About Panama
 |
~ Panama ~A small country with a multi racial population, shaped like an S on its side, dividing the Americas and joining the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans by the most famous “cut” in the world, the Panama Canal. Started by the French and finished by the Americans at the beginning of the first World War in 1914. The Panama hat is worn all over the world, made out of a particularly soft straw that can be rolled up. In fact this famous headwear should really be called the Ecuador, since it is made on the equator. |
| The Spanish conquistadors used the Isthmus of Panama o transport the gold they stole in Peru, to the Atlantic coast by donkeys, before being loaded onto their galleons waiting in the Caribbean. British Pirates then attacked taking the gold. According to one historian, this is where and how the British Empire commenced. Panama Viejo the fist settlement on the Pacific was sacked by Henry Morgan. The ruins are visible when driving to the international airport. Portobello, on the Atlantic, was conquered by Sir Francis Drake. Like its names sake in London, a tourist stop now. |  |
Avoid doing business in November, when Independence from Spain and then from Colombia are celebrated. In February, Carnival fever takes over the country. |
| After old Panama was destroyed, the population moved Westwards to a promontory where they could defend themselves more easily. This area is now known as Casco Antiguo, a WORLD HERITAGE protected old city, now being slowly transformed into one of the most sought after real estate locations in Central America. Abandoned old houses, hotels, convents are being brought back to life, similar to Cartagena in Colombia. From rooftops you can see the ships lining up to go through the Canal, the Opera house and the amazing construction of New Panama with it’s buildings reaching to the sky. James Bond movie fans, might recognise some scenes shot in Casco Antigo near the handsome French Embassy. |  |
 |
Panama is cheap compared to most countries these days. Taxis cost next to nothing, but most of the time traffic is at a stand still. A new dual carriage way has just been built connecting Casco with the modern Panama along the ocean.Panama is also a good place to retire to. Formalities are easy, you are offered discounts for hotels, restaurants, hospitals, doctors, drugs and travel. Real estate is still affordable, the dollar is used as local currency, there must as many banks as in London but above all, it is a young, vibrant city, with great restaurants and shops. Spanish is the official language, but most of the professional people, doctors, lawyers, bankers speak perfect American. |
| Massive developments are taking place in Panama city, the old American army bases near the Canal, Pedasi on the Azuero peninsula, Boquete in the mountains near the Costa-Rican border. Over on the Atlantic coast, Bocas del Toro, rumoured to have been named the “mouth of the bull” by Christopher Columbus, was once a big banana port. Now it is the “cool” place to stay on little islands or in the “funky” town.Plane is the best way to discover the country, the roads are good but can be boring. As for crossing the frontier into Costa-Rica, at Paso Canoas, this is to be AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
Photos – Put the curser on photos to see the captions. |
 |