We are still “sitting” at a house here in Panama. It’s been very relaxing, and although the area is gringo heaven (not much need to speak Spanish), there is tons to do, the climate is perfect (we eat most meals outside on the covered patio, even if it’s raining), and it’s super-quiet. Muy tranquilo, as they say.
Photo posts seem popular, so without further ado…
Coffee is huge here. The valleys around town are covered with fincas (ranches). We toured one last week and learned a little about growing coffee.
The grounds (landscaping, not coffee grounds) were beautiful.
Apparently the equivalent of a sommelier in the coffee world is a “cupper.” We learned a little about how they rate coffee.
Smell the coffee!! Apparently one variety from this valley called “Giesha” sold for $350 per pound last year. And did you know that coffee is the world’s most heavily traded commodity after oil? It’s the other stuff that makes the world go round.
What’s gonna happen if I pull this chain?
We had a really fun couple of days with Phil, who visited us here while on a surfing tour of Central America. Phil is the brother of Jen’s grad school buddy Bill.
There’s an interesting geological feature outside of town called “Los Ladrillos.” It’s a popular rock climbing spot.
There’s a local guy who makes carvings on dead trees in various places around town.
We went for a hike to see some waterfalls. This one was right on the road though.
Hiking in the jungle
It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the falls, which weren’t as pretty as the ones by the road. But the hike itself was worthwhile.
Giant Panamanian avocados. One makes more than enough guac for happy hour.
There’s this old castle outside of town. The story goes that a guy was building it for his wife who never got a chance to come down to see it.
Will, who lives in the house we’re staying at, was generous enough to let me use his bike. There are so many beautiful rides around here I probably won’t have a chance to experience them all.
Yesterday I rode to the entrance of the nearby national park.
Every meal from our patio is a birdwatching trip. These yellow guys are regular visitors.
So are these blue ones. See what a knowledgeable birder I am?
Here’s another one of these yellow ones checking out his looks in the van’s windshield.
Witt, great post, I too love pictures. If a picture could only capture the smell of that coffee. One of my favorite smells, and that expensive brand must have a special aroma. Thanks, Dad
Thanks Dad! You’d love it here then. There’s a coffee roaster on our walk down into town and when they’re roasting the smell is pretty strong. Sometimes I think it smells more like hops than coffee. Not necessarily a bad thing, right?
Love the pictures! You all are having such a great time!
Oh, I just cannot decide which of these cute pictures (of Q, of course) to post on my wall!!! i miss you guys!!! LM
Thanks!!
Q is growing so quickly! Did the coffee taste as good as it looked?
Yes indeed it did. It didn’t hurt that our hosts had one of those super-expensive automatic espresso makers!