When Jeff and I visited Panama in 2014 we visited the Metropolitan Park to bird watch. We didn’t see many birds but we did see an anteater. Ever since I’ve been hoping to see another one.
First, we needed binoculars since we left our perfectly good pair back at home in Seattle. So, we headed to the mall. After checking around in several different stores, we were directed to Panafoto which sells everything electronic.
The store is set up similar to how Service Merchandise was back in the 70’s. First, we waited for someone to help us at the binocular counter.
Then we went to several counters, one to order the product, one to get a receipt, one to pay, and one to get the product, and finally, one to look at the product and sign off it was the correct item.
After we finished with the binoculars, we decided to start the process over again for a coffee grinder.
On Sunday we headed out to the Parque Nautural Metropolitano. It was a quick fifteen minute Uber ride which only cost $4.00. The park was great with nice bathrooms, water fountains, and English speaking rangers.
The trails were easy and the forest was beautiful. We heard a lot of birds but only saw a few.
I spent ten minutes staring at what I thought was a bird but turned out to be a really nice leaf.
It was really hot, I had to struggle just to stay upright and continue walking. But everyone else was jogging, actually running!
We hiked up one hill, at the top I thought I would very likely pass out, other women were doing squats, on a hill, in hot weather!
We didn’t see any anteaters and very few birds. But, we did come upon a sloth!!
We didn’t exactly come across it, it was high up in a tree. But still, the binoculars came in handy.
At the end of our walk, I insisted on going to the butterfly garden, or butterfly jail as Jeff called it. Jeff didn’t want to spend the $5 on admission, so he stayed on the other side of the netting.
The garden had eleven different types of butterflies. I think I saw six different kinds, all interesting, and all seeming very happy.
We got some exercise, got into nature, and saw some cool stuff. Next time I’m bringing some ants though to attract an anteater.
Great blog!!! I’m so happy to see that you are still traveling and still publishing your terrific writing. You taught me how to do my very first one.
Thanks so much Sharon!!!! I loved your blog. Are you still writing it? I hope you are loving retirement!
Sheryl these butterflies are absolutely beautiful!!
They were really pretty. The blue ones were my favorite. Jeff missed out by not going in with me!
Genius! I love this blog. I started with the Argentina vs Chile page due to a Google search and I am hooked. The wife and I are currently in the Pacific NW, but are learning Spanish and planning some trips down south. Thanks for the added inspiration.
Thank you so much! 🙂 I really appreciate it. We have loved all three countries so much. So many places to see, so little time.
Just a heads up, most of page 9 of the blog is shifted over to the left so that the text is cut off. (I did try on different browsers.) I can’t even give you the dates as they are also cut off. Seems to be fixed on page 10. (It’s right around, and including, the San Juan wine tasting fiasco.)
Hi, thank you so much for that. I would never have found that!
The butterflies look very happy, especially the ones eating that grapefruit. Sloths are way better than an anteater. But I hope you see one of those too.