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Lucille and i could not be more pleased with our family trip to Panama. It was an event of a lifetime and we thank you for your care in planning. There were smiles and wows everywhere we went. Each day was a treasure. Our guide, Emilie, was just perfect and "a-one". She wore her Condor shirt each day. She won the hearts and hugs of our family.
The grandchildren took in everything. They enjoyed the ride to Portobello and the history there. Cate danced at Tinajas. We spent hours around the pool just being a family (with a few Panama beers). Yes, I showed them all of my homes, schools, and places that made me what I am today.
The arts-crafts store was a big hit. It seems everyone bought something of interest. The last day we went to the new mall at Albrook. It was a madhouse with so many people out Christmas shopping. Old Central Ave was also crowded.
In the family photo, here are the folks--L to R: Nash Gorham, Marilee Gorham, Brad Cacciatore, Cate Cacciatore, Chris John Cacciatore, Chris Cacciatore, Laura Cacciatore, Mark Bevington, Kieko Bevington, Scott Gorham, and Marshall Gorham kneeling. Our children are Marilee, Mark, and Laura. I took the picture.
The Cacciatores had rooms on the first floor as did Mark and Keiko. Lu and I had third floor. Gorhams were place on ground floor in a room without a view. We made our wishes known that this was not acceptable and next day the Gorhams moved up to the third floor with a great view. You do not fool around with our Marilee.
Oh, on the Atlantic side, we had lunch at the Melia and not in Portobello. Emilie said lunch at PB was not on her list. This was ok. The family was impressed with the Melia.
Mark took over 600 pics and I took around 100. Mark had his laptop with him and each day downloaded his images and we could see the day just spent.
It was so satisfying for me to have all of us sit down to a meal. They knew that I would give some speeches and I did, however, they were not lengthy. At times, the group sensed my emotional state when describing a place or event. Our bus was just perfect. I sat up front all the time so Emilie and I could agree on where to go. I can't say enough about how we all appreciated Emilie. There was more than just one person teary-eyed when we parted.
Keiko feel in love with Gamboa Resort. Monkeys coming so close put thrills in the younger ones. Emilie's history lessons fit in very nicely. We spent time with the new museums in Panama City. Napoli was a hit and lunch at Nikos was also. We experienced two big rain storms which impressed the group.
I have added some thoughts to what I wrote previously.
With appreciation,
Boyd http://web.mac.com/boydbevington
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Dear June and Steve,
Just want to thank you for the trip you put together for the class of '54. It was quite memorable and Janice and I will remember it the rest of our lives. Just wish it had been longer. We returned home to more snow today and coooold temperatures. We are only supposed to get 3 to 4 inches this time.
Thanks again.
Bruce and Janice |
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My recent class reunion was well planned and so efficiently run by Condor outfitters. The guide, Connie, really knew the history of Panama and made it so interesting. We went on a partial transit of the canal and we went several places that had wonderful food,also saw a Panamaian dance group along with dinner. Our hotel was in the heart of Panama City and was excellent--including a great breakfast each morning. So, if you a thinking of going to Panama,call Condor Outfitters and they will plan a wonderful trip for you.
Dawn Gressang |
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I wish to express my appriciation to Condor Outfitters,especially Lori Snow. My husband Randy and I have used Condor Outfitters services over the past 4 years. We have taken two large groups (over 20) to Panama twice and Lori has done everything for us. She is so helpful and full of great advice.. This coming June Lori is planning my high school class reunion trip to panama, There again ,she has set everything up for us....Tours, buses ,restaurants, etc. i just want to take this time to thank you all at Condor Outfitters FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!!
Sincerely, JoElla S. Deakins |
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Hi Lori, I wanted to let you know how fantastic our Peru trip was. You covered everything we needed to see in Peru. I love the country and would like to go back someday.The condor people in Peru was wonderful to us. They made sure we got to where we need to be and were on time. They were very informative. We had a great time.
Thanks again!
Judie |
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Good Afternoon Lori,
Sorry for the delay but I have been swamped since I returned to work.
Instead of your questionnaire I can answer your questions here.
Our trip was great and the hotel, rental car, Canopy Adventure, and trip to the San Blas all went smoothly. I would highly recommend the Country Inn and Suites at Amador as the room was very comfortable and the view breath taking. Pictures that we took from out hotel window friends here thought looked like postcards.
