of Halloween candy and everything is good again.
My seat on the plane smells like vinegar and sweat. I don’t care. I pass out.
The landing announcement wakes me. I wipe my drool off the shoulder of the lady sitting next to me and apologize.
Out the window I can see all of the barges hanging out, waiting to cross the canal.
Panama City itself is pretty impressive. It looks like Superman’s home planet with impressive buildings hitting out of nowhere like giant white crystals.
When we exit, Roberto is waiting for us with a sign with sort of Jen’s name on it. We think he’s there for us so we get in his car.

We make a few stops along the canal and we are welcomed at the hotel with glasses of champagne. I don’t drink so Jen is half in the bag by the time we get to our room. Then there’s the awkward moment when our room has a beautiful, but single bed in it. “Welcome Home” it says, written in flower petals.
I love Jen, but it’s not going to be that kind of a vacation. We get upgraded to a deluxe room with an ocean view (and 2 double beds).
This is going to be great.
Cool pic of all the cargo ships! Did you die?? I came here looking for more posts!!