A whole day with no agenda. What to do? What to do?
I’ve wanted to get my nails done since we arrived in Panama (I heard it was really inexpensive,) so Kristian, the boys and I decided that today we’d explore the town of Pedasi.
This morning’s breakfast was especially special because Devin got out his violin and serenaded us! He chose selections from Braveheart, a few 80′s hits and a classical piece! What a treat!
*** 2 PIC COLLAGE DEVIN PLAYING ***
While we were eating another mouth-watering, culinary creation lovingly prepared by Neymi, a herd of cows was being driven down the road right in front of us! Where are we?! This is crazy! I had to take a picture, but then got out of the way so that I wouldn’t be trampled.
*** 2 PIC COLLAGE OF CATTLE DRIVE ***
*** VID: CATTLE DRIVE IN FRONT OF CAFE LIMON ***
Video of the stampede
Pedasi Nail Experience
Shortly afterward, we drove 2 minutes up the road to Pedasi in search of the nail salon that Neymi had suggested. Supposedly they were super busy today and Neymi thought I may have to wait hours before they’d be able to get me in. The salon was very small, just 2 chairs for cutting hair and 1 chair for manicures and pedicures. To my surprise, they took me immediately and started work on my beach-dirty feet.
*** KRISTIN GETTING FOOT ACTION ***
While he worked on translating, I worked on an empanada! Ha!
The guy who was working on my nails was probably 18 years old or so. A young thing, but very, very polite and respectful. No one at the salon spoke English, so it took awhile to get going and figure things out. A few minutes into filing, he remembered that he had a translator on his cell phone. Yippee! So we talked a little about ourselves back and forth using that. I learned that he’s from Columbia, living here in Panama and that he aspires to be a chef! Cool!
*** TOENAIL DESIGNS ***
He worked long and hard on my nails, and did a fun little design on my big toes. See?
$15 for a manicure and pedicure! It wasn’t the typical “spa pedicure” that we’re used to in the states, as you can see above. It was like definitely old-school, but for me, it was about the experience and at least adding some “pretty” to my toesies.
While I was gettin’ my nails done, Kristian and the boys were wandering around town, popping into the bakery across the street for a bite and then just meandering around, killing time. They ran into Josh and Brigitte and arranged to meet them for lunch as soon as I was done.
*** PIC OF JOSH AND BRIDG ***
Josh and Brigitte
We met them at the bakery across the street from the nail salon and chatted a little bit about Panama real estate while eating $4 foot-long sub sandwiches and $.75 cake. They met another French man in town who purchased real estate in the area and had some tips for them. Hoping to see these two again in the future.
*** DULCER .75 PIC ***
Goodbyes were exchanged and we set out looking for a souvenir shop. We found one in the main plaza (or “square”.) It’s owned by a French woman and has many beautiful, unique finds! I bought a sarong with cut-outs to wear over my swimsuit and a beautiful beaded bracelet. Kole picked out a necklace on a cord that has a surfboard and shark tooth. Karter is waiting to pick the “perfect thing.”
Playa Destiladeros – near Pedasi
Playa Destiladeros has been spoken highly of since we’ve been in Pedasi, and since we think this might be our last full day in here, we decide to check it out! It’s deserted. Only us for as far as the eye can see.
*** PALM TREES ON BEACH ***
It’s a perfect afternoon for walking the beach: cloudy, windy and balmy. The cooler temperatures are welcome! The sand is yet a whole different texture than all the beaches we’ve visited here, but I would liken it to a Pacific Northwest beach as far sand and pebbles. Of course, the ocean is much warmer, though!
*** BOYS WALKING ON BEACH PLUS 4 OTHER BEACH SHOTS ***
We decided that we’d just take it easy and walk. And walk, and walk, and walk. We discovered ruins of a unique, brick structure, undeveloped beach-front property, a couple B&B’s, and just enjoyed the beauty of this amazing earth!
*** BRICK RUINS, HIKING UP TO THEM AND SEVERAL OTHER BEACH PICS FROM THAT DAY ***
One of the strangest sights we found was this shell “graveyard.”
Exhausted after all that walking, and with the boys being quite dirty from rolling down sand drifts, showers were in order before dinner.
*** COLLAGE OF LOBSTER HEAD, KOLE SHELL EYES ***
Pedasito is a restaurant in Pedasi that is highly reviewed and is aesthetically charming. The waitress speaks very good English and takes our orders for shrimp and chicken penne for the boys, Ensalada David for me, and chicken fajitas for Kristian. The boys gobbled up their pasta – as they do with pretty much any pasta dish. My salad was very flavorful and delicious and Kristian’s fajitas were tasty, but not the kind of fajitas that we’re used to. No sour cream, no guacamole, no cheese – just chicken, grilled peppers and onions, wrapped in a tortilla, topped with lettuce (and tomato, but Kristian dislikes tomato!) The boys went to a side room to a couch to play on their tablets, so Kristian and I secretly shared creme brulee! It was OK, but nothing special.
*** PEDASITO COLLAGE ***
On the way out of the restaurant, we met a family from Sacramento that also has a house here in Panama. We talked for a bit, exchanging Pedasi perspective. Come to find out, they’re temporarily visiting Playa Venao – the surfing beach! Saen and Monica invite us over tomorrow for drinks, after we visit Allison’s family!
The people we’re meeting! It blows my mind that everyone is so friendly and hospitable. How often do you meet people in your state that invite you over the next day? We don’t, but maybe we behave differently in Austin. And maybe we’ll behave differently when we return!
Goodnight, Pedasi!
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