Growing up the oldest of six children, exotic vacations were a rarity for my family. After my father’s job transfer moved us from New Orleans to Buffalo, our trips mainly consisted of visits back south to see grandparents. Post-marriage, my husband Jeff and our two sons relocated from Buffalo to Cleveland, then back to Buffalo, and finally to Detroit. Our vacations still revolved around family visits.
Once our sons were grown, Jeff and I ventured out on cruises, several to Caribbean cruises and one to Alaska—a journey we absolutely cherished. Then came Jeff’s health issues, which put our travel on hold for a decade.
Sadly, Jeff passed away in March 2023, but his last wish for me was to embrace life and explore the world. Honoring his memory, I embarked on a series of adventures in 2024, carrying his spirit with me every step of the way.
My journey began with a yoga retreat in February on the lush island of Bocas del Toro in Panama. In March, I found myself in Belize, enchanted by the island of Ambergris Caye. Central America also quickly captured my heart.
But it was Panama City, especially the historic and vibrant Casco Antiguo neighborhood, that left an indelible mark. Dating back to 1673, this charming area boasts vibrant plazas, picturesque brick-paved streets and colorful buildings. Once a battleground for Captain Henry Morgan and his pirates, Casco Antiguo is now a haven for history buffs.
The town square, Plaza de la Independencia, is home to the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City and the renowned Church of San Jose with its stunning golden altar. Don't miss the Museo del Canal (Panama Canal Museum) and the Museo de la Mola, which showcases the intricate textile art of the Guna indigenous people.
A stone’s throw from the town square lies the Central Hotel Panama, a nearly 150-year-old gem. With its unique French-influenced design, this was Panama’s first hotel, opening its doors in 1874. The magnificent lobby, where musicians serenade guests each evening, and the rooftop lounge and pool with their panoramic views of the city are both spectacular. The hotel's hot breakfast buffet was a delight, and the plethora of restaurants in Casco Viejo—the heart of Panama City's gastronomy scene—cater to all culinary cravings.
My love affair with Central America continued with a short flight from Panama City to the island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Nestled at the southern tip of Isla Colón in the Caribbean Sea, Bocas del Toro is a haven of pristine rainforests and breathtaking landscapes. Activities abound, from hiking, surfing and paddling to diving, sport fishing and biking.
The wildlife is a spectacle in itself, with monkeys, sloths, dolphins, dart frogs and a myriad of fish, surrounded by lush, almost surreal vegetation. Blessed with both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Bocas del Toro is a premier surfing destination in Central America.
Our yoga retreat at the Island Plantation, a quaint Bali-style eco-resort on Bluff Beach, was pure bliss. Surrounded by tropical gardens, a serene swimming pool and the BomBom Beach Club, the resort offered barefoot luxury at its finest. The yoga shala and outdoor spa were divine, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Side trips included tours of cacao farms, water taxi rides to Dolphin Bay, and snorkeling at Starfish Beach and Zapatillas Island. The crystal-clear waters and rich history, including rumored tales of Pablo Escobar and Manuel Noriega, made each excursion thrilling.
Panama City and Bocas del Toro offer an exquisite blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making them ideal for a yoga retreat, honeymoon or a tranquil escape.
This trip was only the beginning of my new relationship with travel. And wherever I go next, Jeff's words will resonate within me: to enjoy life and embrace the world. In a way, he's still my traveling companion. I cherish carrying his memory with me as I find solace and joy in the exquisite beauty of new experiences.
"Jeff's last conversations were telling me to enjoy life and travel. So that's what I've been doing this year, taking his memory with me everywhere I go."
"As I continue my travels, Jeff's words resonate within me: to enjoy life and embrace the world. With each journey, I carry his memory, finding solace and joy in the magical beauty of new experiences."