Shopping in the Malls (Albrook,Metro and Multiplaza)

If you think that shopping in the Freezone was good, well let me tell you that the malls are just as spectacular. The malls cater to all types of budgets as well as all types of preferences. This is said as there is a mix of expensive and cheap stores in the malls.

Albrook Mall

 This picture above, gives a layout of Albrook mall. This mall is so huge that it can take you a couple days to get to the other end especially if you are shopping in each store, additionally it is divided into sections that are labeled by animals.This being said, there are is the penguin, hippo, panda bear, elephant , tiger, rhino, dinosaur, gorilla, lion , zebra, kangaroo, koala, and dolphin sections. This mall is so huge,there is a train that runs from end to end in the mall where you can get a lift to the other side, but this mall is so big that there is a carousel inside the mall that your children can ride. All in all the mall is massive!!!

 However, when it comes to shopping in this mall, I guarantee you will love it. Stores like Dorian's, El Costo, Steven's and Titan's are all low price department stores where the choices in clothing is exceptional if I might add, plus upon checking out, you can show the cashier your passport, so that you can get an additional discount off of your items In this mall there are stores like Swarvoski, Bath and Body Works, Lacoste, Crocs, Converse, Levi, Victoria Secret and many others, but this mall is a must see if you visit Panama Albrook Mall

Metro Mall
This mall is located close to the airport, so it is great for last minute shopping before your flight. this mall is big as well, but is not as big as Albrook mall. This mall is more of an upscale mall and has similar stores as Albrook like Victoria Secret and Polo Association. While they have other stores, it is a bit more costly, but there is no harm is taking a walk and enjoying the view. However, for my ladies, let me tell you that there are some wonderful shoe stores in this mall that would make you want to buy everything in the store, yes it is that good, but whilst shopping just remember the time of your flight lol Metro Mall.

Multiplaza Mall
Finally there is Multiplaza mall. We only had an hour at this mall and the only store that we could have gone to in the hour was Forever 21, where I was able to buy a pair of my best fitting jeans ever!! Whilst we were unable to visit all the stores, this mall looked very promising.

While some of you are wondering well where are the upscale and more affluent stores well they are located on the island as well, but we did not go there are we understood the budget that we were working with lol, but for your edification they are there.

But ladies and gentlemen while I think that there are many other malls in the country, these listed were the ones that we visited. So until next time keep safe, stay cool and be awesome!!!!

Historical Sight Seeing in Panama:Panamá Viejo

Panama is a country that has many places to see, which can produce some awesome pictures. Whilst on our trip, we were able to visit and see several amazing things that were unlike anything that we had ever seen before, adding to the uniqueness of the nation. We saw things like the 'screw building', whose name came from the design and shape of the building.

Despite seeing the cool architecture of the screw building, we had the opportunity to visit Panamá Viejo, Panamá Viejo is the remnants of the old Panama city, which was the former capital of the country, currently situated in the suburbs of the modern city. In tandem with the Historical District of Panama, Panamá Viejo has been a World Heritage site since the year 1997. This site is quite popular, so much so that the reward feast from a challenge of the 7th season the show Survivors was held at this location, but if you would like to read more about this place you can go the this link:Panamá Viejo History and Tours
The views from the top of one of the buildings is breath taking and what better way to enjoy a trip than going with friends whilst enjoying the breeze and sights from the top...don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

But ladies and gentlemen that is all for now so until next time, keep safe, stay cool and be awesome!!!!!

Shop, Shopping,Shop Part I!!!!!!

 So you're in Panama and you are thinking well what is there to do here, well worry not for I have some ideas for you. If you did any research on Panama, you would know that it is a shopping paradise and what makes it even more special is that the prices are extremely low and duty-free whilst still being affordable, whilst catering to all you could ever possibly want and need. Yes my friends, if shopping in your niche, then I suggest that you visit a couple places. Those being Albrook Mall, Metro Mall and the Freezone in Colon. Let me tell you, the Freezone is like a city within a city so I urge you to go with comfortable shoes as prices so low on everything from shoes all the way up to electronics would make you jump for joy.

           To get there depending on where you are staying, you would need to take a high-speed train to get to Colon and the scenery is just breathtaking, so much so that you would be able to see glimpses of the Panama Canal (we would discuss this in another post). The shopping here is incredible as brands that would normally retail in the U.S.A for thousands can be bought her for a cheaper price whilst still maintaining its authenticity, brands like Victoria Secret, Bath and Body Works,, Tommy Hilfiger as well as an assortment of perfumes and colognes,clothing for men,women and children, but believe me that when you begin to shop here, you have the strong urge to purchase an additional suitcase with ease lol.

