Go Where?

Have you ever hopped in your car and drove, reaching your destination without realizing how you got there? Perhaps you had something on your mind and you just went through the motions.

That's how we found ourselves in Panama and Costa Rica. 

What?

Yep. Let me explain.

My parents joined us on our European cruise last fall, but they only agreed to go if we'd travel with them to Central America. 

Gulp. Go where? South? <Crinkling my nose here.> We moved away from FL, where we'd lived for thirty+ years, to NC where the temps are cooler and we actually experience seasons. My vacation radar doesn't point south. 

Why? Because it's hot. We left a balmy 40 degrees in NC and stepped off the plane in Panama City to a blistering 85. Can anybody say air conditioner? Well, we didn't find too many air conditioners there (only one, actually), but that didn't spoil our trip. How could it when we had this to enjoy? 

This was the view from our hotel room in Boquete. Sweet, isn't it?

El Oasis Hotel, Boquete

We toured a coffee farm and TASTED some of the best coffee EVER!

Casa Ruiz, Boquete

Visited the Panama Canal

Panama Canal

Played with the toucans in Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Ooohed and ahhhed over the gorgeous scenery

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Lake Arenal

And ate. A lot.

We stayed in a gated community. Of sorts.

Orchid Tree B&B

Who knew we'd find this lovely oasis behind the gate?

Orchid Tree B&B Bedrooms

Or this?

Orchid Tree B&B Open Air Living Room-Dining Room

Not saying I'd go back, but I'm glad we went. We had a great time and will treasure the memories we made with my parents forever.

What about you?

Which countries would you like to visit? Or not?