Day 20 – ISP and Date Night

We had a nice slow start to the day. We didn’t have to leave til 12 so we enjoyed the place as long as possible. This of course required another swim in the pool. This time everyone went in and Tate showed us how he could jump off the edge all by himself! Who is this kid??

Once we had cleaned and packed up, we got back in our fancy new car to drive back to Panama City. It was a very smooth ride, Devan and I chatted in the front, the boys snoozed in the back or played the rhyming game with Joel.

Devan kindly took a detour to show us her school – International School of Panama. The boys couldn’t figure out why we were going to a school when it wasn’t open. And just as we were driving into the neighbourhood, it started bucketing down rain, like alot! Devan ran to the security gate to let them know we were there and came back to the car with an umbrella. They had a table full of them waiting at the gate. Clearly this is normal.

We had a lovely tour of the sprawling school buildings and grounds. The classrooms were closed but we peeked into the windows. The boys loved seeing the playgrounds, fields and especially the swimming pool. A school with a swimming pool??? That seemed like a good idea. We all enjoyed seeing the massive performing arts centre where Devan works everyday. The theatre is incredible. We got to see back stage and the various classrooms. Looks like a great place to work and learn.

Our next stop was our last AirBnB for this vacation. We turned up a massive hill and had to wind higher and higher up narrow streets. So glad Devan was driving and not me! We finally found the place and the weird parking place and got into the apartment. The plan was for Devan to keep the boys and she allowed Joel and I to have a little date night. So thoughtful.

We took an Uber to one of the large fancy malls in the city – Multiplaza. We had looked up a restaurant that we wanted to eat at. Apparently they do not believe in mall maps in this country. We wandered around for a while, then finally got on the free wifi to do some online research. After several attempts we figured out what floor it was on and finally found it. It did not disappoint. Bruttito was a classy restaurant with impeccable service. Devan suggested her favourites and we started with those – Brussel sprouts and KFC buns. Soooo good. Next we had 3 different sushi rolls. I love sushi, could eat it everyday. These ones were fantastic. We weren’t sure what to do with ourselves next. We wandered around the fancy, expensive shops. And kept wandering. Finally we decided we were tired and to just head back home.

We got back to sleeping boys. The report was very positive. They had been swimming in the big, cold pool for about 30 minutes when they decided that was enough. They played on the swings for a bit and then came back up to order some dinner. As per their request all week, she let them order McDonald’s. I think they were pretty happy. Netflix was playing. Fun, new treats were had. It was a good night for everyone.

Tomorrow we have the day to swim and relax and then we have our night flight back to Ontario. I can’t believe we have come to the end of our Colombia/Panama adventure. All that planning, dreaming have come together so well and it’s been a special memory building time for us with our dear friend Devan. Time to head back home.