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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members
ALWAYS USE A STRONG MOSQUITO REPELLANT HERE.
by DennyP
PANAMA CANAL Whenever travelling in this part of Equatorial Central America Always carry and use a strong Mosquito and insect repellant. Due to its location not far from the Equator this is an area that is prevelant to many mosquito borne diseases.. Malaria, Dengue fever are really bad infections to receive So a strong Repellant is neccesary to use especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are at their worst.Wear loose fitting lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants..Make sure that you cover ALL exposed skin with a repellant..Dont forget your ears!!!.
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ALWAYS CARRY NECCESARY TRAVEL INSURANCE
by DennyP
PANAMA Like anywhere , here in Central Americas Panama make sure that you have the neccesary Travel Insurance. I found Panama City to be a very dangerous place and was glad that I had my Travel Insurance in place. I always have the neccesary cover for my needs when travelling anywhere. The thought of an accident as we travel is the last thing that we really want to think of but as we all know accidents happen anywhere and at anytime. Also, Mother Nature may intervene at anytime throwing our best laid travel plans into turmoil. Hospital stays along with the huge costs of doctors or surgeons can carry crippling costs. When organising your travel plans make sure that you include the neccesay Travel Insurance that meets all your travel needs. I always include repatriation in my accident and medical Travel Insurance aggreement along with theft. As they say: "If you can't afford Travel...
Colon, Panama, To be avoided at all costs
by briand13
Colon is one of the most dangerous, violent, and grotesque places in the Western Hemisphere, to give out information contrary to this, is not only patently false and ridiculous, but precarious and misconceived. Colon is a place of despicable and abject vileness commensurate to the harshest slums of Haiti or Brazil. No Panamanian with the slightest bit of honesty, truthfulness, or decency would tell you otherwise. - Brian D'Ambrosiowww.briandambrosio.com
Do Not Pet the Dogs
by BruceDunning
I imagine all of these dogs are littered with worms. A US pet shelter would have a heart attack the way these animals listlessly meander around town, and can barely hold their head up. They are sick and in very poor shape. I felt sorry for them, but to feed them is not right, and to make a friend can be dangerous to your health. No doubt. They just want to lay down and die. Some looked like they were
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Emberas Are Not All Endangered
by BruceDunning
Not all those natives are endangered and being encroached by tourists. This little old lady was down right mean, and she surely did not want to be here, but was planted square in the middle of the main square looking for handouts. I did this, and she was not at all appreciative. On the other hand, I am sure she does not want all these intruders coming to her turf, and gawking. She no doubt has not choice but to bring down her pride and humble for money. However,m I was later shopping for something made locally and she came along, tried to force me to buy at a very steep price, and when I refused, she gave me a hand sign only known to the gangsters in Los Angeles. She was mean, and contrary the tourists are the threatened ones.
Portobelo EAteries
by BruceDunning
Watch were you may want to Eat. The appearance of most, if not all of the establishments look to me as if you may take something home with you. Not all looked that bad,but the back door and the "runoff" of stuff into the drainage ditch around town caused me to wonder about sanitation. A small bar/grocery convenience store is right in the middle if you need a little packaged food.
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Portobelo Security
by BruceDunning
The local police kept driving by while the tour bus was stopped here. A fair number of locals also show up here on colorful buses daily, to shop, or leisure? The danger may not be outwardly apparent, but unemployment is high, and mix that with some drink and maybe someone goes loco on you. I do not think the people would intentionally get in your "turf" but I got panhandled by more than one to give money for a drink. The police car kept on constant movement around the two main streets of the town, keeping close watch on the younger men hanging around the outside bar.
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Portobelo Restrooms-Get REady
by BruceDunning
These are the more "rustic" of kinds. The ones I first went into were not worth walking through the door. I backed out and went to the little restaurant next door. For 25 cents, they let you in. Water barely ran, though. The flush was okay, but ask where does it flush to. I noted a "creek" that looked like a drainage ditch for whatever. I am pretty sure some places do not have a sewer system access, and/or it does not work. The overflow most likely ends up in the bay. One restroom; I did not try them all, I was told by the church needed water to prime the flush, and it was dingy inside. Maybe the best one is at he administrative building, in the rear, so to speak.
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NonFit Not on Tours
by BruceDunning
Do not go to them if you cannot handle it. A fair number of tours may take a little effort, and others more so. If people are not able to keep up, are miserable in doing so, or hold back others; do not go on tours. Some look like they are going to die on the spot.
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Tips REquested-Please
by BruceDunning
Hokey locals for tips. This is another place where the almighty dollar outlay prevails over just plain do not embarrass them or you. These people need to live, so set up shop on the bridge getting back to the ship. In playing, they obviously want a tip. If a picture is taken, guess what. Myself, I cannot stand to see this from either side. It depict the cheap taste of tourists, in my opinion, and the locals have to do it to survive. Give it up.
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