March 2012
Music Starts Soft & Simple - Then Builds As Night DescendsIt also unexpectedly and unusually rained that night.
We actually went back the next day so my older daughter could go on some rides.
We had only made it to the bumper cars when the sky opened on us.
It only costs 75 cents to come on Sunday, so it was an easy decision.
Plus on our yearly trip to the Fair we like to make it relaxing by staying in a hotel.
By leaving earlier, we got some more relaxing hotel time.
When we first started going to the fair, we would drive to David.
(It is an hour to an hour and a half drive from Puerto Armuelles to David Panama.)
Do our errands and then go to Fair in the cooler part of the day.
That scenario involved us driving home late and in the dark - and all of us very weary.
Now we rent a hotel room.
We get into David, do errands in a leisurely manner, enjoy the hotel amenities. Then go to the fair in the cool of the evening.
But instead of driving the hour home exhausted. We go to our hotel room. Get a good night sleep and then a relaxing morning before heading home to Puerto Armuelles.
This is the first time we stayed in the Gran National Hotel. It was very enjoyable.
I was a bit dubious because of the mixed reviews of the Gran National in Trip Advisor.
Turns out it was perfect for us.
The Gran National had a variety of places to hang out. The kids enjoyed the pool, the exercise room, and the fish aquarium in the lobby. There were a number of places to eat in the hotel.
The breakfast buffet (included in the price) was a big hit with all of us.
I had wanted to stay at the Ciudad de David Hotel. But it was full.
We visited it the next day. I am glad we stayed at the Gran National.
The Ciudad de David Hotel looked alittle too stiff and "perfect" for us.
The Gran National is more of an old school sprawling hotel. Lots of people rave about the Ciudad de David Hotel though. At least according to Trip Advisor.
Update: We have since stayed at the Ciudad de David Hotel. We liked it alot. Not only is the customer service refreshingly attentive, but they had an excellent breakfast as well. I do still like the more relaxed hang out aspect (esp. by the pool) of Gran National better, but the Ciudad de David is a provides a superior hotel experience.
Oh, the Fair. The Fair was fun as well.
The David Fair is very much an Agricultural/Cowboy event. We always start by seeing the animals. Lots and Lots of cows! Big, Small and HUGE!
Horses are a focal point. Horses are judged, there are rodeos, pony rides, and lots of cowboy hats.
Then we see the plants.There are displays of produce and plants. Some are for sale and some are planted in displays.
It is a great place to buy plants for your garden.
Actually it is a great place to buy handcrafted furniture, toys, and more.
They sell items at the fair I have not seen for anywhere else.
There is alittle "zoo" of a variety of local animals and birds on display. You can see them for 50 cents more. It is interesting to see the animals and the birds. If you have strong feelings about the caging of animals, you may want to skip it.
Then of course there are the rides, cotton candy, and food venders. There is lot of music too. Loud music. But we are usually gone by time the music starts.
In short, the fair is fun.
Maybe if I didn't have children, I wouldn't go. But I am always happy I went.
