Panama City 2011

April 11, Panama City, Panama

Slow relaxing start to day!  So Nice!

Went for a walk around the block this morning!  Definitely not a tourist area!  Sidewalks haver doorways into stores/shops, but the curb side is enclosed with permanent kiosks selling just about everything you can imagine!  Fruits, vegetables, watches, belts, clothes, shoes, phones and the list goes on and on!

Great to watch the street when you can!  The public buses are old school buses, decked out with great colourful paint jobs, and straight pipe mufflers going up the back of the bus. Very noisy as well!

Tried to find the bus station to the Canal, but could not find, so ended up in a taxi!

Great day just watching the boats go through the locks!  They get through fairly fast as well!  Less than 30 minutes.  Spent much more time there than I thought!  The area is well laid out for watching, with a running commentary (live) and 3 floors of displays and a short video!

Also got warned 2 times today about how dangerous some of the areas are!  This hotel is very close to one of the areas!  So have to be careful!  Have not had any problems, but then not out wandering the streets late at night!

April 10, Panama City, Panama

Awake very early.  Headed out to find coffee!

While just outside hotel, met one of the 'locals'.  She was cursing out the police across the street!  Said they were killing cats and dogs and that should be gased, the police that is!

Then off for coffee, and met Frank!  He is a taxi driver and is looking for clients!

Found the restaurant and met Freedom!  He is a poet and has at least 20 other jobs - car wash, parker, body guard, best friend, guide etc.

Apparently many people in New York know him!  A real character!  He also is officially licensed to accept donations!  I could not resist!!!  Especially after he recited a poem!

This was in the first hour of being on the street!

The rest of the day was very boring compared to this!

Spent the morning trying to work out accommodation for the Easter weekend.  All very busy!  No luck yet!

And then walked around the old city!  Amazing buildings!  Old colonial type!  Many in disrepair, but they have restored many, and many in the process, and the country is doing a great job of fixing up the area!

Many churches, a few squares, some street musicians and handicraft sellers!  Nice way to spend the afternoon

There was even a slow pitch game going on on the beach, it was low tide!

Then walked to the new section of the city!  All high rises, new or just being built!  Such a contrast!

Walked along the water all the way.  Very nice except got caught in a rain pouring (vs shower), but had jackets and founds some shelfter with many others!

A good day!

April 9, Panama City, Panama

Leisurely start, taxi at 9.30 for 12.15 flight!

Arrived very early, and not necessary as the airport in Rio is actually not that big!

After 7 1/2 hours on plan arrived in Panama.  Not really that comfortable and did not think that I would ever say that the buses in South America were more comfortable!

Ended up in last row and seats do not recline!

Oh well arrived and got to hotel.  It is hot and humid!

Hotel in older part of town, not a great first impression, but after next day, it does grow on you!

Early to bed!