Panama City

It is an interesting time to be in Panama. In 1903, the present day Panama was separated from Colombia, so the US could establish the Canal Zone colony to build the canal. 1979-1999 saw a transition period reverting the canal zone to Panama, while in 1989 US invaded Panama to depose the no-longer-compliant ruler Noriega. In 2025 President Trump is renewing old aspirations of the American empire.

For the time being there is no US military presence in Panama. Curiously enough we came across Smithsonian Panama quite a few times - the only Smithsonian mission abroad. At the risk of sounding harsh, I find Panama City lacking in charm. The city has terrible traffic congestion and is rather pedestrian unfriendly, even the old quarter, Casco Viejo, newly refurbished, seemed rather soulless. After some looking around on the internet I came across a list with Panama being #10 of the most unequal (highest Gini coefficient) countries, it finally dawned on me - I am never impressed by an urban forest of tall buildings, I cannot overlook the plight of the poorest citizens.

Between rain and heat, we did have a few highlights. [At the end of the post there are some short wildlife videos.]

• Metropolitan Natural Park: we finally saw two sloths, with the help of park rangers. These sloths were actually rather active - grooming themselves, climbing around - John: they are 10 times more active than koalas. Since we were late to get going, we didn't see that many birds; but there was a hummingbird that hung around some ginger plants for a few minutes. And from a viewpoint there was an awesome view of the modern city skyline.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Amador Causeway: built with rocks excavated for the canal, connects a few small islands to Panama City, forming a breakwater at the entrance of the Canal. Even though no ships passed by when we were walking, I loved the very scenic walk; it was overcast and comfortable. The causeway is also the home of the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, with its colorful rectangular roofs that evoke shipping containers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Public transport: Panama City is the only Central American city that has a metro system, with two lines operational, and more under construction and planning. The city also has an extensive bus system and all routes are searchable on Google Maps.
  
  
  
  
  
  

We are looking forward to coming back to Panama to "catch" more wildlife; maybe more ships for John.

The Taiwanese-style restaurant El Jardin Vegetarian (80 cents a portion) was a 7-minute walk from our apartment. We ate there more than twice.




On the way from Gamboa to Panama City our transport van driver stopped at the Pedro Miguel Locks so we could hop out and watch. Boy was John surprised to see 2 guys in a rowboat hook the towing lines from the mule to the ship.






View EAST from our apartment.


A few shots of Casco Viejo (Old City). First the Loteria National Building.


American Trade Hotel


Iglesia de La Merced


Instagramers at Plaza de la Independencia


The Cathedral.


The old tram line tracks.




Monument to Simón Bolívar (L) and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and Belltower (R)


View, in the rain, from the Old City across the water to the new, modern city.


As we were leaving Casco Viejo we stopped in a small Chinese-run resto and the nice lady made a vegetarian plate for us: Arepa, Plantains, Yuccas, Lentils, Potato, Tostones.




Balboa Pale Lager is pretty good!


Short wildlife videos.