These pictures do not do this place justice but I ended up spending the entire day here just shopping and walking around, but I would not trade that experience for anything. I left with about 4 garbage bags of items and we were ready to go back another day, but due to time constraints we were unable to do so, however, if you are so serious about shopping, you can stay at the hotel within the free zone for easier access each day, but that is all, for now, lovelies, until then, keep sweet and stay travelling :)

Travel Tips #2

When going on vacation we are always looking for ways to make traveling much better, so what can assist you more than some travel tips. In the previous travel post, we already discussed some tips so we would just pick up from where we left off, so lets go!

Tip#3:Emergency Kit
Sometimes life can be very unpredictable and can hit you some curve balls at some really unexpected times, but it is better to over prepare than not to all. With that being said, it is best that you put in your carry on some panadol, gravol, bandages, tums, cough drops or other items that you think you would need personally in such an event. Most pharmacies carry small emergency/first aid kits and it may not be such a bad idea to invest in one just to cover your bases.

Tip #4:Emergency Money
In the event that you find yourself in a quandary, you will at least have some cash at hand to get to where you need to be or at least call someone and let them know about what has happened to you. Money can be kept in a old chap-stick tin and placed in your carry on, or your shoes or a secret pocket in your jacket, but wherever you put it is up to you, but this method allows you greater flexibility in difficult situations whilst travelling.

But that's all for now so until next time keep cool, stay safe and be awesome!!!

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of the must-see 7 wonders of the world, and if you are an avid history lover, then this is most definitely for you. The construction of the 50-mile canal of the Panama isthmus began in 1904 by the United States of America and was opened on 15 August 1914, when the oversight of the infamous canal was transferred from the United States to Panama in 1999. In 1994, the canal was recognized as the 7th wonder of the modern world by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This canal is used as a gateway for many, so much so that the canal hosted its 1millionth ship passing in September 2010.

The Canal has 3 locks which are the 3 chambered Gatun Locks, the one chambered Pedro Miguel Locks and the two-chambered Mira Flores Locks. Each of the locks is able to accommodate 2 transit lanes. The canal lifts ships 85 feet to the canal's main elevation and the drops it down and it takes the ships about eight to ten hours for a complete journey through the canal. At the canal, you have a first-hand opportunity to see the ships passing through which is so awesome to see.

     The Goethals: Statue for the 3 Locks of the Panama Canal (Gatun, Mira Flores and Pedro Miguel)
                                                         
To witness the sight of the ships coming through the canal is truly a wonderful sight as can be seen in this video below and if one ever has to opportunity to visit then I suggest that one seizes it, as it demonstrates the true craftsmanship of the many workers who would have slaved in order to make the canal possible. To see this process, on can go to this link to view it: Panama Canal Time Lapse

After watching all of the ships pass through, you can then visit the gift shop on the ground floor of the building to get little tokens to remember the day or for your loved ones. But if you and your friends want to be extra cool, then you can take a picture with a green screen and show it off which would look like this:

But ladies and gentlemen, that is all for now. So, until next time, keep cool, stay safe and be awesome!!!!

Emberá Quera Village:Indigenous Indians of Panama Pt II

Panama is home to these indigenous Indians. Drawing from part one of this post, we discussed the Indians and their welcome and food that they encourage their visitors to take part in. Once you have eaten you meal which is served in banana leaf dishes, the sweet people offer a tour of the property and their way of life is just amazing. This is said as they do not really care for material things but they know the true meaning of togetherness, love, and knowing what really matters in this life.

The Indians utilize the natural dyes to make their crafts but mainly they use the Jagua fruit which is a critical fruit in the life the Emberá as it is used for its black dye used to paint people's skin. The stain remains for approximately 10-12 days until the external layer of skin is exfoliated. The people use this painting in all of their celebrations and is of great importance. But hey, if you are there, you may as well as get one too right, well I did and it was quite fun, although it is sad when it washes off, the memory and picture is there for a lifetime.

After touring the property, you are welcomed to buy their crafts which range from simple bracelets all the way up to hand woven baskets. All the items are handmade by the women and girls of the village and they are very unique from anything that I have ever seen.

 Supporting these lovely people felt good as they are super nice and hard working and are the embodiment of living a good life with little worries. As the children grow up they are not confined to the village as they go to regular school each day and travel by boat to get to school, which to me seems like the best of both worlds. This said because one is able to exist in the fast paced society, whilst still being able to come home and be at complete peace away from it all. But if you feel so moved to stay overnight or a few days in the village you can check out this link http://www.emberavillagetours.com/ember--experience-with-anne.html to book your stay. But until next time, keep cool,stay safe and be awesome!!!!!

