Jan Trabandt Travel Blog » Panama

Chile: in Avianca lounge at SCL airport

JT — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:22:14 +0000

After almost 3.5 hours sleep with 3:55 alarm, a 25 minute taxi ride and no lines at exit immigration and security, I can relax for a few minutes.

Not making a cappuccino though, I want to sleep in my Copa biz seat to Panama, where I’ll pop into town on my 6 hour layover.

Interesting that they have brownies out at this hour (they are still setting up the buffet… Highlights inc ham & cheese croissant and a panini press, strawberries and pineapple wedges, and smoked salmon)

And I just noticed an overabundance of power outlets on the bench seats

Late meals on Copa

JT — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 18:31:16 +0000

After a snack, it wasn’t until 22:00 Santiago time (20:00 Panama time) that dinner was served.

Initial snack

Soup and salad

Fish (other choice from printed menu was beef)

Dessert – another evil custom sundae

Just past Miami, and Cuba

JT — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:42:15 +0000

Though I don’t see Key West not the highway leading there.
Looking good forward to even better views in French Polynesia this fall!

I believe this idea Cuba’s northern coast:

Spoiled in biz… even though old school barcalounger

JT — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:41:37 +0000

Expecting even better on next Copa leg on newer 738 config with AVOD and power, and 50″ of leg room (adjustable seat with foot rest).

Good thing I ate a snack in the lounge as watched the whole movie “Spare Parts” (wow based on true story, AZ community college team beats MIT team in underwater robotics competition 3 years in a row) before lunch was served.

As wet were serving lunch, I had to run into the washroom (restroom? WC?) with my water bottle to flush my right eye with water as I had some sand from last night’s beach volleyball irritating it. Ouch.

Tasty, but weirdest appetizer yet: one shrimp on mashed potatoes. WTF?

Lunch: pork witty messy couscous. Not sure what the greens were, tasted like bad seaweed

I chose the tasty (coconut) cheesecake for dessert.

Woah, can I have some coffee with that Bailey’s? (for the record, I ordered coffee with Bailey’s)

Off to Santiago, Chile

JT — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:25:17 +0000

Weather app has been confusing.
Range of 10 – 25 C but this morning it was 1 C.
I’m going to miss the longest day of the year for their shortest day.

In the nicer intl AC Maple Leaf Lounge, with both legs upgraded today

Coming next Friday… a few days in Santiago, Chile!

Jan — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:40:38 +0000

Flying Copa airlines with a 6.5 hour stop in Panama on the return flight for a quick trip into town to check out their new subway (the first in Central America!) that opened last year.

Will be in Santiago, plus a day trip to Valparaiso on the coast.

Copa biz meal

JT — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:09:27 +0000

Not sure there was any protein in this veg meal I pre-ordered, but the ice cream sundae was tasty!

Panamá: on my way back

JT — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:59:44 +0000

Interesting chat with a UN World Bank worker (light blue UN passport) from Alsace, who speaks 6 languages.

Was upgraded on each leg.. Just before boarding, the guy behind me (a Silver status) was asking if he got upgraded but alas, it was not robe for him.

Disappointing ground beef empanada like thing for lunch on the plane:

Ships outside Panama City:

You can just make out the highway over the water going good around Cacao Antiquo

Lots of skyscrapers

And a wide low tide line

Guyana: they aren’t that short

JT — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 13:46:50 +0000

This washroom door handle is just above my knee…

On the flight here from Panama, I said the flight attendant in biz that it looked pretty empty in back, to which replied “no, it’s pretty full, they’re just short.” (he was Panamanian, since Copa is based there; and he was right)

Speaking of biz I finally received my last upgrade for tomorrow, oh happy days

Panama: nice electrical wiring

JT — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:46:46 +0000

Wires going through the steel bunk bed frame, with connector caps out in the open, at my hostel in Panama.