It’s been over a week since my son and his family left.  They arrived December 31 and left on January 8, 2010.  The time flew by but I think that every day was a wonderful adventure for my grandson James.

James is seven now and he is growing up very quickly.  The travel time from Toronto to Panama was very long and tedious, however, I think that James will tell you when he gets older, that he won’t remember that part of the trip.

This was the first time for many things in James’ life.  From swimming in the ocean, to fishing in the lake that makes up the Panama Canal....this was definitely a trip to remember.  My son, promised to set up a wall of photos for the trip that would forever set memories for James. 

James visited Panama City, Lac Gatun, Playa Blanca, Las Lajas, Caldera, and Boquete.  Every day was an adventure, especially the day his father was stung by a stingray in the ocean.  It was low tide and James was swimming alongside his father.  Suddenly, Christopher yelled “run James, run!” dragging James with him as he jumped over waves heading for shore.  The stingray had stabbed my son Christopher’s ankle and he was limping badly.  Fortunately, paramedics on the scene of the hotel responded quickly and tended to my son’s injury.  Bathing the foot in tepid water for over 30 minutes, then cleaning the wound, took 50% of the pain away.  Christopher was able to walk normally after that.

The first four days were spent at the beach in Playa Blanca and James’ was very happy there.  However, Panama has so much more to see than a beach resort and I wanted to show them Boquete.  It was a long drive, but with stops in Santiago and Las Lajas, the trip was another sightseeing tour / adventure.

In Boquete, James went horseback riding (all by himself!) and visited the miniature deer at Finca Lareda and saw waterfalls, canyons and incredible nature.  He especially loved the pool and hot tub in Los Molinos and was one very happy camper.

I think overall, James had a great time in Panama and I’d love to hear is recounting of it when he gets older !