Ben and I woke up super early this morning to the catch the 5:30am bus back into Panama City. It was rough, but saved us $38.00, thanks to sites like https://www.inertiatours.com/panama-city-spring-break-2/ (read: worth it).
When we got to the transportation terminal we stopped to grab breakfast. I’m kinda sick of empanadas and was craving an egg sandwich. Luckily, there was a Subway there! They actually make the eggs for your sandwich right there! No egg patties in Panama!
But, the cooking process took so long (she could only make one six inch at a time?) that we had to take them to go.
I ate at the next stop – the boat dock!
Ben and I took a ferry to Taboga Island. It’s not too far from Panama City and took about 40 minutes by boat.
A dog took the ferry too. He might have been the captain, things are very informal here. 
Once we were back on dry land we put our stuff down at our cute little B&B – Cerrito Tropical.
Then, we changed into bathing suits and headed to the beach.
Wait. First we needed a snack – fresh ceviche.
Okay, now we can swim with the ceviches fishes.
Yes, I find pictures of girls in bikinis tacky. And I realize I am Monica “tacky” Olivas right now.
But this is my blog and I need to preserve the memory of this before it all goes to shit. Plus, it’s good to compare the difference year to year and see if I’m letting it go just yet (since I’m an old married woman with no shame about begging for chocolate cake – see below).
Ben and I relaxed in the water for a while before laying on our towels. Then, I did something that I’ve never done before on a beach. I can’t believe I did this…
I took a nap! Ah! So not my style, but I guess I am slowly learning how to relax 🙂
We woke up just in time to realize the tide was coming in FAST! The sandbar we were sleeping on was actually under water within 15 minutes.
We watched from an old hut.
Ben thought it was the coolest thing.
Monica thought she should start selling lessons on ‘how to suck it in’ as she is obviously the world’s most renowned expert. Trust me.
We walked back on the island’s one road in search of food.
This place was mentioned in our Lonely Planet book, so we wanted to give it a whirl. 
It was AMAZING seafood. Amazing.
I ate my food and then attacked Ben’s whole fried fish. Growing up in a Mexican area mojarra frita is no biggie to me. He didn’t really know how to attack it like I did.
I’m not sure if it was dead before we were served it, because I killed this thing!
The only teeny tiny negative was that the “Coco Loco” didn’t have alcohol?! It was just a virgin pina colada in a coconut.
After lunch we headed back to the hotel for showers and relaxing. They have a really nice indoor and outdoor communal area.
Then, it was time for dinner. I love how vacations seem to have so much good food!
We ended up at a Chinese style place that was packed with locals. If they trust it, I will too.
Dinner was good, but I have been on a mission for chocolate since yesterday. Luckily, I spotted the chef at our hotel before he closed the kitchen. I am shameless, and basically had to go to the door and beg for a piece of chocolate cake. The shame was worth it.
I think we’re grabbing another early ferry tomorrow morning! See ya later 🙂
Question: Do you have a secret talent? What is a talent you would like to learn that other people do well?
I want to learn how to skip dessert. That would be something. Also, I want to learn how to chill out.
That trip looks like it was so much fun, and it appears you found some good eats! Seeing that whole fried fish cracks me up because a couple months ago I went to a little restaurant and ordered whole fried flounder.
I don’t know what I was expecting because it was called WHOLE flounder but I was not expecting to see the face and fins! But like you, I did a really good job eating the entire thing despite my surprise!
Beautiful pictures! You look amazing!
You look SO great. lady! Own it!
& I’m loving that you got Chinese food while in Panama…sometimes you just need to switch it up!
You look really wonderful. You should be proud of your body!
You are rockin that swimsuit – and its super cute might I add! And no alcohol in the coco loco? How do you get loco then?
lol, I thought the “never before done thing on the beach” was that you took your top off; but napping is just as fun!
Work it girl you look awesome! 🙂 Looks like your having a blast!
Girl first off, Im glad you guys are having such a wonderful trip!
Second, I am loving the recaps, and the dessert looks awesome!
Last, you ROCK that bikini! Not tacky at all to have a bikini pic, its YOUR blog and you can post what you want, and you look amazing!
You look awesome!! Your vacation sounds like so much fun & the food looks great. I’d be scared of that fish honestly though! 😀 I don’t think I have a hidden talent, I wish I did. I used to play the flute though and I was actually really good. Does that count? hah
Yes, that counts 🙂
I love armchair traveling through you! And I totally agree with your mentality – if the locals love it and trust, then it’s good enough for me! (and probably super delicious)
Hi Monica! I love reading about your trip. I realize I left my last comment on the wrong post (one of your guest posts), but basically it said that I’ve wanted to visit Panama for awhile and your posts are a nice preview. I have a quick question though – I noticed that you’ve visited several American chains. Is that b/c you feel like you know what to expect or is are there just tons of American chains in general?
I visited Dunkin Donuts because I LOVE them where ever I am.
I visited Subway because that was the only option besides empanadas in the terminal and I’m not the biggest fan of them.
I do try to eat local foods when I’m traveling, those were really just exceptions based on the circumstances.
But yes, there are a lot of American chains in Panama City.
Secret talent? Squirrel voice. It is exactly what you think it is.
You look fab 🙂
Monica you seriously look amazing! You guys are so cute, have fun!!
You rocked that bikini and I’m so jealous!!!!
That cake is making my mouth water just looking at it!
All your photos look amazing!!!
Work it Tacky Olivas!!! If you got it flaunt it! And mostly just so that you can look back at it and be reminded of how you were that ish!
You look great, Monica! AND OMG that cake. I would’ve begged for that too!!
Thanks Krissy 🙂