Tocumen (Panama)

Day started off rainy, but by the time we were over Orlando, it was much nicer. It was hot, in fact, in Key West. Our trip down to Panama was nice - not much weather at all. Hazy, though, so we couldn't see much on the ground before reaching Tocumen airport. We saw the skyline of Ciudad de Balboa (Panama City) - some huge buildings! After completing our work, we took off into much nicer skies. I got to see the Panama Canal from the air today - north end. Could actually see the locks. Got back to Boca Chica around 2100L. After checking into my room at the NAS Key West Navy Gateway Inn, I got changed and then headed out for a little snack (2215).  After finding some food, I looked for a place called Kelly's in the old Pan Am building (a friend wanted me to pick up a t-shirt from there) - unfortunately, it closes at 2200... Despite the lateness, I continued walking around on Duval Street for awhile. When I finally found the rest of the group, they were at Sloppy Joes. It had been a good evening but I was tired - I ended up leaving before everyone else, although I got a drink at Fat Tuesdays for the walk back to the hotel.  Bedtime was well after midnight...

Tocumen (Panama)

I got a mission to Panama, today!  Departed Norfolk in the morning (flying with Traci M.) [and had an uneventful flight to Central America].  After we landed in Tocumen, we didn't much time in-country.  However, I did get to see some interesting sights from the air and the airport. It was amazing to see some tall buildings in Panama City - they were huge!  We departed Panama and headed north to Key West.  After landing at Boca Chica, we got a ride to the Fairfield Inn and Suites (by Marriott) on North Roosevelt Boulevard (checked in at 2155).  Once I was changed into some civilian clothes, I headed out with other members of the crew.  We started out on Duval Street and enjoyed a few clubs - my favorite place was Fat Tuesdays - they had good smoothies.  To be honest, though, the whole town was kind of dead. We just missed Fantasy Fest and I guess the locals were resting.  But the evening breezes were nice and I enjoyed the lack of crowds. Another nice night in paradise!