In which Roz and Layla journey find a forest in a city

by Roz

Dinner last night – at a small place on a pretty square with outside seating - was lovely. We confirmed that mohitos and pasta go well together and discussed the vital issue of potential next developments in Downton Abbey, which Layla and I have become obsessed with. Yawning a little too early to respectably go to bed, we continued our cheery evening back at Casablanca (the first place we’d visited in Panama) and drank a goodnight mohito.

Alas, we were awake spectacularly early this morning: odd, given the time difference with DC is only one hour. Having tried to persuade ourselves to go back to sleep unsuccessfully, I took Layla out on her first run in foreign parts. It’s something I do quite often – it’s a nice way to see a strange place – but of course Layla has only just got in to running. Well, “got in to” might be putting it a little strongly. Let’s say she’s only just begun running. Our flat is very close to the ocean and there’s a fantastic walkway along the sea. Going one way we gazed at the fabulous Panama City skyline, and on our return we saw the forests. Most strange to see the very different vistas, all complemented by the Pacific Ocean and a line of giant boats awaiting their turn to cross through the canal. It’s probably best to gloss over Layla’s first run in high humidity. Suffice to say, every now and then I enquired whether she might be actually going to die. Fortunately she didn’t. I enjoyed myself anyway…

We popped into a lovely café to pick up a coffee for me and then it was back to the flat for a shower before heading to breakfast at Super Delicatessen (where I had unexpectedly had granola, yoghurt and pineapple – a fruit I’ve never cared for before – whilst Layla had something a little less virtuous). We stocked up on lunch and water supplies before grabbing a taxi to Park Metropolitan. It’s a small-ish rainforest in the city. A leftover, I suppose, from the time when Panama City was all forest. Having stopped off at the visitors’ centre for more water (I am rather paranoid about running out, something I am punished for by having to carry it afterwards), we headed into the forest. It was most odd, if rather lovely experience. Thick forest – and yet we could hear cars close by. Not long in, we came across a pond with many turtles in – plus a fantastic lizard which runs (literally, on its hind legs) along the water. We lingered a while in hopes of seeing more lizards and became entirely addicted (to the extent that, when we looped back, I could barely drag Layla away: she kept asking to stay to see “just one more”). The first half was uphill and not entirely easygoing, but we were rewarded when we got to the top by a fantastic view (the amorous couple, pretty much the only people we saw today, were less of a good addition). There was the wonderful Panama skyline of course, but also Casco Viejo (where we’re staying), the causeway and – in the distance – boats. Lunch was another, welcome, reward. And made the bag lighter.

Heading off, thankfully downhill, we marvelled at how we had the forest to ourselves (other than the amorous locals). It was something of a reminder about how few tourists do come to Panama. Walking through Monkey Forest, we hoped for monkeys but alas only saw beehives (I guess it was too hot for anyone other than mad dogs and English ladies to be out and about). Back at the visitors’ centre, we contemplated exploring another part of the forest. We started off, and paused just long enough to see that, curiously, Hugo Boss had decided to plant more trees there (why?!), before we gave in to nervous anticipation of rain and headed back to our flat.

Having showered, I said to Layla that I wanted to lie down and read my book for “just five minutes” and had a delightful afternoon nap whilst Layla indulged in the finale of Make It or Break It, the teen gymnastics drama which she is obsessed with. Having woken up, I sent Layla out for a later afternoon snack, which we ate on the balcony whilst drinking local beer. I selfishly read my book and Layla very virtuously contemplated what else we should be planning in the city (alas that she is virtuous, but indecisive).

And now, having just packed up our stuff – for tomorrow we head to Boquete – Layla is again contemplating what we should be planning to do next. I hope.