Last day before Cuba

We set off in the morning today to walk up to Cerro Ancon before it got too hot (predicted 33 deg C). It is said to be a 2-hour walk (return presumably) but took us only about 20 minutes to go up - great views, fantastic cooling breeze up top. Ancon Hill was under US jurisdiction as part of the Panama Canal Zone for much of the 20th century and the lower slopes house residences that used to be for the US Southern Command including a very nice one for the Governor of the Canal Zone.

There were some nice flowers and we saw an armadillo scoot across the road and a vulture pair with a fluffy chick. The views were 360 degrees and we could see the city skyline as well as the docks along the canal and the Bridge of the Americas which spans the Pacific entrance to the canal.

Evelio picked us up at the bottom of the hill and deposited us what seemed an embarrassingly short distance away at the apparently must-do Albrook Mall which is where EVERYONE here goes to shop. One person said 'Bring a sleeping bag" . Will let you know.

Meantime we have ordered fresh fruit juices at the first place we have come to. It is overcast but incredibly hot and humid and we have drunk all our water already and it is only 11:00 a.m.

My Friend is on a mission today to get a haircut.

Well, My Friend is Very Happy. He got a haircut for $US11 and I got my nails done next door (not on my list but a bonus) for $US5. Bought some other bits and pieces like a drink bottle for My Friend and some more sun lotion. Prices not too bad.

And succumbed to a Maccas for lunch!! Not really a big deal: the Mall. Maybe we just didn't investigate it thoroughly enough. We certainly didn't need a sleeping bag. I went into a Zara store which I usually like looking in but it was ghastly with horrible brightly-coloured clothes in synthetic and over-bejewelled fabric. Maybe they make stuff specifically for the Latinos??

 

 

 

Anyway, home by mid-afternoon and taking turns to nurse Sophie. Then a walk with Boba the Dog AND Sophie!