Picnicking at El Valle

PANAMA. How best to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than spending a day off with friends in one of the greenest corners of Panama?

The American Society of Panama is holding its 5th annual St. Patrick’s picnic this Saturday March 14 on the grounds of “Los Capitanes Hotel” in El Valle de Anton. Join other expats in a fun-filled day with BBQ provided by Capt. Manfred Koch and his staff.

The menu includes German sausages, a special German meatloaf, pork chops, chicken breasts, corn on the cob, with salads and sauces. Local sodas and liquors will be sold.

Tickets for members are $18, and $5 - $10 for children. Cost for non-members is $20, $5 – $12 for their children. RSVP and pick-up your tickets by Thursday from any of the Board Members.

For a list of contacts, email american.society.panama@gmail.com

The picnic will be from 11a.m. and 4p.m. From past experience, organizers recommend making it a weekend event. There are an array of good hotels to stay in at El Valle, some of which are: Hotel Los Capitanes (983-6080), The Anton Valley Hotel (983-6097), The Golden Frog Inn (983-6617), La Casa de Lourdes (983-6645), and Crater Valley Adventure Spa (215-2326).

Spending the night at El Valle will allow you to check out the local market (with an array of plants and crafts on sale), visit the thermal ponds, or go hiking, bird watching, or canopying.

For those not spending the weekend, the American Society is offering transportation services, allowing attendees to enjoy the scenery and drink alcoholic beverages without worrying about driving.

Meeting point is at Niko’s Café in Balboa, Ancon (former Canal Zone) at 8:00 a.m., departing no later than 8:15 a.m. The bus will depart El Valle around 5:00 p.m. after a stop at the local market. Contact: Eunice Greaves (panaeac@yahoo.com) for prices and availability.