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| This workcamp took me to the Swiss Alps where I worked on a childrens educational hiking trail. |
| My first time in Europe led me to take 2 weeks of language course in Spain. |
| This adventure holiday involved becoming a certified scuba diver on a tropical island. |
| This workcamp took me to rural southern India where I worked to lay the groundwork for a volunteer center and nearby orphanage. |
| My first workcamp took me to the oldest national park in Thailand for a conservation project. |
| After my first bachelor's degree, I lived it up in San Juan. |
| My second study abroad experience led me to El Salvador as a social work student, and I was the only male in the group. |
| My first time abroad opened my eyes and led me to the heart of Mexico to study langauge and sociology. |
| My first volunteer experience abroad led me to work in an earthquake relief camp school. |
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| Principle Areas Visited Barcelona, Spain: A cosmopolitan city that has become one of Europe's hotspots. Barcelona is the principle city of the Catalunya province, where the official language is Catalan. Everyone still speaks Castellano though, which is more simply known as Espanol. The locals have a reputation for coming off a bit serious and unfriendly at times, but that's just on the exterior. Sevilla, Spain: Sevilla is perhaps Spain's most popular destination for American's studying in Spain. From narrow streets and spanish architecture, to flaminco dancing and tapas bars, this city is truely classic Spain. Since the city sits along the Sahara Desert jet stream, it's one of the hottest cities in all of Spain during the summer. Figures, Cordoba, Grenada, & Malaga, Spain: Figures is a great day trip from Barcelona and it's the home of the famous artist Salvador Dhali. Cordoba is a bit off the beaten path for tourists, but there is still a lot to do. Grenada is a busteling student city, and, because of the infamous Alhambra, has a large influx of tourists. Malaga is the primary gateway to Spain's popular Costa del Sol. It's a beautiful city with a lot to do, and is generally overrun with tourists in the summer. Toulouse, France: A mid-sized city located in the south of France, Toulouse is a great destination for those looking to get off the beaten tourist path. The city has a very young feel to it due to the rather large student population there. Toulouse is also Europe's hub for aeronautics and Airbus has it's headquarters here. Gibraltar: An interesting place to say the least. Gibraltar is a British dependency surrounding a huge rock in southwest Spain, essentially forming the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. The area of Gibraltar is only 6.5 square kilometers and it's packed with everything you'd come to expect in a popular tourist destination-which even includes an airport with daily flights to and from London. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Chris and I decided to do our second annual workcamp in rural southern India. During this 17-day workcamp we worked with an international group and continued work with community outreach and setting up a regional orphanage & permanent volunteer center. Before and after the workcamp, we checked out the largest cities in the region, Bangalore & Mysore. |
| Roatan Travel Tips: (1) Avoid this island during the peak winter tourist season; (2) taxi fares from anywhere on the island to the West Bay are outrages-if you're staying there rent a scooter or motorcycyle for the duration of your stay; (3) you'll need a fair amount of bug spray to ward off mosquitos and sand flies; (4) the power goes out all the time-sometimes for up to a day. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Chris and I decided to do our first workcamp in rural southern Thailand. This workcamp lasted 14 days and we worked as community outreach volunteers for the Khao Yai National Park conservation project. Our time was spent in a farming village on the outskirts of the park, and a ranger sub-station within the park. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Jay and trekked to Mexico and lived it up in Acapulco for a week. During our time we met up with a study abroad group (from Indiana University) in Cuernavaca, Mexico and hung out with them on their weekend excursion to Acapulco. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend and former El Salvador study abroad alum, Ryanne, and I decided to use our spring break to volunteer at an earthquake relief camp on the outskirts of the capital city, San Salvador. We spent 5 days volunteering at the camp's school which was set up by the Italian non-profit agency Schools Without Borders. We also were fortunate enough to meet up with a group of volunteers based out of Texas and subsequently accompanied them on a medical mission to the countryside with an El Salvadorian Air Force unit. We also also had the opportunity to tour toured earthquake damaged areas in the countryside. |
