My First Night in Central America

I got into Panama City at 11 PM last night and realized that I was going to be lost without Spanish. Luckily on the plane I met Ana, a Venezuelan 24 year old, who spoke amazing English and lives in Panama City. She suggested that the best way for me to get to the hostel was by taking a ‘Taxi Collectivo’ and she volunteered to help me out. I felt like one of those lost competitors on the Amazing Race that have to rely on a local to get them to the next pit stop. I had considered myself an experienced traveler but I wasn’t so sure now.

For $11 each, Ana, myself and 2 loud mouth New Yorkers shared a taxi into the city. I was the last to be dropped off – I arrived at Luna’s Castle. Not a backpacking / hostel kind of guy, I’m sure I looked out of place. The guy at reception told me I would be screwed without Spanish… Great!! Little does he know that I’m heading to Guatemala City after this – only the capital of armed robberies in Latin America! Feeling a little intimidated and not in the mood to mingle, I crashed in my assigned dorm bed.

I woke up this morning to a chorus of singing – perhaps it’s because of Semana Santa (holy week), but as I looked out of the window I saw a breathtaking skyline. I was excited to start my first day in Panama.