The Saturday City: Panama City

The Saturday City: Panama City -

Miami is often in the South, Panama City is the capital of Panama and very similar known as the US city of Miami. There are high-rise condos on the water, a lot of traffic, Spanish music everywhere, many movements and an electric power. But I actually found it to remember more of Bangkok than anywhere else. As Bangkok, it was gritty, energetic, lively, modern, yet still developing. As Bangkok, skyscrapers abandoned buildings underpins much the slums contrasted that are still scattered throughout the city.

Overall, however, I have neutral feelings about Panama City. I liked the feel dirtiest in the city; the tense energy, where anything can happen at any moment, and the feeling that the city is always on the move. On the other hand, I never felt really safe in Panama City. I could not help but feel that something could go wrong, when I moved just a few blocks in one direction. I'm a little torn between these two opinions, and I do not think I've fully in my opinion still out at this point.

but say that I end up staying more than a week and a total I have. It is a city that you easily can get stuck and while I did not find much to "do", I found this highlights the most interesting:

Casco Viejo
walk through Casco Viejo, the 333-year-old Spanish colonial sector in 1671 built to see the colonial and Canal Era historic buildings that showcase Panama's colonial past. Most of the buildings are now empty, dilapidated, and in the ruins, but most are in the process of renovation. Nevertheless, the area has many old world Spanish charm. There is a lot in Casco Viejo as a beautiful promenade to see the Canal Museum, Historical Museum and Presidential Palace. You will also find some amazing food in the area. I recommend the weekly market on the Plaza Independence very famous for its delicious and inexpensive meals.

Panama Viejo
The original part of the city, Panama Viejo, was in 1519 all gold created from the Inca empire went through this area , and it was once a thriving city of 10,000. Today's extensive ruins are the result of an attack by English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671 in depth museum gives the visitor center, but the exhibits are mostly in Spanish. Luckily, there are many visuals to see if you do not speak Spanish. The main reconstructed church offers stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. The ruins take off to explore a few hours and are peacefully due to the lack of crowds.

Amador Causeway
Offering spectacular views of Panama City Skyline and the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway is a major attraction. The dam connects four small islands of rock from the Panama Canal, which has been excavated serve thee Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal as a breakwater. The islands used to bases for US forces, but have to spend as many Panamanians into a place their weekends jogging, bicycle, skate boarding rides, or a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the Islands.

Metropolitan Park
the Metropolitan Park is a section of the jungle for the Canal Zone watershed preserve. There is a huge park is located right in the city that is home to many rainforest animals, birds and plants. The park is quite large, but there are only 8 kilometers worth of trails so you can walk the whole thing in one day. From the top of the path, you will get the view of the whole city and the Panama Canal Zone. When the craziness of the city comes to you, come here for an afternoon and relax.

Eat Out
Panama City has some amazing food. On a personal note, I do not like the local cuisine. I find it simply and a lot of spices and flavors are missing that you find elsewhere in Central America. But as an important international hub, the city has some great international cuisine. If you want to stretch your budget, you will find throughout the city good food, busting your budget is worth. Casco Viejo has many high-end restaurants as well as La Exposicion.

Panama Canal
The highlight of the city, of course, the Panama Canal. This is the main attraction comes to see. You can view the city of Miraflores Locks (one of the three locks in the canal). There is a very good museum at the Welcome Center, which has a lot of audio and visual displays, the castle and a short film about how Panama received the channel back from the US. Make sure that you go in the morning or in the afternoon, so that you pass a ship to see the castle.

Honestly, I do not feel that there was much in Panama City do. They could all be seen in about two days. I'm still torn on my last thoughts about the city, but I was here, I ate well, relaxed and have a few nice people. But I'm not 100% sure that I would come here again in the future be itching.

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