After the ABC islands, we were due to go to Colombia, but they wouldn't let us in. So we had an extra sea day whilst sailing to Panama. Panama was my first visit to Central America. It is defined as a transcontinental country as it is between North and South America. It lies on the Isthmus of Panama, historically known as the Isthmus of Darien, is the narrow strip of land that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, linking North and South America. It contains the country of Panama and the Panama Canal.
Our ship docked at Colon, which is the second largest city in Panama. It sits on the Caribbean sea at the entrance to the Panama Canal, though the canal wasn't really visible from the port. Limon Bay which is the entrance to the canal is visible behind the buildings -
From what I saw of it as we drove through, Colon didn't look very interesting. A new cruise terminal is being built, the only thing that was ready was the duty free.
I joined a tour to Panama City, which lies on the Atlantic side of the country. We took the main highway towards Colon. We turned off into the national park, unfortunately the van windows were heavily tinted so everything looked quite gloomy. We crossed over the Panama Canal and back again, on the Puente Centenario, looking towards the locks -
We stopped at the Miraflores Visitors Centre which is the Panama Canal visitor centre.
We then headed for Panama City. I was really surprised to see the dozens of skyscrapers, apartments and condos. I wasn't expecting that. Coincidentally, the same week as my visit to Panama, the Expat Malaysia published an article "Malaysia Loses Crown as Asia’s Best Place to Retire", describing how Thailand now holds top spot in Asia and Malaysia has slipped to 15th place worldwide. The article said "Malaysia was never at the top of the worldwide rankings, which are occupied by countries in Central and South America. These countries (such as Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Mexico) typically offer very attractive [retirement] programmes aimed at earning them a share of the massive amount of dollars held by retired Americans. Many US retirees choose to relocate southward for sunnier climates and lower costs of living.".
So that explains the density of high-rise in Panama City.
We stopped at the fish market but it was already closing. There were a lot of vultures and pelicans around.
We then walked into the old town, Casco Viejo, founded in 1519 and a Spanish colonial centre from 1670s, a UNESCO world heritage site. The streets are laid out in a grid pattern. Much of the town has been restored. Have to wear masks outdoors.
Most of the in the old part were shops for tourists selling souvenirs and handicrafts etc.
Panama hats actually come from Ecuador !
Metropolitan cathedral
Views from the "beach"
After walking round the old town, our driver took us around the new city, there are so many huge condos it really reminded me of Damansara or Kiara in Malaysia. So different to what I expected. There is also a huge shopping complex Multiplaza Pacific mall. Seems to be a lot of money.
From there we headed back to Colon and the ship. As mentioned above, the new cruise terminal is under construction but the duty free shop is open -
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