Day 217 - 221: Final Days in Panama

Modern sky scrapers in one part
of Panama city

My trip to Panama was never part of my original travel plans, and was only included after I decided to extend my trip.  The only thing I knew about Panama was the Panama Canal, and it was the main thing I wanted to see.

Also briefly heard about the San Blas islands while planning, which came about when sourcing for ways to get from Colombia to Panama, since travelling by sailboat will often travel through San Blas.

Bridge connecting Panama city
to airport

My 3.5 weeks in Panama were filled with many interesting and unforeseen encounters.  From the breakdown of the sailboat, to blockades and the not-so-ideal San Blas experience; however I got to see a lot more of Panama than planned.

Niklaus sailboat in
Puerto Lindo

From the highlands (Boquete) to the islands (Bocas & San Blas), the countryside (Portobello & Puerto Lindo) and even the cities (Panama & Colon) with some of the "ever so modern" sky scrapers and architecture - they were all different and makes up the experience in Panama.

I do however have to admit that after seeing Panama, it does not fall into my list of "top countries one should visit".  Not because of the experience I have had in the country; but just based on the sights and things to do, I personally feel that there are much nicer countries that can offer similar and even better.

Nevertheless, after being on the road for over 7 months, I personally feel and have learnt that any travel experience is not just made up of the sights and activities, but also the people and encounters you meet along the way, and that alone had made my trip to Panama more enjoyable.