Panama, that’s what.  Day 1 of Panama was blissful – hanging poolside, walking on the beach, catching sunrise and sunset from our balcony overlooking said pool & beach – idyllic.  Then, Day 2 the nightmare of chitra bites began.  For whatever reason my body thinks it needs to overreact to the bites of insects and it really doesn’t like these tiny fly bites.  Instantly I was transported back to my 2004 trip to Costa Rica — same bugs, same bites, same miserable experience.  But I completely forgot about that until Panama.  Despite spraying myself with Deep Woods Off bug spray, wearing citronella bracelets/anklets, and not being on the beach past sundown… those suckers managed to attack my legs and arms.  Luckily the pharmacy had a large bottle of clear calamine and allergy pills to calm my skin.  I also bought 50% DEET spray and fogged the hotel room.  Despite my best efforts, the bug bites & scars have lasted a few weeks post-vacation.  Guess Panama is not where I will be retiring… yikes.