After 3.5 years exploring SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific we have leapt at an opportunity back in Central America. However, to reach this opportunity took a bit of work. The biggest challenge without a doubt was flying Air China and Air Canada. Air Panama turned out to be the most reliable of the airlines we used, and that is saying something. Is it just me or is there a common thread with the national airlines.
There is a reason we like “slow travel”. Mainly because rapid travel is hard on your body and mind. Our trip from Qingdao, China to Bocas del Toro, Panama took 44 hours of travel time, with an additional 30 hours for a wonderful, though short, stopover in Calgary to visit our Moms and sons. Though a trip involving 6 flights is hard enough on the bodies, when you throw in 3 cancelled flights, 3 reschedules by us (due to cancellations), 2 delays, an extra over night in Panama City (due to delays), it becomes a bit of a strain on the attitudes as well. But….we made it, and still love each other.
I was going to go off on certain airlines about their customer service, but in the end, it just does not matter. We arrived safely, though with a bit of a head cold due to the effect trips like that have on you. But life is bloody wonderful now.
We are settled in to enjoy this little corner of the world for the next 3+ months. So looking forward to expanding our skills and learning new things. As well, our Spanish language skills should be improving dramatically.
Stay tuned.
Glad you have landed safely in paradise! We will be lazing by the pool for the rest of this week in the south of France with the mid to high twenties. Gotta love this sweet life.