On Sunday the 10th I got up and caught a launcha back to the port, then the jeep back to the city and I made it back to Ramon's apartment. I was actually leaving Panama on the 12th to fly to Zurich, Switzerland for a job interview. What can I say, an opportunity came up that I didn't think I could pass up.
So Monday I went and picked up my suit. You see, all of my work clothes are in London and I needed something to wear for the interview. I had gone to La Fortuna to get a suit made. It cost about as much as a normal one and fit way better. La Fortuna was started by the self proclaimed tailor of Panama, who passed away a few years ago. The store still has photos and notes from Pierce Brosnan and other celebrities and has also made clothes for various political figures including Fidel Castro. Anyways since all of my things were in London, I had to buy everything, suit, socks, shoes, shirt and tie. Good times.
Monday night we had a little get together at Ica and Guillermo's where most everyone came by. It was good to see everyone one last time before I headed off. Seeing them again (some for the first time) has been great. They have all been to generous and accommodating with my visit. Its hard to say or explain but it really has meant a lot to me. I promise not to wait another 9 years before I go back down to Panama to visit.
Tuesday afternoon I went to the airport to make my evening flight. I was flying to Zurich via Amsterdam on KLM. Its a nice little 10 1/2 hour flight over to Amsterdam, then a couple of hours wait to catch a connection down to Zurich. They had arranged a taxi for me to the village of Zug (where I was actually going) which was about an hour away. I checked into a rather posh boutique hotel then went out to get dinner. The two things that really hit me hard were its was cold, really cold and everything was so expensive!
They took me from the hotel to the office for the interview. After a few hours it was time to go back to the airport. I think I spent a grand total of 22 hours or so in Switzerland. It was back to London to sort a few things out (travel plans, insurance claims, taxes....)
So I guess this actually ends this part of the trip. South america has been amazing. I saw so many awesome things and meet tons of great people. Seeing my family was, as always great too. I hope to get back and see some people and places again, who knows when but I am sure I will.
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