Principle Trip Purpose: I took part in a joint graduate and undergraduate social work study abroad course to El Salvador. This two-week course taught and exposed participants to local social work agencies, social injustices and challenges, and El Salvadorian history and culture. I was the only male and non-social work major in this group of 10, and although Alpha male status eluded me, it was an unforgetable experience. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Jason and I decided to live it up for a week and headed out to Puerto Rico! We spent almost our entire stay in San Juan, although we did stray out to Vieques for a bioluminescent bay experience. We crashed jet ski's, got kicked out of our hotel, and missed our flight back to the US....what an awesome time! |
| Mexico Travel Tips: (1)Keep in mind that Mexico City is the largest and perhaps the most polluted city in the world; (2) Cuernavaca is the second wealthiest city in Mexico (Cancun is the first); (3) the US dollar is typically very strong against the Mexican peso; (4) prices on most everything are negotiable (i.e. markets and taxis); (5) Mexico still has a predominant machismo culture. |
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| My return trip to Mexico involved living it up in Acapulco. |
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| I lived and worked in Paris as a bike and segway tour guide for 6 months and had the opportunity to travel extensively. |
| I led an international group of volunteers for 3 weeks in this domestice workcamp. |
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| Principle Areas Visited Bangalore: India's fourth largest and most modern city, Bangalore is known as the second Silican Valley. We've all used software developed here, and if you've ever called Dell, HP or AOL technical support you've probably talked to someone working in Bangalore. Bangalore is very progressive by Indian standards; there's a nightlife here, foreigners are common place and not stared at, and women actually wear jeans. Be sure to visit the MG & Brigade Road shopping district (it's quite modern) and check out some of the 4-star resorts & hotels around the city (if you're a foreigner, you won't be questioned). Hatty Hole: This is the small village where the workcamp took place and it is litterly in the middle of nowhere in southern India. The people here are very friendly, and because of the business foreigners bring, are estatic and curious to have foreigners hanging around. The closest city is Madikuri (about 40 minutes by bus) for transportation, internet, supplies, and even fesitvals. Mysore: A yoga hotspot, Mysore is a medium-sized city with it's fair share of modernism and things to do. Cheap hotels are common place, but the luxery hotels are surprisingly cheap if your timing and negotiations coincide. The Mysore Palace and Brindaven Gardens (at night) are must-sees. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Shanna and I decided to visit Europe for the first time and take two weeks of Spanish language courses in Barcelona and Sevilla. In addition to spending time all over Spain, we visited France & Gibralter. |
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Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Chris and I decided to do our annual international volunteer workcamp in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. During this 11-day workcamp, we worked with an international group and helped refurbish an educational hiking trail in the Swiss Alps, which featured Globi, Switzerland's version of Mickey Mouse. In addition to spending time in Switzerland, we visited London, Paris, and Milan. |
| Principle Areas Visited London, England: An amazing international city. The locals are nice, there is plenty to do, and believe it or not, most Brits love the American accent (wait...I thought they have the accent?). Traffic congestion has recently been reduced thanks to London's Congestion Charge, so you'll find The Underground efficient but crowded at times. Paris, France: A breathtaking city with, you guessed it, lots of tourists. Some locals are tired of the tourists, but most are friendly. Most Parisians know some English, so you can get by without knowing French. You'll, however, get an easier smile if you attempt some French. Lenzerheide, Switzerland: Situated in western Switzerland in the Swiss Alps, Lenzerheide is a beautiful small town. In the winter time it's a bustling ski resort town, but in the summer time it's quaint, laid back, and a lot less expensive. The locals are friendly, and they're happy to see tourists in the non-tourist season. Milan, Italy: Although it's Italy's fashion and economic capital, Milan could use a facelift on it's looks. The locals know how to have fun though, so try Navigli, the shabby but fascinating canal district. Accomodations are expensive too, so it's advised to plan ahead. |
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| Principle Areas Visited: Roatan: This hidden gem of a tropical island is situated off the north coast of Honduras and is along the second largest barrier reef in the world. A large portion of the island is still untouched by typical tourist commercialism and it's one of the world's hotspots for scuba divers. Pristine beaches, crystal clear blue water, and a rugged, off the beaten-path feel permeate this island. |
