The Ravenatrix and I just returned from the Gulf of Mexico, where we overnighted at Panama City. The purpose of the trip was two-fold: Primarily it was intended to refresh and restore our creative energies whilst escaping the daily concerns of life at home. Nothing like sitting on a veranda and sipping long drinks as you contemplate a magnificent sunset to do that. The secondary purpose was, as she put it, "To get you away from that damned computer."

This afternoon we took a dip in the surf and conditions were superb - aqua mare cooperated by furnishing gentle swells and outstanding clarity beneath nearly cloudless skies. We noted needlefish in the waves and upon inspecting bits of floating seaweed we discovered numerous baby shrimplings. Ever the impromtu gourmand, upon discovering one nearly as long as my little finger I immediately transfered it to my mouth and ate it au jus naturale. Delicious - briny, soft, with a subtle langostino aftertaste. We sampled a number of these before heading back to shore.

Panama City is nicknamed "Heart of the Redneck Riviera," for good reason: It caters to youth and adults of all ages who flock to the seaside to engage in banana boat rides, parasailing, see-doo racing - virtually anything that can be done in the water with a piston engine. The streets are lined with drunken teenagers bombed out of their skulls on rum drinks purveyed by sidewalk vendors. The youth swarm to places like Spinnakers, Scooners, and Club LaVila ("Party with Thousands!"), large clubs that features ear-splitting rock and easy access to Ecstasy. A substantial number of shops front the beach and many specialize in condoms, junk food, tatooing (a minute to apply, a lifetime to regret), sex toys, and - the ultimate wrong ingredient - motorbike rentals. Put this all together and you have Fun in the Sun, Southern style!

The Raven found one particularly seedy-looking "hotel" that offered monthly rooms for $500 and contemplated setting up a studio for crafting a novel. This could be interesting, as the New York thing has been done to death but this is virgin territory, metaphorically speaking. Something to think about.
8:04:08 PM