planning.

I've always known that I like to plan things ahead of time - well ahead of time - but never realized until this trip just how much I like to know what I'm going to be doing. Ever since I bought my ticket to Panamá, Dave and I have been planning our activities. I'm currently doing a bunch of research on the cheapest and quickest ways to get around and thought I'd keep you guys updated on the plans as well. Of course, there may be changes, but it's nice to have an idea.

Tuesday, October 27:

-Arrive in Panamá City @ 1:09 pm local time

-Bus to Dave's place in Loma Bonita, Coclé

Wednesday, October 28:

-Bus to David, capital of the province of Chiriquí

- Stay at The Purple House

Thursday, October 29:

-Bus to Bocas del Toro (staying on the mainland with another PC volunteer, Myles)

Friday, October 30:

-Dave will be doing a presentation to the locals about why they shouldn't eat conejo pintados.

Saturday, October 31:

-HALLOWEEN!!

-Take a water taxi to Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro

-Stay at Mondo Taitu

Sunday, November 1:

-Bus back to David

-Stay at The Purple House again

Monday, November 2:

-Bus back to Loma Bonita

Tuesday, November 3:

-Separation Day

On November 3, 1903 Panama formally separated from Colombia and established the Republic of Panama. Since declaring independence from Spain in 1821, Panama was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia. However, Panama tried to claim its independence several times during this period. Finally, with the assistance of the United States, the country became an independent nation in 1903. Panamanians celebrate this day with parades.

Wednesday, November 4:

-Flag Day

Thursday, November 5:

-Colon Day

Colon Day is Panama’s version of Columbus Day.

Friday, November 6:

-Bus to Monteverde, Costa Rica via San Jose, CR

-Stay at Pension Santaelena

Saturday, November 7:

-Ziplining through the cloud forest with Aventura Canopy Tours

Sunday, November 8:

-Bus to Cahuita, CR

-Stay at Cabinas Algebra

-Visit the Sloth Sanctuary in Aviarios

Monday, November 9:

-Bus back to Loma Bonita

Tuesday, November 10:

-The Uprising in the Villa de los Santos

November 10th is the day that Panamanians remember the ‘uprising in Villa Los Santos’. On this date in 1821 the citizens of Los Santos in Panama’s southernmost province declared their independence from Spain. They preempted Panama City’s decision to become independent of the colonial power.

Wednesday, November 11:

-Loma Bonita

Thursday, November 12:

-Loma Bonita

Friday, November 13:

-Loma Bonita

Saturday, November 14:

-Loma Bonita

Sunday, November 15:

-Loma Bonita

Monday, November 16:

-Bus to Panamá City

-Stay at Mamallena

-Explore Panamá City

Tuesday, November 17:

-More exploring

-Visit the Canals

Wednesday, November 18:

-Fly back to SF @ 2:50pm local time

After November 5th, everything is still iffy. We are definitely going to do those things, we're just not sure of the specific dates. We're trying to decide if we want to be in Panamá for the Uprising in the Villa de los Santos or extend our trip in CR by a day or two. A few of the days that we're just at his place will be spent exploring the neighboring towns and visiting his host families. I'm definitely excited.

Below is a map that I made on TravelPod. Not sure if I'm gonna use their site during my trip - this is probably easier since everyone is already connected to it. If I change my mind, a link to the blog will be posted. The map shows the locations we're going to visit. Ignore the lines though as they make it look like we'll be flying to certain locations. Not the case. Still really cool to have though to get the "big picture."