Emberá Quera Village:Indigenous Indians of Panama Pt I

Let me just start off by saying that this trip to the Embera Village will be one of the most interesting and insightful one's that you will embark on aside from the Panama Canal. To get to the village, one must board a motorized canoe and journey about 30-60minutes down the river which is quite a lovely view of the scenery and animals, but if you are lucky you will be able to see a monkey jump onto the canoe or see a sloth on the way down,but yet still scary for a first timer on a motorized canoe, but still fun as you have no idea of what to expect when you reach. But if you are wearing a hat, hold on to it, because if you lose it, then men from the village will dive into the river to retrieve it, which is not such a bad thing, but it takes away time from the village.

Upon reaching the village, you are greeted by the local people with song and dance. Once welcomed, you will go under the community hut which is well woven by the men in the village, where they will do a presentation of dance, culture and the way of life and then include their audience to join in the fun.

When that is concluded, you are invited to partake in a meal prepared fresh as they do not utilize refrigerators, which consists of fresh fish, plantains and a local fruit (watermelon or pineapple).The meal is scrumptious and will make you want to ask for more, but it is a little salty, but ladies and gentlemen, that is all for now until I post part II about this one of a kind adventure.However, if you are too excited and cannot wait for the next blog you can check out the website and plan your own tour at http://www.emberavillagetours.com/ember--experience-with-anne.html
Until next time, keep cool, stay safe and be awesome!!!

Lovely Panama

       This destination is seen as one of the must-visit countries, known mainly for its fantastic shopping, the Panama Canal and just a wonderful destination to enjoy and discover its history. In the upcoming posts, I will detail all of the adventures that await you in Panama, but for today, we will just begin with the places to stay, as this is of key importance to those like myself who just love to shop, or just plainly love to be close to everything.
      When I went to Panama, I stayed at the Country Inn and Suites, and this was a very good choice for me, simply because they offered benefits such as:
-Free continental buffet breakfast
-Close Proximity to Albrook Mall (Trust me you would want to stick around for this post!!)
-They are quite reasonable with their prices, whilst still being a lovely place to stay with a great view of the harbor behind.

                                                          Country Inn and Suites

      However, if you are the type that prefers to stay in a more affluent area, then the Tryp by Wyndham is a better option for you. This hotel is located within Albrook Mall, so much so that you can take an elevator and be directly in the mall. This hotel is said to be quite nice and the people are very friendly. This mall is extremely huge so one has the ability to go and explore on their own whilst there or they can venture out into town and make their own memories and experiences. But ladies and gentlemen, that's all I have for now so until next time when I speak about the Embera Village, keep cool, stay safe and be awesome!!!

Shopping Baby Shopping

Shopping is a definite must do activity whilst in Curacao. Here, there are many shopping areas, but the main ones are known as Punda, Otrobanda and Salina. Punda is the hub of shopping on the island with streets only made for pedestrians, this makes for an interesting adventure to find your favorite brand name stores like Converse or Victoria Secret or even a cool shop that sells those souvenirs that your family has requested from you.  Aside from this, if you are a perfume lover like myself, then the store called Penha is for you. Here you can get reasonably priced colognes and perfumes as well as be sprayed down with your favorites free of charge, even if you are not purchasing.

In Punda, there is a floating market where Venezuelan merchants come and sell their fresh produce on small boats and if you are a lover of vegetables and fruits, checking the market out is a must before heading over to Otrobanda. To get to Otrobanda. one must journey across to the floating bridge.

Friends, let me tell you, when crossing this bridge listening and brisk walking is imperative. I say this as the bridge opens to allow huge ships to pass through and a signal is usually ringing to alert pedestrians, let's just say that I have had to run quite a few times, however, if you are unable to make it across, fear not, all you have to do is hold on for the ride and you will be just fine.
Once you've crossed the bridge, you're in Otrobanda. From this side of the island, you are able to get lovely views of the sea, visit local vendors for all your Curacao paraphernalia (dresses, hats, clothing) all handmade by the local people. On this side you can also sample some local food, but please note that the portions are huge, but it tastes amazing!!!! But hey, in the words fo Bunji Garlin-take a trip, take a trip, take a trip now, and experience all that this lovely island has for you. But until next time, keep cool, stay safe, and be awesome :).