Principle Trip Purpose: I decided to take a week long trip to Roatan, the largest of Honduras's Bay Island chain, to learn scuba diving. There I became a tropical island bum for a week, and a lifetime PADI certified open-water diver. |
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| London Travel Tips: (1) If you're looking to meet other travelers and are on a budget, stay at The Generator hostel; (2) it's more economical to buy a tube pass; (3) go on a "horror" themed walking tour, (4) be aware that the all-mighty British Pound puts the value of the American Dollar to shame. Paris Travel Tips: (1) Get orientated by taking a tour from Fat Tire Bike or City Segway Tours, (2) the area near the Moulin Rouge is actually the city's seedy sex district; (3) go to the Louvre after 14:30 hours to avoid the lines; (4) keep your ticket with you on the metro-they're checked regularly by the turncoats; (5) you'll have to hail a taxi within 50 meters of a taxi stand. Switzerland Travel Tips: (1) A total of 4 dialects are spoken in Switzerland (Swiss-German, Swiss-French, Swiss-Italian, and Romansh); (2)the variety of chocolate here is unprecedented; (3) ordering something with swiss cheese will get you a blank stare; (4) it gets cold at night in most of the country-even in the summer time. Milan Travel Tips: (1) It's Milano to the locals-not Milan; (2) dress to impress; (3) and never use a taxi to go to the airport-airport since airport surcharges are outrages. |
| Barcelona Travel Tips: (1) Visit La Sagrada Familia; (2) partake in an inter-cambio (language exchange); (3) hang out in Las Ramblas on a weekend night; (4) play ping-pong at one of the local parks; (5) go on a Fat Tire Bike Tour! Sevilla Travel Tips: (1) Take at least a week of spanish courses and stay at the student dorms; (2) visit a flaminco bar; (3) go to the cinema (there are plenty with english subtitles); (4) be wary of getting lost in the winding streets; (5) visit the garden maze at Los Reales Alcazares. Figures, Cordoba, Grenada, & Malaga Travel Tips: (Figures) Go for a stroll around the Castell de Sant Ferran; (Cordoba) be prepared to practice your Espanol; (Grenada) the Alhambra is an all-day event and gets really crowded in the summer; (Malaga) check out the nightlife in Malaga. Toulouse Travel Tips: (1) Be prepared to answer questions about America from inquisitive youth; (2) take a day trip to Carcassonne-it's a huge castle located an hour south; (3) avoid the restuarants and cafes in the main city square since they are extremely overpriced; (4) and watch where you walk-most people still don't clean up after their dogs. Gibraltar Travel Tips: (1) Be prepared for a nice wait at the border; (2) visit the Gibraltar Rock Apes-they are the only primates in continental Europe; (3) British Pounds are welcome along with the nearly identical local currency of Sterling Pounds; (4) keep in mind that, quite often, Brits come to Gibraltar to get smashed at the slew of pubs and clubs in the city square. |
| India Travel Tips: (1) You'll find that most of India is overpopulated, dirty, and patriarchal; (2) foreigerns are welcomed, but you'll often wonder if it's because you are a foreign visitor or because you are perceived to have money to spend; (3) India was a colony of Great Britain until 1947 so many people know English; (4) you'll have to use taxis instead of buses if you have luggage since the buses are always crowded; (5) movies rein supreme in India-there's even a Bollywood! |
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| Thailand Travel Tips: (1) Thailand really is known as The Land of Smiles for a reason; (2) Thai massages are world renown, cheap, and plentiful (in some locations you'll need to specify "nothing extra"); (3) foreigners are viewed as quite the hot commodity by the locals; (4) never, ever engage in drug trafficking-airport bag searches are very thorough and consequences are severe (just watch the movie Broken Down Palace). |
| Principle Areas Visited Khao Yai National Park: Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand. It's located about 150km north of Bangkok and is teaming with wildlife such as elephants, monkeys, deer, and even a small population of tigers. Part of the movie "The Beach" was even filmed here. The park has its fair share of tourists, but locals still engage in illegal poaching and cutting, hence the reason for Khao Yai Conservation Project. Bangkok: Bangkok is Asia's hotspot, especially for European travelers. The city is absolutely teaming with things to do and is perhaps the premier location for nightlife in all of Asia. The Royal Palace and the infamous Phat Pong night life district are definitely not to be missed. Traffic and pollution can be a nightmare, everyone seems to know some English in the city, and accomadation is fairly cheap. |
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| Principle Areas Visited Acapulco: Acapulco has lost some of its potential tourists to Cancun, but it's still a tourist hotspot with tons of stuff to do. The nightlife is vibrant (the nightclubs are truely amazing), excursions are plentiful (tours, diving, boats), and everything you'd expect in a premier tropical resort area is here. If you're daring, venture away from the tourist centers and explore the section of the city where tourists don't normally go. |
