I wished we had more daylight so I could see the ocean from the airplane, but I was able to see the city lights. In fact, I even got to see the Panama Canal all lit up!
We arrived in Panama last night around 9:05pm. Just as the Stem Cell Institute promised, they had a "VIP Agent" waiting for us at the gate, and she escorted us through Customs. It was honestly amazing how VIP it really was! We landed, went through Customs, and were hotel-bound in about 20 minutes tops. The hotel is about 25 minutes from the airport and is located right in the middle of the city. We took some pictures from our hotel window (on the 4th floor) as well as from the top of the building (on the 8th floor). We can see the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. There are also TONS of bank buildings here!
When we were driving into the city, the driver even said, "Welcome to my beautiful city." - I love it! You could tell he takes great pride in where he lives. I just wish I knew more Spanish so I could take in everything I see and hear.
Overall, I would say we did pretty well with the traveling. We were of course exhausted last night when we arrived at the hotel, but we were able to go sleep after we checked in with my mom and Nick. Actually, I annoyed dad because I stayed up later than he did so I could skype with Nick when he got off work. It's ok though because he annoys me by calling his Croc [shoes] "gators." He wears his black Croc's with white socks - if I can sneak a picture later, I will post it hee hee.
One thing I didn't realize about Panama was how HUMID it is! I took a shower this morning and my hair won't even dry! Our driver said the humidity is a reason people don't run their air as frequently in city buses and taxis. In fact, that was one thing the Stem Cell Institute warned me about before we came. They said a lot of the taxis were really hot - something I need to be aware of so I don't lose my eyesight. We are looking into some short tours but haven't decided on any yet. As much as I wish we could do some things like hike in the jungle and visit a coffee plantation, I'm not sure they are realistic given my MS and my dad's recent foot surgery. We might just visit the Panama Canal and eat dinner at the restaurant there.
I got a couple e-mails from the Stem Cell Institute, and they are prepared for my arrival on Monday. We get picked up at 7:20 in the morning and meet with the doctors first thing. Tuesday is the surgery. We don't have much more information than that so we will post more informaton once we find it out.
I am so glad that you made it there safe and sound. I was also happy to wake up yesterday to you calling me on Skype. Even though I had a terrible migrane. Thank you to my upstairs neighbors for playing your drums until 4am. I had my brother take me to the er because it hurt so bad. It's so funny how we do the same things. I got in the car and he said here I brought you a Pepsi and I said that's funny because I brought you a gatorade and reses pieces. We both laughed and he took me to the er. It was nice to have him with me I think that made me feel better than the two shots I got for my migrane. I think we both felt better that we had both seen Heather that morning too! Sometimes I feel like we are three IPods synced together. When Heather left we were both missing something our other IPod so to speak. We love her so much and she is such a big part of our lives we almost can't function with out her. We are though but, I think it's mainly the fact that we know Heather is ok and is so positive about this whole trip and everything about it. I think she is one of the most positive,brave, and fearless woman I know. We are both used to life kicking us down but, we always get back up again...........
ReplyDeleteI love you Heather!
Katie