Panama airport

What should you know when arriving at the Panama Tocumen International Airport? 

 

Hello, my dearest Story Time readers from around the world? How have you been? I have been busy as usual and still haven't found the time to update you on all the adventures that I have been on. Life brought me on another last-minute adventure when I was invited to the Dominican Republic for a regional conference on economics, technology, and politics. That was an interesting experience on its own. If you want to find out more about that adventure and its depth, make sure you jump onto the Story Time U.F.O. so you won't miss any of my adventures. I had to transit on my journey through the Panama Tocumen international airport. But first I had to arrive at the Zanderij or Johan Adolf Pengel airport in Suriname. That airport is named after one of the great leaders of the political party I am a part of ( The National Party Suriname). You can't blame a sister for wanting to walk into the steps of greatness. Especially with my own reputation back home. Anyway, I arrived at the airport back home in Suriname 2 hours before my flight would leave. Having no problems at check-in being relaxed knowing that I am just going on another adventure for my country. At the same time, I was excited to be able to meet people from another country where they would not know me. That was going to be the highlight of a different experience for me. For those of you who aren't aware in Suriname my home country, our native tongue is Dutch.  As fate had it thanks to the storms in Miami etcetera my flight arrived late in Suriname. I also would love to add some advice for the Surinamese airport services, you guys need to learn to give people change in foreign currency as well! Instead of only giving change in Surinamese Dollars. Pfft if I wasn't blessed to be this well-known in my country I would not have survived at my own airport. When it was finally time to leave, I found my seat on the plane and was relieved to be heading to Panama after waiting for such a long while. Little did I know what adventures would await me at the Tocumen International airport. That's the reason why I got motivated to write this Story Time edition: What you should know when arriving at the Panama Tocumen international airport? :

I have to add that my trip was unexpected if I wasn't invited to the conference by the International Republican Institute I would probably not go. But most importantly, I would not even bother if it wasn't for my own people pushing me, helping me, supporting me, and giving me that spoiled love that I can only find here. From my nails to my outfit and so much more it was the effort of all the great people that stand behind me that allowed me to go on this journey and leave behind a mark on behalf of all the people who believe in me and who have faith in me. I want to thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. It is your love, support, effort, and strength that keep me motivated to let my crown shine. What is a leader without her people? What's the value of all my hard work and effort without your blessings? This is just a small thank you note that I want to insert here for those special people that contribute to my wonderful journey as this Queen energy that I represent. Mhwaa, now let's move on to the story!

  1. Knowing a little bit of Spanish will make all the difference!

When we finally arrived at the Tocumen international airport in Panama I was already tired from the long journey and my hectic schedule. Back home I live an intense life, maybe because I wear many different hats in society. I don't like being defined or placed into a box. My energy has no limitations! But even those stories I will be sharing with you in the near future. I just haven't gotten to share all of my adventures with you yet. 

One solid piece of advice that I can give you before you visit the Panama Tocumen international airport is to at least speak a little bit of Spanish or at least brush up on it. In Suriname, we get a little bit of Spanish in school, but for my luck, I also took some Spanish classes at the Institute of Venezuela for culture and cooperation in Suriname. The only thing is I had not brushed up on it, despite having a couple of degrees in Spanish. You have to keep in mind that I was 15 years old at that time. That's almost 15 years ago now. Yet the little bit of Spanish that I knew saved me in this situation. We got stranded in Panama a bit longer because of flight delays. Our flight for the Dominican Republic would be leaving much later in the evening. Finding someone who speaks English at this airport can be a drag. Although I have to say almost everyone complimented me for my broken Spanish. They said that at least I tried and that it was something they appreciated for non-English speakers. I did love the view of their country when landing. You could immediately see the big skyscraping buildings from the sky when landing.  Something different than what we are used to in my part of the South American rainforest.  I have been too big airports before like Schiphol in the Netherlands but the Panama Tocumen International airport has its own special kind of charm. So to make full use of your experience whether you are transiting through the country or visiting Panama itself as a non-Spanish speaker try to at least learn the important basic words.  This will add authenticity to your experience. Especially if you get to find out more about the people you are interacting with and their culture.