| El Salvador Travel Tips: (1)Keep in mind that El Salvador was engulfed in a 13-year civil war that ended only in 1992; (2) El Salvador is one of the most densly populated countries in the world; (3) the locals will think you're European before American (American's really don't visit El Salvador); (4) even though it's hot, hardly anyone wears shorts. |
| Principle Areas Visited San Salvador: The capital and principle city of El Salvador, San Salvador is a densely populated urban center with the typical latin american extremes between rich and poor. It is quite crowded and anything that goes on in this small country of 6 million goes on here. Traffic and pollution are intense, most people are welcoming and curious about foreigners, and finding a great place to stay, to eat, and to go out at night are surprisingly easy. Simple tourism is practically non-existent here, so having a plan and some connections before trekking on in is advised. Santa Marta: A small village located in northern El Salvador, Santa Marta is reminicent of a typical Salvadorian rural community. The village was nearly obliterated during El Salvador's civil war, but has since been rebuilt. The village has a solid connection to solidarity workers, so the people seem are accustumed to visitors. |
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Principle Trip Purpose: This was my first experience abroad! I signed up for a summer study abroad program through Indiana University, which included studying both Spanish & Sociology in Cuernavaca, Mexico. There were 9 of us in the group, and I stayed with a wonderful host family during my stay. The school I studied at had other people and groups from all over the US. |
| Cuernavaca: The City of Eternal Spring, Cuernavaca is located about 100 kilometers south of Mexico City. The city boosts a rather large student population (both domestic and international) and serves as a weekend getaway for many of Mexico City's VIP's. Most every modern conveinence can be found here expect safe drinking water. The night life is vibrant, the city is well kept, and there is plenty to do and see. |
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| Puerto Rico Travel Tips: (1) If you're from the US, you'll notice that passports aren't needed, US dollars are the currency, and the US Post Office takes care of all mail; (2) there's a new San Juan and an Old San Juan; (3) definately go swimming or kayak in the bioluminescent bay of Vieques. |
| Principle Areas Visited San Juan: San Juan is perhaps the top tourist destination is the Caribbean. The city is basically divided into three sections: the tourist section, Old San Juan, and everything else. In some areas, San Juan looks amazingly like any other city in southern Florida. |
Principle Trip Purpose: After participating in three workcamps, I finally decided to lead one in my own country. This workcamp, located in northeast Indiana, had participants from Austria, France, South Korea, Japan, and America. This workcamp involved working with children at local fairs, working in a fair trade shop, and learning about poverty in America by touring anti-poverty agencies. |
| Principle Areas Visited: Fort Wayne IN: A former capital of North America's Miami Native American tribe, it is now the second largest city in the state of Indiana with a population of approximately one quarter-million. Fort Wayne's landscape is dominated by churches, restaurants, cars, and urban sprawl. The city has a surprising small town feel to it and, as with many midwestern cities, the traditional downtown area is under revitalization. |
| Fort Wayne Travel Tips: (1) You'll need a car to get around the city; (2) downtown Fort Wayne may someday be happening, but for now there's not much going on, (3) be sure to visit The Three Rivers festival if you're anywhere near the city in July; (4) and there are plenty county and state wilderness parks to visit in the area. |
Principle Trip Purpose: The opportunity to live and work abroad in Paris for 6 months presented itselt...so I went! I worked as a tour guide for Fat Tire Bike Tours / City Segway Tours. I met people from all over the world, had an amazing, fun job, traveled all over Europe, and actually lived one of Ernest Hemingway's famous quotes, "if you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." |
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| I had the opporunity to visit my friend in the Peace Corp over Thanksgiving. |