Our local hang outs had changed a lot since we last went there...over 27 years ago but the trip was still exciting, fun, and with lots of adventure.
Our main goal was to go see relatives down there but the Canopy Adventure was really great. Skip Burger, our guide, and his wife, Jill, were most courteous and I would highly recommend them. My sister, son and I had a blast with the canopy trip. Skip also took us to Portobello and then to lunch at the old Cristobal Yacht Club as extra.
The accommodations on the San Blas Island was just fine. There are about 10-12 huts with two twin beds in each, a building with showers/bathrooms, a building to sit down and eat our meals (lobster for lunch and King crab for dinner, freshly caught), a bar and a kitchen.
Hammocks were put out tied to the palm trees which made it really relaxing. After snorkeling for a couple hours, unfortunately it rained for several hours. However, we still were able to go visit Rio Sidra where the Kuna Indians lived. They did not have as many goods to sell as I remembered. In fact, there were more items to buy at what used to be the YMCA in Balboa. A Kuna Indian found out that my son, 20 years old, did not presently have a girlfriend so she offered her daughter up to marry him...the girl looked about 12 years old!! He would go to jail here in the States. It was a good adventure for Ryan considering it was his first time overseas. The guide, Maurice, was most helpful and informative.
I would highly recommend Condor Outfitters, Inc. to anybody so you can use my name as a reference. I don't have any friends traveling at this time or the near future. However, I am looking at going to either St Thomas, the Bahamas or Cancun next year.
Thanks again,
Kathy |
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Lori & Sue:
We can not adequately express how happy we are with our recent trip! Everything exceeded our expectations. Frankly, we cannot believe that you allowed the trip to proceed with but one couple. But . . . it made it wonderful for us in that it gave us total flexibility! In a few instances, we were able to tailor the day's activities to our needs. This enabled us to visit places that were very meaningful to us; places that we remembered from years past when we lived in the Zone.
A special note regarding Recontur! They were superb! We were particularly impressed with Mr. Melvyn Oller. We spent three full days with him - what a blessing! Recontur has a mighty fine asset in Mr. Oller. I hope that Recontur appreciates how fine a guide he is!
Finally, the accommodations were magnificent! Especially, the suites at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and the Coronado Resort. If you accommodate all your guests this way, we don't understand how you make a profit!
Once again, thank you for providing my wife and I a wonderful experience. Condor Outfitters can count on our recommendation!
Jim & Mary McGough |
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Well we're back from our great Panama adventure and had an awesome time. I don't have time right now to write a lengthy email of feedback, but here's a short summary:
- Panama Canal Transit - Must do and interesting
- Decameron - screwed up the bed types requested - but enjoyable resort. 1/2 a week was plenty of time to enjoy - disco was mainly for the young, so not a lot of things to do in the evening. Food was OK - not great, not bad. Wine was undrinkable. Guy who greated us (Roberto), was excellent. Beach massage was to die for.
- El Valle - awesome views and great marketplace - tell people there is a large air conditioned shop right next to the market that takes credit cards; Everyone enjoyed the excursion.
- Barro Colorado - very interesting; a worthwhile educational experience.
- Embero Indian Village - awesome!!! we really enjoyed it BUT you need to tell people that during the rainy season, the hike to the waterfall was quite treacherous. Much more dangerous than the Barro Colorado hike. Treks through the mud, through streams, up and down slippery rocks. Elderly should not attempt. My in-laws who are very physically capable and without foot/leg problems. My mother-in-law fell twice. The local Indian guides were very helpful and assisted us as much as possible.
- Snorkeling in the rainy season was a waste - they could not see a thing. The ride to Portobello was too long, but they enjoyed seeing a different view of Panama. The zip line was a big hit.
- Deep Sea Fishing was awesome. Caught a 63 lb rooster fish along with mahi mahi. Mitch's gang (charter) was fantastic and we would highly recommend them.
- Country Inn - decent accommodations but had some hot water and electricity issues. Causeway is excellent location - view from the Country Inn was fantastic and the best reason for staying there (as well as the TGIF attached)
- Tinajas - food was not very good; show was intesting (the costumes were interesting); I guess good to see the cultural dress/dance.
Thanks for all your help and recommendations - it really was a fantastic and memorable trip!!
Kathy Taylor |
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