Panama city, Panama.

Another city, more great places to see. 

We went to Panama city only for the weekend, and I wish I could go back for more days so I can visit other cities. 

During our first day, we took a taxi to go to Casco Antiguo, the old downtown. Although, it looks like its houses are getting fixed and improve, it's a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the history. In there, we visited San Jose Church, where you can appreciate a very big and antique gold altar in it. 

After San Jose Church, we took a walk by a long path by the Plaza de Francia (France Square) and in front of the bay, only for pedestrians from where you can see the beautiful Causeway Amador and part of Punta Paitilla, where part of the modern city is located. We also took the opportunity to get some souvenirs hand made by Panamanians. 

At the Casco Antiguo you can also find the Presidential House, Bolivar Square, the Cathedral, museums as the Panama History museum, theaters and lots of colonial history to walk by its streets. 

Another place where you can take a long walk and enjoy the nice weather, maybe ride a bike or capture beautiful pictures of the bay, it's at the Balboa Avenue. A long (and very new) way with a marine, parking spaces and gorgeous view to the sea and surrenders. 

We also went by taxi to the Causeway Amador. There, you can enjoy an afternoon at one of the many restaurants of the area. There's also a marine and various stores.

By the way, I found it very easy to catch a taxi anywhere. Just be careful with the rates, since they can tell you different prices, but still very affordable. 

Naturally, you cannot miss to visit the world famous Panama Canal. It's amazing to see how great it all works after 100 years. To know the whole history behind it, thanks to the museum and a video (they play it every 15 minutes both in English and Spanish). At the museum, they also have a small but nice aquarium. There's also a restaurant and a cafeteria where, at both places, you can enjoy a view to the ships passing through the Miraflores locks. Besides, while you are anywhere outside of the place, either at the top roof or at the main floor, a tour guide will tell you (both in English and Spanish) stories and history about the canal and how the locks work. And everybody at the place will treat you as a V.I.P for sure!

After doing some shopping and getting to know Panama City, we spent half day at the beach side of the country. This time (hopefully we'll be coming back soon for more), we went to Santa Clara. Located at the west to Panama City. We visited one of the beaches, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant located at the sand and with a wonderful view of the beach. They will charge you about $5 (or less) per person to get inside the beach. Clear water and white sand, but use protection because the sun might be very strong. 

Don't miss AT29 video about Panama and our trip! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com (soon) and remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

South Florida

South Florida... my 2nd home... There's always something to do! From Miami Beach to Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale.

Take a walk by the famous street in South Beach (known by locals as SoBe): Ocean Dr. You will feel as walking at one of the Hollywood films (Scarface, The birdcage, Bad Boys, There's something about Mary...) Exotic cars, famous restaurants, Deco style hotels, stores open until 2am (some of them) and the most gorgeous and sexy people from around the globe in one place! If you're lucky enough, you might even walk into a celebrity or through a film set! How many have I seen?! Or take a picture next to Casablanca's car and Humphrey Bogart.

In South Beach, Collins and Washington Av. are very well known by its stores plus the awesome nightlife. You can find lots of restaurants, pubs, variety of night clubs as Mansion where you might even party with Paris Hilton, Matt Damon or Vin Diesel!

SoBe is so sexy and HOT that there's a World Erotic Art Museum in Washington Av.

Close to the South Miami Beach, in Downtown Miami take a walk at Bayside, a shopping mall, there's always a show at night by the marina. Remember Will Smith's video 'Miami' at the end of the song? There are restaurants, stores and bars in front of the bay. At Bayside, you can also enjoy a tour that'll take you to where celebrities live and around the famous canals, by the day or night. A very tourist spot!

Miami, melting pot of culture as I call it, you can find diverse restaurants where you can experience a latin breakfast, an Italian lunch and then a Greek dinner. All in one city, authentic Mexican, Spanish, Venezuelan, French, Turkish, Brazilian cuisine. You want it, you'll find it. 

Family time? Visit Miami Sea Aquarium in Key Biscayne or Miami Metro Zoo to the South by the US1.


Ft. Lauderdale is part of South Florida, another beautiful city to visit. If feel like driving while getting to know the area, I love going from South Beach driving north by A1A to Dania Beach. Gorgeous beaches along the way, stores, malls, and lots of bridges with a great view for amazing pictures. So roll the windows down and enjoy the time!

Live it up few hours by the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and across the street you'll find restaurants and stores. Then, get dress for the night and have dinner at Las Olas Blvd at any of the restaurants in the area. Very romantic too!

Only few minutes by car from Ft. Lauderdale beach, visit the Hard Rock Cafe & Casino in Hollywood. More than 20 restaurants, night clubs, bars and stores open until late.

Don't forget to get to know more about the Seminoles! From Miami, take the famous Calle 8 and go north until you reach to the Everglades. They have different spots where you can take a ride on an Air Boat, listen to the stories of the area, watch an alligator show and get to know more about their history!

And remember to keep clean the city and respect the nature. Also, check out Acceso Total 29's video about Miami Beach, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale (last 2, in Spanish only)

Road trip: Atlanta...

My long day, Sat August 9th...

Waking up at 6am to drive from Miami to Atlanta! Around 7am we were on the road, and I couldn't drive as I do (80-85MPH :) yeah I drive fast) cuz a weekend ago I've got my 1st ticket, 15 mph over the limit (oops) and everytime I hit 75 my parents went mad. lol but I'm a good driver! I love to drive! :)

Half the way, already bored. It's all straight, keeping the same speed, trees, farms.... that's all I saw.

Around 8pm we arrived at Atlanta, Georgia! Yei! But we didn't make reservation whatsoever :) We took a look at 3 different hotels and decided to stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn (1501 Lake Hearn dr.) Of course, Hilton means GREAT service. Good price for a great place. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, bar, free Internet, parking lot and what I loved the most free cookies and coffee at the lobby lol
1st day we went to Down Town.

Our 1st visit in Down Town, the Aquarium. I think if you buy the ticket over the Internet, it's cheaper. And I think it's better to go by the afternoon since there are less people, specially if it's a Sunday as we went. The line was long that morning to get in! But it's a MUST see while in Atlanta. 

Then we walked to CNN. Every 30 minutes or so, there is a tour for an hour inside the CNN studios and you get to ride the longest and highest escalator that will take you up in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. It was fun and you get to know more about the most famous news network in the world.

Close to CNN and the Aquarium, there's the Coke museum. We didn't get inside but it looks like fun.

Tomorrow we'll be going to the Martin Luther King Jr. center.