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| Principle Areas Visited Belgium: Brussels: Brussels is the capital of the European Union, and, as many of the locals tout, the capital of beer. As a government and economic hub, Brussels is working hard to be a major tourist hub in light of it’s proximity to more popular Paris and Amsterdam. Antwerp: The diamond capital of the world, Antwerp also boosts the second busiest seaport in all of Europe. Although central Antwerp is under revitalization, the city is still a hidden gem boosting plenty to do and see, a fantastic night life, and friendly people. Netherlands Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s world wide reputation of partying, sex, and drugs is frankly, well deserved. Most travelers to the city of course indulge in the Dutch culture of tolerance, but there are other things to do if one looks past the numerous coffee, sex, and food shops. Hungary Budapest: Quickly becoming the Paris of Central Europe, Budapest really is a happening place. Revitalization, growth, and westernization are synonymous with this beautiful city. The rise in tourism since the mid 1990’s has been tremendous, and most will find the city easy on the pocketbook. Czech Republic, Austria, & Slovakia: Brno, Vienna, & Bratislava: Brno is the Czech Republic’s second largest city and is more authentic Czech when compared to touristy Prague. Vienna is home of the famous Hapsburgs family, Sigmund Freud, and is one of Europe’s principle cities. Bratislava is laden with an off the beaten tourist path feel, and will impress any traveler with its bargain prices, good food, and friendly people. England Suburban London: Greenwich, Bexleyheath, & Ealing. Greenwich is a beautiful area just outside of London. It’s also a focal point of all time and space on Earth. Sounds eerie, but all time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and all places have latitude and a longitude based on the distance from the Greenwich Meridian. Bexleyheath is an affluent picturesque suburb that offers a nice mix between city and country life. Ealing is an unremarkable working class suburb. Oxford: An old university city located 2 hours north of London, Oxford is a popular day trip for London tourists. Although Oxford has a country-town feel at times, it is quickly becoming a cosmopolitan city and is home to growing high tech community. Germany Munich: Probably Germany’s most popular tourist destination, this Bavarian capital has it going on. With a beautiful central layout, Munich’s scenic gardens, diverse nightlife, and ample supply of inexpensive beer and bratwurst will leave an impression on any visitor. Cologne: The former capital of West Germany, Cologne is the principle city of Germany’s Rhineland. Although Cologne has 1 million people, the surrounding metropolitan area is one of Europe’s largest with 12 million. France Normandy Region: Ouistreham and Trouville Both of these northern France beach towns are located on the English Channel, and by their nature are touristy. Ouistreham is the site of Sword Beach, one of the 5 beaches stormed during 1944’s D-Day. Trouville is a picturesque fishing port with its share of seaside resorts. Strasbourg: Located on the border with Germany, Strasbourg is referred to as Brussels’ little brother due to the host of European agencies present. Strasbourg has a vibrant city center dotted with a German and medieval flair. Sweden Stockholm: The undisputed capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm is very cosmopolitan, clean, and expensive. Water covers one-third of the city area, which consists of 14 islands. Any warm weather will bring out extra friendliness from the locals. |
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Brussels: (1) The city is only 90 minutes from Paris and 150 minutes from Amsterdam via high speed train; (2) the beer menus can be intimidating; (3) be sure to visit Manneken Piss, the world famous peeing boy, and if you can find it, Yanika Piss, the not so famous peeing girl located at the end of a dark alley. Antwerp: (1) Antwerp is only 30 minutes from Brussels, yet it definitely has a different feel to it, including the language which is Flemish; (2) stay at the rather interesting yet comfy Boomerang Hostel-if you can find it; (3) whether it’s a party, bar, or club, nightlife reigns supreme for young people of the city. Netherlands Travel Tips Amsterdam: (1) Only soft drugs such as hash, marijuana, and shrooms are legal; (2) if you are looking for an insane time, Queen’s Day Weekend (Amsterdam’s version of Mardi Gras, is the time to go); (3) the city is relatively inexpensive for a major western European city; (4) with Amsterdam leading the way, the Netherlands has almost 1000 museums-the highest museum density in the world; (5) everyone rides bikes here, so rent one or take a tour with Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam. Hungary Travel Tips Budapest: (1) Get orientated by taking a bike or segway tour from Yellow Zebra Bike Tours or City Segway Tours; (2) be sure to visit one of the city’s many spas; (3) eat some authentic goulash; (4) be aware that the city is divided in two by the Danube River-one side is Buda and the other is Pest; (5) prepare for a city where the women look like models. Czech Republic, Austria, & Slovakia Travel Tips Brno, Vienna, & Bratislava: (Brno) Although an inexpensive hotel or hostel may be hard to find, the area near the main train station is worth an extended look; (Vienna) give the Wombat Hostel a look-it has a happening bar and plenty of travelers to mingle with; (Bratislava) don’t be turned away by the city’s sometimes rough look-it’s a hidden gem largely untouched by mass tourism. England Travel Tips Suburban London: (Greenwich): Be sure to visit the Royal Observatory and snag a photo at the focal point of all time