Here we are again! Definitely sooner than expected.
Before I get crucified, let me explain why I am traveling during what is still definitely a pandemic. If you still feel as though I should be judged for this, I completely understand.
Over the summer, some of my college friends and I decided to rent an AirBnB in late September/early October at the beach so that we could have some much-needed (safe) social interaction and a change of scenery for our online schooling.
Of course, lots of planning went into this trip in order to make sure it would be safe and responsible.
We all got Covid-19 tested right before leaving (and confirmed that everyone’s test had come up negative), and pledged to wear a mask at all times outside the AirBnB (with the exception of being in the ocean, where we would socially distance). I am also getting a test done upon returning. We all have hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Therefore, I thought this idea would be okay because everyone is committed to being responsible.
The Journey to Panama City Beach
We set off on a Sunday morning to make the great journey from Tennessee to Florida. For some reason, I thought driving from TN to FL was impossible since the states seem so far away, but we were able to make the drive in about 8 hours.
Part of what I loved about the drive was noticing the signs that we were journeying deeper and deeper into the American South. Boiled peanuts being sold in gas stations is a surefire sign. Another are the strange, hyper religious signs that aim to threaten you into repentance. For example, we encountered a water wheel in Alabama next to a sign that reads, “Go to church or the devil will get you!”. I’m not kidding.
Objectively, it was a very long drive. However, it didn’t feel long at all. Maybe this is because long drives are far more fun with friends!
Panama City Beach- first impressions
Having grown up visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, I know all the staples of a beach town. For example, 3 t-shirts for $10. I’ve never understood that, are they made of air?
However, it’s clear that Panama City Beach is a far bigger tourist destination based on the sheer number of theme parks and novelty bars lining the main strip. In summary, Panama City Beach is delightfully tourist-tacky. While some places I know we cannot enjoy, such as the crowded bars, we passed by Paradise Pier and the boardwalk, which I would love to walk down during a weekday when crowds are low!
On another note, we were very lucky with the timing of this trip. Hurricane Michael has just passed by PCB, and the town seems to be recovering well. We were told, “No more flooding!” just a few days before arriving, hooray! The only remaining evidence of the hurricane are a few rainstorms in the forecast early this week, but I’ll take that over a hurricane any day!
Our AirBnB
We are staying in a condo, and I am happy to say it is a nice one! It’s not an oceanfront, but it is waterfront, sitting right on St. Andrew’s Bay. An added bonus to staying bayside is that it is nice and quiet, I got a great night’s sleep.
With the size of our group, it is costing about 150/person for the trip, which rounds out to about $30 per night. Not bad when I am paying $25 per day in Tennessee (hopefully to change soon, though).
It is also clean and decorated to be especially beach themed. Something about the way that condo owners beach-ify their properties to remind you that you’re at the beach just makes me so happy.
The beds are either shared between two people or a little small, but that is fine. They are comfy and that’s all that matters.
Another shout out for the condo owner is inspired by their inclusion of a little snack basket and some coffee grounds. From your college student guests to you, the AirBnB owner, thank you. You really get us.
And now?
Now, I am enjoying my morning cup of coffee on the balcony of our AirBnB. We are just a few steps away from the bay, and it’s an awesome view to work in front of! Every once in a while, a fish’s leap will create ripples in the otherwise still water, and I just saw a tiny yellow bird fly across the docks.
It is also a little foggy and VERY humid, to the point where I hope it will not damage my electronics. Google says they will be okay, though. The forecast predicts more gloomy weather today, but I am not too sad about that as Mondays are my absolute busiest days, and so hopefully, I will be able to get all my work done today so that I can enjoy the nice weather and Panama City Beach in the following days.
Now, I’ve got to log off so that I can make it to my 8am Microbiology class!