A Birthday to Remember in Panama City

In December 2025, my sister Denise and her church sister Lorraine arrived in Panama City to celebrate Denise’s birthday—and what a celebration it turned out to be! It was their very first visit to Panama, and from the moment they arrived, it was clear they were in for something special. Since they landed in the evening, we kept things light and allowed them to rest before kicking off the festivities the next morning.

🥐 Breakfast & A Beautiful Start

We began our first full day together with breakfast at Paul’s Bakery, located inside Multiplaza Mall. Over coffee and pastries, I explained to Denise and Lorraine how I mapped out the day ahead—one filled with exploration, culture, and amazing views.

🌊 Touring the Best of Panama City

Our day started with a tour of Panama City, beginning with the stunning Amador Causeway. Driving along the vibrant blue waters, we made several stops for photos—especially by the iconic Panama sign and along the scenic waterfront.

🚢 The Panama Canal Experience

Next, we made our way to the world-famous Panama Canal. We listened to the history of the canal, narrated by Morgan Freeman, before heading out to witness a ship passing through. No matter how many times I visit the canal, it never gets old. Each experience feels just as exciting as the first—and seeing it through Denise and Lorraine’s eyes made it even more special.

⛪ Christmas in Casco Viejo

From there, we headed to the historic district of Casco Viejo, where we visited the breathtaking Iglesia de San José. The entire area was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and carolers were singing holiday songs on stage in the square, creating a wonderful atmosphere as we strolled through the charming streets. We ended our time there with a quick, delicious bite at one of my favorite casual Italian spots.

As we continued walking along the waterfront, we stumbled upon a live parade—completely unexpected and absolutely delightful!

💅 A Week of Celebration & Sisterhood

Denise and Lorraine stayed for a full week, and the celebration didn’t stop there.

We had a special ladies’ day that included:

• A relaxing mani/pedi

• A luxurious head and body spa experience

• A surprise birthday moment with cake, champagne, and the staff singing Happy Birthday

It truly doesn’t get better than that.

Denise, Lorraine, and I also enjoyed a coffee and tea tasting experience, which made Denise’s first visit to Panama even more meaningful.

And Lorraine? She was so inspired by the trip that she wrote a beautiful poem capturing her experience. 👉 Read it here: https://idtravelers.com/first-impressions-by-lorraine

🥂 The Grand Birthday Finale

The celebration culminated on December 12 with a birthday brunch that brought everyone together—Wayne, my husband, along with friends and loved ones.

It was a perfect ending to a meaningful week.

This trip held even deeper significance, as it was the first time my sister and I had seen each other since our brother's passing. Being able to celebrate life, love, and family in such a beautiful place made it all the more special.

✈️ Until Next Time…

As all good things must, this visit came to an end. We said our “see you later” (or ciao for now) as Denise and Lorraine prepared to return to New York City, while Wayne and I prepared for our next adventure to Chile.

💬 Let’s Talk Travel

Have you ever celebrated your birthday in another country?
How was your experience? We’d love to hear your story!

🌎 Next Stop: Chile

Alright now… it’s time to board that plane to Chile.

Come along as we share our first impressions of arriving late in the evening in Chile, just before embarking on our next journey with Viking Cruise Line through South America.

Stay tuned… the adventure continues. ✨

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