Almost there

Took a bus to Panama last week. When they said it was an 18 hours bus ride in each direction, I didn't care that much since I knew I always have my podcasts with me. Well, on the way there I didn't even listened to them - met on the bus Assaf Engelstein from Haifa, a 32 years old mom to 6 with her cute creol kid, and a future doctor from Panama. Time just flied... Later I got a couple of mails from Assaf, apparently he got a couple of marriage proposals in Panama and Colombia... hehehe...
Panama was stunning. Beautiful skyscrappers right on the prettiest beach line I have ever seen with tens of ships waiting calmly in line to pass through the canal. The prettiest chicken buses and nicest night life. Photos will be coming soon... Rosa's family's hospitality was awesom. Had the best time over there, got a glimpse of the Jewish youth life (looks like they have a real good time...), and even learned to play some poker (it's about time... :).
The bus back wasn't as fun, though. Although it didn't rain outside, the airco decided that inside we can still get wet, so we covered ourselves with our coats from the 'rain' - which made everything clumsy and sticky. Both the Panamenian side and the Costa Rican side decided they want to independently check each and every bag on the bus (by hand of course, x-ray would make it too fast). The Panamenian side even put us in a room that smelled of dogs, and got our bagage sniffed by one. I didn't care that much, but the 83 years old american that stood by me looked quite pissed. And it would make it much too efficient to put signs of where you have to go or explain anything to anyone about what is going on - so it took us 3 (hot) hours just to pass the border. Gosh. Finally, we arrived to San Jose at 3 oclock in the morning (great hour for this city). On the next 48 hours I was so sick that I think I slept more than 36 hours out of them. Laura was very nice to take care of me the whole time. Toda Leita :) But at least the sleep sped my recovery up - in 2 days I was back on my feet for a souvenieer shopping spree.
I'm now 2 hours before my trip back home begins, so the countdown to my arrival begins.

To all of you in Israel - see you soon,
To all of you abroad - when are you coming to Israel already?
Adios for now,
Eitan.