This morning at home…

I’m getting ready to go.  Chloe was deposited at Auntie Barb’s house at about 10:00 am so I could wrap up final preparation for leaving.  Got to brother Jim’s house at 11:15 am as he is my ride to the airport.  I lucked out because he has a meeting in Tampa so is dropping me off about an hour earlier than required.  Rather uneventful ride, traffic was light (considering) and I checked in at about 12:30 pm.  I wandered around the airport trying to figure out where to eat.  I’m pretty sure my flight from Miami to Panama provides only purchased sandwiches as repast so figured I’d fill up here.  I finally settled on PF Chang’s.  Normally, I get the lettuce wraps but the guy next to me at the bar had ordered this spicy chicken dish that smelled and looked so good, I caved and ordered it plus a nice refreshing glass of riesling.  Mmmm.  I had the bartender package half of it up to eat on the flight from Miami to Panama.

No line at security but, SURPRISE—I was TSA – Pre-board so I didn’t have to remove shoes or anything from my bags.  So, now I am sitting on the smoking deck (just my e-cig) but it is outside, I am alone and can gather my thoughts.  I still have about an hour until boarding the flight to Miami.  All is good and I should be in Panama City at about 8:30 this evening.  I am staying at a hotel about a half mile from the airport as I have an early flight to Lima, Peru.

This afternoon in Miami airport…

Flight to Miami was on time but we sat at the arrival gate for over 30 minutes waiting for clearance!  What is up with that?  The flight from Tampa to Miami is basically a regular commuter flight.  I will never understand some of these airport rules but I lucked out again—my departing flight was right across from my arrival gate.  Good thing because it was getting ready to board.

Evening in Panama…

We landed on time and I found immigration and customs in Panama to be a breeze.  The officials smile, welcome you to their country, stamp your passport and say “Bienvenido a Panamá”.  Free shuttle to the hotel—YAY!  I picked this hotel since it is one of the few close to the airport as I have an early flight.  Panama City center is about 20 km (about 12.5 miles) from the airport.  Besides the friendly people, my first impression was the incredible humidity!

I am now ensconced in my lovely king room in the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport, drinking a crisp sauvignon blanc.  I found that it is one hour earlier than the US East Coast and lucky for me, my phone figured that out for me.  So, nothing exciting to report as today was a traveling day.  Tomorrow, Peru!