Travel Article on Panama continuing from last article on Cuba – Part 3

Also settled by the Spanish, as was Cuba, Panama has a population of over three million. It was a great contrast to the crumbling buildings of Havana.  It had the air of a country on the move and the skyline was thick with cranes busy on new developments.   Most of the high-rise is less than seven years old and Donald Trump’s next venture was pointed out. Unlike Cuba with its strict controls the Panamanian government offers tax incentives to individuals who restore old properties or develop new enterprises.

With Panama now having a stable government, a low cost of living, an average daily temperature of 27 degree C. and pleasantly cool evenings, it has become a favourite spot for retirees from around the world.  A new 1200 sq ft home with beach frontage can be purchased for as little as $US 300 000. Both the USA and the Panama dollar are readily accepted.

It was the week-end when we arrived and no tours were available so our hotel organized a taxi for us for the day.  Andy turned out to be a treasure.  We practised our few words of Spanish with him and he enjoyed using his limited English with us.

He began by taking us to the Miraflores Visitors Centre on the Canal. This is very well set up with one floor devoted to the history and building of the canal, one to the flora and fauna of the region and one with interactive displays where one could simulate piloting the boat through the canal, open and shut the gates, etc.  On top was an observation deck and we were fortunate to see a number of ships traversing the canal.  A cruise ship, the Norwegian Pearl, had recently paid a record $313 000 to pass through.

Then it was on to the America Bridge, the division between the continents of South and North America.

The causeway was next.  This is reclaimed land and links the islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco.  This was a very modern up-market tourist area featuring many resorts and restaurants.

Having shown us the best, Andy then took us into the old city which was even more dilapidated than Havana.  It was very impoverished looking although there were a few buildings undergoing restoration.

Andy then drove us to the beautiful Bella Vista area, home to such as the President and the ambassadors.

Next stop was the Panama Ruinas la Vieja.  These were the ruins of the original city which was founded on the 15 th of August, 1519.  Andy completed the tour with a drive through the modern part of the city which looked just like the centre of any modern city. We paid Andy $US75 and he was well worth it.

That evening, needing only a light meal, we found a small grocery shop and bought a packet of saladas, Pringles, olives, tomatoes, cheese, beer and wine for $US7.50.

While the canal is the must-see for visitors the Republic of Panama is 78 000 sq. km in size and it would be very pleasant to spend several weeks exploring the wider countryside.

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