2. Check for availability in the lounge if you have a long delay

You see that face! That's me with an almost frustrated but still fuelled with positivity despite the circumstances face. Simply because I like to say in Sranang tongo " A  libi lob mi" it means life loves me.  I feel extra loved after this entire experience I went on. It had its ups and downs, but as I always say it is what it is. Some things are just supposed to happen the way they were meant to happen. If I haven't lost a couple of kgs during this journey then I don't know! I combed this airport multiple times like an explorer, hunting. From time to time, I would take off my glasses and let my inner- Queen energy take in the mystery of the city.  At a glance as if my soul understood its story. Now some of my fans know that there is more depth to that. What can I say, I am a difficult person, I like to glide past the world in a Harry kind of invisible cloak way.  There were so many flights that were canceled due to the storm, but thanks to faith or destiny I managed to know a fellow Surinamese person there. They were also stranded at the airport as I read on FB. He was kind enough to give me instructions. Special shout out to you, you know who you are.💖💖 You can tell that I am full of loving vibes these days. I just feel so sparkly because of all the love I received from my wonderful friends. By the time I went to get information from the Copa Airlines people after standing in a long line the airport ran out of accommodations etc due to the high number of flight cancellations. Still, I have no regrets, it gave me time to work on my next book.  I am so proud of this other double-writing life that I have ( cries, I am that kind of superhero that has a double life in everything!) My books over there are doing awesome. Don't blame me snik, snik I am just one of those popular people that doesn't like attention. Yet somehow no matter what I do and where I am I draw attention. Anyway, that's probably not what some of you are here for that want to learn more about the Panama Tocumen International airport. Spare yourself the walking time and effort and go to the Global lounge or the Copa lounge and ask if there is any availability. Check their website out for prices, since the price depends on the day. Some days they are cheaper, some days they are more expensive. It's a good thing I understood Spanish fluently. Language can be a struggle if you are not lucky enough to bump into the right kind of people. That is why my second tip to you is to check for availability early on.

 3. When it comes to food you have more than enough options

If you are at the Tocumen international airport in Panama, one thing that can be said with certainty is that there are more than enough options when it comes to food. They have an upstairs food court, but they also have other famous brands in other areas of the airport. Like Olive Garden for example! I had to try that, it was my first time trying it. So I didn't skip the opportunity. They even have Starbucks and countless other coffee shops. You can find sandwiches and even vegetarian food. You just need to be able to read it,  Google Translate lens can be your friend in situations like this.  If you have a lot of time and don't mind the exercise try to take a look around. That way you have a better idea of all the available options. For me it was easy as a cake,  I go through adventures in the Amazon rainforest remember? I go to the depths of the jungle as a woman with a team of mostly men and a few powerful ladies just to venture out and bring our vision with the indigenous communities to life. But that's for another Story Time because as I said I am behind with a couple of stories. Speaking of stomaching my words, you'll find something to fill your tummy with over there even if you are as picky and bad eater as I am. Gasp, without my people to spoil me around it, was a different game. Hence my newfound appreciation and embracing of my golden invisible crown. I might look like a normal average girl from a small country like Suriname, but how you want to process me is up to you. I like to remain so humble that I am in denial of my own impact on this world. Leave me be with the false hope that one day I still might be able to live a normal life :-p. If you are a shopaholic like me, there are lots of shopping options available for you at the Tocumen International Airport. From technology to perfumes and even Panama merchandise you name it, they sell a lot of stuff there.

 4. Keep an eye out for flight and gate changes at all times

This one should count for all airports, but gate changes are less common if you are traveling from or through small airports like Suriname. In Panama, our gate changed at least 3 times, we even had to get our boarding pass changed at the last minute because of this. Some things can change at the last minute and because it is a big airport you don't want to be late and miss your flight. So keep an eye open for any sudden changes. Checking in online helps, that way you get an e-mail when there are any last-minute changes to your flight.

                      5. The people are friendly!

It doesn't matter if you speak Spanish or not, you can ask anyone with the help of Google translate and they will try their best to explain it to you. The airport has free wifi so that helps. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation by showing them the translated text on your phone screen. Technology is after all here to help make our lives easier. I am glad it helps make communicating easier. Just like how I can type away from my laptop and stay in touch with my fans from around the world.  Thank you for reading my story, I hope you loved it as much as I loved sharing my story and experience with you guys. Until next time right here on Story Time. You have no idea what kind of adventures I have left to share with you guys.😝😜 I promise I will try to write more, sometimes I just get lost in giving all my time away to my empire back home in sweet Suriname. Are you planning on traveling soon? Check out Expedia for awesome deals on flights. As an affiliate partner, I earn a commission when you make a purchase through the link.