Arriving in Panama City

After arriving in Panama yesterday morning without my backpack, I showered three times, washed the only clothes I have (for now) twice, and then bought a pair of thin pants and flip flops in the evening. My backpack was supposed to be delivered to me by 10 AM today. Now it's 10:30 AM. Central American Time? I better get used to it. If it wasn't for all my stuff and if I just wanted to get going, it wouldn't bother me so much. Anyway, time to plan and write down the next steps.

The journey yesterday was overall okay. However, United is a stupid airline. Extremely tight seats for long flights, terrible food, a crew that is always unmotivated, and not even earplugs, sleep mask, and toothbrush for an overnight flight. You notice the latter even more when you are not allowed to pick up your own along with your luggage.

The five hours from Newark to Panama City were quite turbulent. Thanks to a small dose of diazepam, I was able to sleep in fifteen-minute intervals despite the bumpy flight. From the moment the light in the plane was turned on an hour before landing, the turbulence stopped abruptly. Very strange.

After it became clear that my backpack wanted to stay in Newark for longer than me, I left the airport building shortly after sunrise and made my way to the public bus. There, I had a great first impression with Panamanians. I was standing somewhat lost at the bus stop in the wrong direction. A guy asked me where I wanted to go and showed me the way to the right bus stop. Next nice experience: you actually need prepaid cards to use public transportation. Since I didn't have one and wanted to pay in cash, the bus driver just told me I could ride anyway.

In the bus, I met Steven from Ireland and we exchanged numbers for later.

When I arrived at Posada 1914 hostel, I was able to check into my really cozy single room at 9 AM. The hostel is super cute and the staff is incredibly nice and helpful. First things first, food, shower, wash clothes, and then naked for a nap in bed.