PANAMA~~~~2008!

Hello ALL!







I know, I know, I am seriously the lamest blogger these days! But don't worry, I am finally here to post a few pics and explain the happenins.




About a week after we returned to normalcy from Korea (comsimidad!), Miguel's Mama called him and said that she will be attending some military thing in WA DC with Papa, and was going to go to Panama while over on this part of the world. Geesh, we freaked out a little of excitement, and then realized the reality of us being able to go after just getting back from a big vaca was probably slim. Plus, tickets were a little spendy. Will Ch. and I had been discussing because he's going there in just a few weeks, and about a week before Miguel and my unplanned trip to Panama, Will called telling us that tickets had in fact DROPPED $100! We looked and bought immediately, deciding that it was meant to be. And we are so happy we made it happen! We arrived on the evening of Feb 3, and might I add that the flight from Houston to Panama was absolutely BREATHTAKING! We could see practically all of central america on the way and blue/green/purple waters! Anyways, I have posted some pics of the trip below with captians to let you know what we did while there:

1. This is the first night right after we arrived. Ate the biggest plate of seafood I've ever seen! And pina coladas of course!
















2. This is Taboga. Its an island right off Panama City, about 40 minutes by boat. When we were there, it was summer break, and many of his uncles and aunts rented out places for the week! WOO!














3. This dressed up Queen is Miguel's cousin. She was nominated to be the queen of the year of the island of Taboga. She was gorgeous, but looked so uncomfy in that outfit! Look at all the peeps celebrating Carnival!















4. This is a photo of Migs and four of his primos (cousins). All of these boys were born in 1984! They are called "the cuatro" by the Vasquez family! haha! (Guije, Ricky, Miguel, Popo)















5. Night at the discotec. All but the girl in blue are his primos and prima. Reggeton music is da BOMB! (Popo, not related, Gabriella, Ricky, Migs)

6. Miguel went deep sea fishing with his tio (uncle), and primo Popo. Look at what he caught!















7. This is in a different part of the country at another Carnival celebration. All these people are wearing traditional Panamanian dresses. They cost at least $800 and can be well into the thousands. Hand embroidered. WOW.














8. this is my gorgeous rocking chair that I was unable to bring back to the US. It's a long story, but hopefully Will Ch. will bring it with him when he goes in a couple weeks!





9. CUTE little kids that we found around a little neighborhood we stayed at in the countryside (slept under mosquito nets and saw a huge mother of a cockroach! Was a lot like camping!). The girl on the left kept calling her sister (not pictured) a "dodo head" in spanish. Miguel couldn't stop laughing! haha! (PS: notice the ashes...it was Ash Wed!)







10. Panama Canal. Have tons more pictures of this if you want to see more. So awesome, and such a great engineering feat!





















11. Una nena (girl) in the traditional dresswear. I could have gobbled her up.

12. Me and Gabi gettin our groove thang on!









That pretty much sums it up!












We are planning on going again next year around the same time. You all should consider it! Paz.