And ... we are up and away!

Our alarm was set for 3:15am ... to catch the 4:00am shuttle to the airport! We asked for a wake-up call as a back up (yes ... we are that set in our ways!) but didn't need it! We were both restless through the night and finally got up and shut the alarms off at 2:45am. We didn't think the check in desks were open until 5:00am but things must have changed because things were hopping already when we arrived! It didn't take too much time before we were off to security.

Going through security could have been a breeze ... except when they discovered the old boy had a weapon in his carry-on! I had already sworn upon `check-in' that we were not carrying any weapons ... but ... I did not pack his bag!! I moved through security without a hitch and, upon glancing backwards, thought the old boy had done so as well. I had already moved into the customs line .. thinking he was right behind me ... but nope.

I looked back again, just in time to see him completely abandon his day pack on the security table (totally unattended and with his money belt inside!!). He was entirely flustered because his carry-on was under serious scrutiny!! He had brought the same little  purple corkscrew we've always brought with us when we have travelled. Apparently, this time, they noticed it has a wee little knife in it. How it escaped their fervent gaze prior to today will remain a mystery ... but ... they offered the old boy the chance to go outside and "dull" it. Sheesh ... if only we had more time!! Can you just see him in the airport drop off zone ... dulling his weapon of choice!! Suffice to say ...we'll just be imbibing from screw off tops for a while!! We can be flexible.

But ... wait! THIS was not his only transgression!! They also discovered a FULL size Dr. SCHOLLS aerosol foot spray that he thought would make it past inspection. I could have scolded him quite properly ... but ... they let him keep it!!! WTH. Given this surprising turn of events, I'm tempted to try and bring a full size hairspray along next time!!

It felt a bit crazy to be on a sold out flight with NO masks. I had to argue with myself to not put one on. I hope I will not be regretting this in three or four days! Please keep your fingers crossed for us! The first flight was good except ... the Captain came on saying we could expect some "bumpy patches for about 20 minutes" so they would delay bverage and snack service until we were past the bumps.

Then ... the flight attendant came over the loud speaker updating that there were still reports of "severe turbulence" !! WHATTTT?? That sounds a whole lot worse than a few bumps! My anxious mind is already wishing I had paid more attention to how w put on our life vests!! In the end ... the pilot nailed it. Nothing to get to excited about ... except .... we had been up since 2:45AM and so we ended up having some cashews and pretzels for breakfast ... and ... a cup of black coffee.

This was my first caffeinated coffee since October! I expect it will not be my last! The most amazing part of the flight was the sunrise ... shining through the Chinook arch in the most amazing play of light and colors! I've never seen the 'red sky at morning' from the top looking down. The pics don't really do it justice! It was magnificent artplay indeed!

Upon landing ... we enjoyed a glass of wine and pizza ... for a mere $87 USD! Good grief ...no wonder the old saying is that "Houston - we have a problem"! It was breakfast and lunch though ... so ... I shall refrain from sounding like my father when it comes to money!

Our afternoon flight was exceptional ... the seat between us stayed empty! And then ... the old boy stopped one of the flight attendants to say "happy hour has started" and she thought it was our anniversary ... so she brought us couple of complimentary glasses of wine! People have the most wonderful hearts!!

The Universe offered us the most magical welcome to Panama in terms of the sunset! We were not even on the West side of the plane ... but ... the colors out my window were magnificent! the pics don' quite do it justice but you get the idea!!

We landed in Panama ... and ... I had no idea that I should have dipped into my anti-nauseant stash for the drive to our hotel from the airport ... but ... Carlos took us for a RIDE! He was doing 105 to 120 in 30 to 50 kms zones!! The old boy got into his James Bond persona ... while I was simply trembling in the back seat ... gripping at his flesh ... and ... pressing my imaginary brake pedal. In Carlos' defense ... he had another pick up at the airport in 15 minutes. Even at warp speed, he still had a 20 minute ride to get us to our hotel and then 20 minutes back to the airport. He was trying to make up time!!He was very handsome but I don't think math was his strong suit.

We got checked into our humble abode ... and then ... it dawned on me!!!!! We had no bottled water. Well ... we only had one half bottle of water. We headed out in search of water and supper ... and ... found BOTH right next door at the 'Food Bazaar'. Unlike our lunch ... we enjoyed a full bottle of wine and so much food I had to bring some home ... and ... got some bottled water for under $50. And, they worked so hard to accomodate the English speaking guests! We owe much thanks to Maria (aka Muffy with the exceptional cleavage for all the extras! Ha ha ... no pun intended! She even made us a map of where to find the Mini Mart ... and ... coffee and breakfast in the morning.

And now ... it is bed time! I apoloagize for the delay in posting but I was exhausted. On a brighter note ... I AM finding my enthusiasm!! Oh ... and ... we have a bidet ! For real, this time. We still haven't tried it, but I am determined to do so!!Read more