Decameron Resort August 25-29, 2014

The Martins end their mission near the end of October or beginning of November and they wanted to go to the Decameron Resort during maintenance, but didn't want to go alone, so Bjarnasons and us went along. We love the Martins! Hermana Martin, Celia, has become a cherished friend! President Martin, Andrés, has been very good at helping Jim progress in the temple. He's letting Jim officiate using audio phones. They are from Argentina and will be missed when they leave!!! 

This is a picture driving over the Bridge of the Americas. It was constructed in an attempt to have the PanAmerican highway connect North and South America, but there is still a gap near the border between Panama and Colombia. The ships go under this bridge when entering or leaving the Panama Canal. 

This picture shows some of the beach and the coastline in the distance. This is called Panama Bay, I believe. It is on the Pacific side. 

This picture shows some of the housing and part of one of several pools throughout the resort. We didn't know we'd be able to do stuff like this, so we had to buy shorts and bathing suits. 

This is a view from near the location of our rooms. At first I was disappointed that our rooms weren't overlooking the beach and ocean, but it was quieter up higher and it afforded exercise because there was a lot of food. 

Another poolside picture.

This is overlooking a small wading/kiddies pool and the fitness hut. 

This is one of the many staircases we had available to get to the beach. This one was right next to our building. Here is Jim with the Martins on the way to the beach. The Bjornasons usually used a ramp that went down to the beach. They saw about 6 bearded dragons and iguanas along the path one morning on their way back down to the beach. 

This is the bottom half of the stairs that Jim and the Martins were descending.

The landing near the bottom left corner of the picture is the upper part of the previous photo. Very long stairs!

A man would bring these horses to the beach. We saw a few people getting pictures taken on the horse. There's also the possibility that those who came to sell their wares came on the horse. 

These are some of the treasures I found on one of the many walks along the beach with Hermana Martin. I eventually found three beautiful conche shells, varying sizes. 

One afternoon we went kayaking with the Byarnasons and President Martin. The yellow kayaks are for two people and the green one is for a single person. 

This was my meal on the last night we were at Decameron. It was delicious! It was coconut prawns and mashed potatoes, plus a salad and dessert bar. Jim and I usually shared our meals, so I've already got some of his clams, shrimp and squid on my plate. 

This was a mural on one of the walls in one of the buffet restaurants, the Panamai. It represents some of the cultures around Panamar, Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo (two sections of Panama City from the 15th and 17th centuries), some of the flora and fauna, and the canal. 

I couldn't get this part of the mural into the previous picture. It shows the San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians (or Guna Indians, as they call themselves) who inhabit these islands. The islands are on the Caribbean side of the country. The temple president is going to take us there on Monday for our P Day. 

This picture is for Rachel. This couple were practicing the silks for the evening show. Grandpa and I felt so close to you while we were watching them practice. We are so proud of the many things you have accomplished! Rachel have you ever thought about writing up some of these accomplishments as Personal Progress goals? I think you'd surprise yourself at how many goals or projects you've already accomplished through gymnastics, circus and track. 

Driving back over the Bridge of the Americas on our way home. 

This is a cargo ship we saw getting led toward the Miraflores Lock.