and space on Earth; (Bexleyheath): check out the largest mall in the UK; (Ealing): take it easy here, since there’s not much going on. Oxford: (1) Hire a boat and go punting; (2) stroll around the ancient university-you’ll be sure to think of Harry Potter’s Hogwart’s School. Germany Travel Tips Munich: (1) Order a stein of beer at one of the many beer gardens and have a toast with your mates; (2) visit the English Garden-the largest city park in the world; (3) use public transportation since it’s a breeze; (4) English seems to be the first language here at times; (5) go on a bike tour with Mike’s Bike Tours Munich-the first of it’s kind that has been operating since 1995. Cologne: (1) Visit Cologne’s Cathedral-it’s one of the largest in the world; (2) take a walk along the Rhine River and drink a Kolsch (Cologne’s famous beer) at one of the many restaurants. France Travel Tips Ouistreham and Trouville: (1) Both of these areas are easily accessible from Paris; (2) go to the beach…you can’t miss it; (3) bring a date to either of these towns. Strasbourg: (1) Rent a bike and check out the city on your own; (2) the city is not bustling with activity, so enjoy it. Paris (revisited): Insider Travel Tips: (1) Starting at dusk, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour for the first 10 minutes (at 02:00, the backlights are turned off and only the sparkles light); (2) grab some bread, fromage, wine and friend and chill on the Le Pont des Arts (the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine River next to the Louvre) during a summer night; (3) places to go out…The Moose, The Highlander, and The Cavern in the 6th Arrondissement, (4) the metro closes between 12:30 and 01:15-likewise taxies are almost impossible to come by in busy areas during these times; (5) if you are a guy and your French is less than fluent, courting the local femmes will prove a momentus task (the same, however, does not apply to non-French speaking women seeking attention from the local French hommes). Sweden Stockholm: (1) Stockholm is a very popular summer destination since darkness takes 15 hours from a winter day; (2) public transportation is among the most expensive in Europe; (3) most native English speakers will be surprised how well the Swedes know the English language; (4) the Swedes are a good looking people; (5) 80’s music is popular. |
| Principle Areas Visited: Panama City: Visitors will be surprised on how much the city and country is connected to the United States. The official currency is the US dollar, a sizable portion of the city, known as the Canal Zone, was sovereign US territory until 2000, every major US company has business locations present, and Panama received ranks on par with the United States for tourist safety. Panama City is undoubtly the most developed, modern, and cosmopolitan city in all of Central America. The Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) and the colonial section of the city (Casco Viejo) are two must sees. David: Panama’s third largest city, David is only a 90 minute journey from the Costa Rican border. There’s not much going on in David as it is a regional commercial and processing center, not to mention a major stop over point for those arriving or departing to Costa Rica. Chica: Located in and around picturesque hillsides 90 minutes from Panama City, Chica is an emerging tourist destination for the nearby city dwellers. The town is small, friendly, clean, and uneventful. Cierra Punta: Located in the mountainous pristine jungles of northern Panama, Cierra Punta is a peaceful venue for exploring nature. It’s perhaps the coolest place in Panama, with lows in the mid 40’s. |
| Panama City Travel Tips: (1) You will be overcharged for something, especially for taxies. Case in point, ignore the sign at Tocumen International Airport that indicates it is $30 for up to 2 persons to travel to the city center-locals pay half that and if you are told otherwise, you are being lied to; (2) the Calle Uruguay area is the hot spot for restaurants, bars, and clubs; (3) Panama does have it’s own currency (in coins only) called the Balboa-it’s on par with the official US currency. David Travel Tips: (1) The city is well connected to Panama City by bus and plane; (2) the city does have a nightlife a stone’s throw from the bus terminal; (3) and don’t plan on staying for more than 2 days since there is nothing to do for tourists. Chica Travel Tips: (1) Public transportation to the town is a crowded mini-van found at a rest stop along a major highway; (2) consistent running water is a problem in the town; (3) be sure to visit Richard El Loco Gringo and his hilltop lodging. Cierra Punta Travel Tips: (1) The only lodging in this small town is Los Quetzales-it’s expensive by Panamanian standards, but worth it; (2) go for a hike in the nearby Volcan Baru National Park; (3) bring a jacket. |
Principle Trip Purpose: My friend Chris and I decided to visit our mutual friend Shanna who was in the Peace Corp in Panama. We attended the annual Peace Corp Thanksgiving feast, visited Shanna’s Peace Corp site, visited remote mountains and beaches, and played tourist in Panama City. |
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