The hotel at Golfito is in a really beautiful setting and during breakfast we watched a snapping turtle swimming across the pond and brightly coloured birds hopping betweeen the tropical plants. Unfortunately we had to leave to continue our adventures in Panama!
A drive of half an hour took us to the bank - we’d been told that we were expected to show that we had $500 US with us! The money cuased major delays, firstly we had to get the amount needed in the local currency and then go into the bank to change it to US dollars!
We were allowed in to the bank by the security guards after our guide explained what was happening - tight security here with one person at a time being let in to the bank. You then took a number and waited .... and waited... and waited! When my number came up I sprinted to the window incase anyone tried to jump in! Dollars in hand we set off for the border.
Reaching the border we were stamped out of Costa Rica and the moved on to passport control in Panama. We had to give $1 for a stamp to be stuck in our passport before we got to the official window. We had our $500 in our purse but at the ready to be shown, our flight details and itinerary to show that we were going to leave Panama and our passport.
The day was stinking hot and humid and we all tried to get into the shade. Finally you got to the window and gave passport and onward paperwork. After a search through everything you had to have your photo taken and the passport was stamped. All went well for the group until Mike from USA gave his passport in.
It appeared that Mike had been to Panama before - about 2 years ago - and hadn’t got a stamp to show that he had left Panama. Lots of discussion and searching was going on by the officials. We went off for a walk whilst this was going on.
To cut a long story short Mike was not allowed to enter Panama because there was nothing (?) on the computers - checks were made for his name on the flight he’d left Panama on!
It was suggested that Mike tried to find paperwork to show that he had left Panama - even stamps in his passport showing that he’d recently flown to Canada didn’t suffice!
We headed on to Boquete without them! once arriving there we were taken on a tour of a coffee plantation and learnt all about the processsing of the bean. I’m not a coffee drinker but the sample we were given was really good - perhaps I could be converted!
Our hotel was out of the town and the final 3.1km up a dirt, winding bumpy road was an experience but the final spot was beautiful! We look out over the mountains and up to the volcano - no activity for 600 years!
Next day the group headed out for a horse riding experience - I’m really going all out this holiday!! Luckily the horses were used to non riders and were very gentle. We headed out on to a back road befor entering the forest. All was well but I felt rather nervous when we went downhill - there were times when I closed my eyes and just hung on! I did keep saying “Good girl” but also “Moy bien amiga” just incase she didn’t understand English! Riding through part of a coffee plantation was very pleasant and the views were pretty spectacular. We were out for about 2 hours and the legs were very shaky when we dismounted!
We were having our drinks Mike and his wife showed up. It was really good to see them and a We arrived back in town and went to a restaurant where they had the best margaritta’s! Just as rousing round of applause was given - he’d paid a fine of $1900 which was $50 per month since he’d last arrived in Panama!
We had a lazy afternoon before heading back to town whjere they were holding a flower festival - there was a funfair and numerous disco’s set up. The people appartantly dance the night away until 4am. We were over it within an hour!
A drive of half an hour took us to the bank - we’d been told that we were expected to show that we had $500 US with us! The money cuased major delays, firstly we had to get the amount needed in the local currency and then go into the bank to change it to US dollars!
We were allowed in to the bank by the security guards after our guide explained what was happening - tight security here with one person at a time being let in to the bank. You then took a number and waited .... and waited... and waited! When my number came up I sprinted to the window incase anyone tried to jump in! Dollars in hand we set off for the border.
Reaching the border we were stamped out of Costa Rica and the moved on to passport control in Panama. We had to give $1 for a stamp to be stuck in our passport before we got to the official window. We had our $500 in our purse but at the ready to be shown, our flight details and itinerary to show that we were going to leave Panama and our passport.
The day was stinking hot and humid and we all tried to get into the shade. Finally you got to the window and gave passport and onward paperwork. After a search through everything you had to have your photo taken and the passport was stamped. All went well for the group until Mike from USA gave his passport in.
It appeared that Mike had been to Panama before - about 2 years ago - and hadn’t got a stamp to show that he had left Panama. Lots of discussion and searching was going on by the officials. We went off for a walk whilst this was going on.
To cut a long story short Mike was not allowed to enter Panama because there was nothing (?) on the computers - checks were made for his name on the flight he’d left Panama on!
It was suggested that Mike tried to find paperwork to show that he had left Panama - even stamps in his passport showing that he’d recently flown to Canada didn’t suffice!
We headed on to Boquete without them! once arriving there we were taken on a tour of a coffee plantation and learnt all about the processsing of the bean. I’m not a coffee drinker but the sample we were given was really good - perhaps I could be converted!
Our hotel was out of the town and the final 3.1km up a dirt, winding bumpy road was an experience but the final spot was beautiful! We look out over the mountains and up to the volcano - no activity for 600 years!
Next day the group headed out for a horse riding experience - I’m really going all out this holiday!! Luckily the horses were used to non riders and were very gentle. We headed out on to a back road befor entering the forest. All was well but I felt rather nervous when we went downhill - there were times when I closed my eyes and just hung on! I did keep saying “Good girl” but also “Moy bien amiga” just incase she didn’t understand English! Riding through part of a coffee plantation was very pleasant and the views were pretty spectacular. We were out for about 2 hours and the legs were very shaky when we dismounted!
We were having our drinks Mike and his wife showed up. It was really good to see them and a We arrived back in town and went to a restaurant where they had the best margaritta’s! Just as rousing round of applause was given - he’d paid a fine of $1900 which was $50 per month since he’d last arrived in Panama!
We had a lazy afternoon before heading back to town whjere they were holding a flower festival - there was a funfair and numerous disco’s set up. The people appartantly dance the night away until 4am. We were over it within an hour!
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