Panama city
by a005116
Panam city is certainly one of the most important economical cities in Central America. Its a city of contrasts between poor and rich, between old and modern, between the Latin American 'Mañana-life' and the Western 'Tommorow-life'.
This economical and political hart of the region is still expanding rapidly. New skycrapers change the horizons while the historical city is being restored.
This modern Panama was founded in 1673 and so moved at that time from the former capital, 'Panama viejo' 6,5 kms to the east. The Bahia de Panamá devides the old part of the and the new capital from the old, 'Casco viejo'.
Long Layover in Panama?
by 310ValleyGirl
We were on our way to Carnival in Rio. My boyfriend and I booked a flight on COPA. And, like many COPA flights, we were scheduled for a layover in Panama City for 9 - 12 hrs each way. (9 - 12 hrs in an airport terminal?! There could never be that many Duty Free stores to pace through. And, trust me, I've been through the largest ones!) So, disregarding convention, we paid a $5 tourist visa and reserved a $10 rental car for the day. We went to see the Miraflores Locks the first leg and discovered the Old City on the second.
Word to the wise: If you decide to do the same, pace your time wisely. Add 30-60mins for refueling and local traffic. You are driving through a country that you don't know well. Leave all valuables, which you've decided to handcarry, in your trunk and securely lock. Plan to arrive 90-120mins before your next flight. All flights to the U.S. will cause you another scrutiny of luggage checks.
Misc: 1.) You will need to inform the rental car counter that you are a "transit" passenger and do not have a hotel because you will not be staying the night. 2.) Yes, you will need to purchase a visa each time you enter Panama. 3.) Just about everywhere in Panama will take USD.
Seafood out in the Sea
by mtncorg about BUCANERO RESTAURANT
Amador Causeway is a popular place for dining and dancing. Several restaurants can be found out here. Mi Ranchito is on Naos Island next to the Smithsonian Tropical Institute and several more can be found at the road’s end on Flamenco Island. Bucaneros offers many nice seafood options to choose from after your obligatory cevich appetizer. Try a passion fruit/seco cocktail for accompaniment.
Cuban Restaurant in Panama City
by bilgeez about Habanas
Habanas is a restaurant, cigar shop, across from the Marriott Bancaria in Panama City. It has several Cuban dishes and offers a nice selection of Cuban cigars at reasonable prices. I haven´t tried this place yet, but I will report as soon as I do!
Must see: The Diablos Rojos
by gdilieto
To the average traveler they are more of a tourist attraction than a transportation mean ... The Diablos Rojos, the bright-colored buses, once school buses in some sleepy US village, that for 25 cents of Dollar carry Panamanians around the city. And you wander whether they are called Diablos Rojos (Red Devils) because of their colorful appearance or because of the way they aggressively drive in the traffic, causing accidents and pollution.
Riding on Diablos Rojos can be quite uncomfortable, with music at high volume, noise, poor ventilation, lack of security, traffic jams, etc. but it is the only option for many of the lowest-income Panamanians to get around the city.
Indeed Diablos Rojos are much more than buses, they are a kind of gauge of local popularity, with Ronaldinho, Jesus Christ and Hugo Chavez competing with Bruce Willis, young stars from an uncertain future and unknown characters from the local news. Everyone has its own spot on the bus, with the most important characters taking the central spot on the backside.
Diablos Rojos have been servicing Panama City for more than 50 years, but nowadays they are struggling to survive as the government is planning their replacement with safer and more efficient public transportation. Yet some people argue Diablos Rojos are a piece of history and culture of Panama and they are fighting against their retirement. We shall see whether the Red Devils will manage to win their battle against modernization.
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Monumento a Arosemena
Kuna woman and her daughter in Casco Antiguo
The monument to the French
Another view of a ship
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