Madd Max Hits More Panama City

Jess and Sam left the suite to head to Brun for breakfast, where you could watch the baker kneading the dough in front of you.

Sam had a typical Panamanian of eggs, tortilla and hot dog (which apparently can also be chorizo) and Jess had cheese and guava pastry. 

A walk followed on Ciclovia Cinta Costera, the bike path along the ocean until Sam and Jess got too sticky because it is really humid.  It reminded Jess a little of Miami Beach.

A McDonald's ice cream cone shop.

Lunch with a view at Mi Ranchito.

Nice.

Max entertained himself by coming up with puzzles for Sam to solve. 

Madd Max Rooftop Bars

The crew ate dinner on the rooftop bar of Lazotea.

And Jess played with her portrait mode on her phone.

David and Rachel.

Theo.

Later, Sam and Jess got dropped off at the Presidential Suite of the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown Pamana City.

Rachel and David had a few free nights for the suite, gotten after bargaining on a furniture purchase because Panama?  It had a balcony with an ocean view.

And came with some free tickets to the neighboring casino.  Jess bet $1.

Upon returning to the suite, it was still ice cold from the A/C, so the balcony doors were opened, covering the room in condensation.  Which then revealed some of its secrets.

Madd Max Pools And Casco Viejos

The view of the pool, the Chagres River and the rainforest beyond.

Another afternoon of pool time, where the boys did this for 2.5 hours and Maddie missed Gwen who had to go to school.

Taisie worked on a mirror for Rachel's office under the watchful eye of Coco.

In the afternoon, the adults headed out to Casco Viejo - the old section of Panama City.

A stop for some lemon raspado (flavored shaved ice with condensed milk on top - although this was gotten without the milk).

Pelicans on the rocks and ships lining up for the canal on the horizon.

Plaza Francia.

The streets took on both a look reminiscent of New Orleans due to the French influence. 

And reminded Jess also of the shots of Cuba she had seen from Francoise's visit.

Pretty.

Madd Max Has Thanksgiving Take 2

A relaxed tropical morning.

Followed by a walk thru the jungle to reach the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Leaf cutter ants had their own trail.

The walk up the driveway of the resort, where the Page-Bethels have a pass. 

And the kids enjoyed some virgin strawberry daiquiris and the pool.

The tweens and their drinks.

More leaf cutter trails.

One of the awesome painted, private buses that run thru Panama.

Nap time.

Followed by a lot of activity in the house.

Except for Jess, who sat on the back patio, enjoying this.

Culminating in a real Thanksgiving dinner many countries away.

Madd Max Heads To Panama

Ready for flight with Taisie!

The crew waiting on the other side of customs.

Our side of customs.

And a cheese and wine reception in Gamboa after the late night arrival.

The Scrapper Works The Booth

At Holiday in the Park, where Magnolia Street gets shut down for food trucks and late night shopping.  He handed out Boy Scout hot cocoa and tried to get donations which in turn would get you a sprig of mistletoe.

The Scrapper Gets A Power Plant Tour

With the Boy Scouts, of the Burbank BWP which has this amazing lobby.