The Birds Party in Panama!

Today, Sunday, we are docked in Perico Island, near Panama City.  It is a new dock and they are constructing a cruise terminal.  We were greeted by many birds and the incredible skyline of Panama City as we sailed in.  We could also see the ships lined up to enter the Canal.

We were in Panama City something like 12 years ago when we did a Caravan tour with our daughter and granddaughter, Amy and Emma.  Since we were docked about 7 miles from the city and it was hot, hot, hot, we decided to stay in the area of the port.  The local tourist person on board suggested the Punta Culebra Nature Center which was a relatively short walk from where the port shuttle bus dropped us off.  The drop off area was filled with shops and restaurants but we headed along the waterfront to the nature center.

The nature center is run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and provides an opportunity to see local marine and land animals.  There was a building with endangered frogs, an aquarium, exhibits with turtles and sea stars, many birds we could hear, sloths, and a raccoon.  We could also see the entrance to the Canal though there were no ships entering as we watched.

We spent about an hour at the Nature Center and then returned to the ship for a relaxing afternoon.  We even took a swim in the ship's pool, which might be a first for us!

In the late afternoon we were treated to another bird show from our veranda as the pelicans were diving for their early bird dinner 😊.

I know that it is difficult to see, but here is a photo of a diving pelican:

Tomorrow morning we begin our transit of the Panama Canal.  This will be our third time transiting on a cruise ship.  We also were on the Canal and went through a couple of locks on our Caravan tour.  Oh yeah, and two nights ago we crossed the equator, not for the first time.  No need to kiss the fish for us.

Tonight, we'll be dining in Toscana, the Italian restaurant.  I guarantee you that, even if it's not a special celebration, we will find much joy!

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry