Panama | Nam Writes.

Update on Trips

We still haven’t settled on our Thanksgiving trip yet, but I’m hoping we’ll make a decision this weekend and actually buy tickets. Right now, it’s down to Panama, Montreal and Chicago. I have valiantly attempted to send hypnotic signals to The Boyfriend in favor of Panama, but gosh darn it, this long-distance relationship really puts a damper on my hypnotism skills.

I’ve also been thinking about our Christmas/New Years plans. Since we’ll only have a week and it’ll be freezing cold in much of Europe, I’m leaning toward Spain. Barcelona is an obvious choice (because it looks freakishly awesome – duh), but given our mutual interest in European history, I’m partial towards a tour of the major medieval cities: Madrid – Seville – Cordoba – ~~Grenada~~ Granada. My obsession with maps resulted in this:

What do you think? Is it better to spend a relaxing week in Barcelona or an on-the-go week trekking through Andalucia?

HOLY EGG SHELLS BATMAN! PANAMA LOOKS AWESOME

The Boyfriend doesn’t want to do a crazy long trip over Thanksgiving weekend. I respect that. But, holy egg shells, Panama looks awesome. This is one of the things I love about planning trips that may never come to fruition – I learn so much. Three weeks ago, the only thing I knew about Panama was the Panama Canal. Now, there’s so much I want to see and do. Some highlights.

1. The Panama Canal. Duh. There are several options for visiting the Panama Canal. The easiest way is to travel to Miraflores Locks, the first set of locks situated on the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, where you can tour the museum and visitor center there. But you can also take a half-day or full-day boat tour through the canal itself. Fun.

2. Amador Causeway: The Amador Causeway is a highway and walkway connecting mainland panama with four small islands and provides beautiful views of Panama City’s skyline. Look at this picture. Doesn’t that make you want to hop on a plane this second?

3. Old Panama or Panama La Vieja: Old Panama was founded in 1519. Today, you can walk among the ruins and imagine the early settlers standing in the same spot.

4. Casco Viejo: Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1673 by Spanish colonialists, it hosts many beautiful, historic buildings, monuments and museums.