arrive in Panama

So I am here now in Panama. I got in about 245pm local time. I believe Panama is three hours ahead of CA. The flight itself, well both flights werent bad at all. I flew from Sacto to Houston, hung out for about 3 hours, took a nap, wrote a letter, and then got back on a plane for four hours into panama city. I was able to take a nap, and feeling pretty good. I got my gear, and got through customs, and found Aaron, there waiting for me. We got a cab, and made our way to the hostel. I thought I could speak decent spanish, get by I used to say. I could get by with my spanish. Apparently Aaron has been making good use of his time in south america over the last few months because his spanish is much better than mine. He was giving directions, and negotiating rates, and everything. It was pretty impressive. aaron and I are bullshitting along the way, and both in disbelief that I am actually in Panama, and we're about to do this ride. Aaron, as I've mentioned has been traveling the world for 15-16 months, and has only saw two other familiar faces over the course of the year. For me, I am still in disbelief that I am donig this trip.
On my way to the airport last night, I was driving, nad I look over to my dad and confess to him, "I really have no idea what I've gotten myself into" hahaha. Then to top it off, Aaron informs me in the car on the way to the hostel that we're staying at, that on day four, one of our longer rides, we have to climb to an elevation of over 3000 above sea level AND according to his book, it is steep, and sharp. I was like WHAT hahaha. I couldnt believe it. We both got a big kick out of that, and neither one of us was the least bit deterred. Its funny, because in the brief conversation that I have had with Aaron since I have arrived, we are both totally on the same page about the trip. Yes its gonna be hard, yes some shit could happen that is going to suck, yes it could be quite dangerous, but neither one of us is going ot be deterred. We're both in the mind set that it will be fine, that things will work themselves out, and that the adventure will be far superior as a whole than any of the obstacles we'll have to over come.
The hostel we're stayin at is run by some kids from Orinda. It is a great place. Its kind of on the edge of this grungy, ghetto'y part of town, but the place itself is sweet. Reminds me of some sort of co-op in Berkeley. Lots of art on the walls and people from all walks fo life. Traveling life is much different than the "regular" world. Its a different midn set I guess. Anyway, we're going out to some Brazilian Jazz party tonight, and to the Canal tomorrow. I'll try and get some photos up soon. They dont tallow it here at the hostel.
MT