Buenos Dias ! Three years ago if someone had suggested investing in Panama I would have laughed and thought they were crazy. Like most people I knew little of Panama. To the best of my memory it was a small country, somewhere in Central America, with a canal for shipping and I recalled talk of a dictator roaming about. A wake up call followed by some internet research changed my life and my knowledge of Panama forever.
My journey began as I prepared my apprehensive family for a different kind of vacation. We removed our jewellery, left our "nice" clothes behind, donned our backpacks and boarded a plane in Toronto. Less than 5 hours later we landed in Panama. Something had to be wrong! There was no stop-over and the time was the same. How could this world away be less than 5 hours, non-stop from Toronto and in the same time zone?
After arriving at the international airport in Tocumen we drove along the modern toll highway (Corredor Sur - the south run) into the city. Reaching the point where the highway is built out over the ocean, I looked to my right and noticed the ruins of Panam? Viejo. On a later trip I arrived at night and enjoyed a special little treat as the site is lit by flood lights and looks quite impressive and beautiful in contrast to the modern condominium towers of Punta Pacifica, directly in front.
Our whirlwind adventure began with a hotel stay, in the heart of Panama City, for just over $50! Close by we noticed all of the night life and modern conveniences of any major city. It really was as modern as Miami, just as we had heard - too bad we left our nice clothes and jewellery behind! And where was this "Third World Country" we had been led to be afraid of? Although the city was busy and the drivers pretty crazy it reminded me of many other older big cities - Montreal, Rome, and Paris.
Rich pre-Colombian heritage of native populations stretching back over 12,000 years was still evident in the art and artefacts. Of course the Spanish Colonial period combined with some French influence is most obvious in the architecture. The protective fort walls (circa 1673) still stand along the edges of Casco Viejo - direct translation means 'Old Helmet' which is quite appropriate considering it was a location chosen for it's safety and ease of defence. Prior to Casco Viejo the city was located to the north east. This is 'Panam? la Vieja' although it is commonly referred to as Panam? Viejo. Panam? Viejo was founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedro Arias de ?vila, better known as Pedrarias. In 1671 the city was sacked and burned to the ground by the notorious Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. There really is little left beyond a few ruins but it is certainly worth a stop or drive by. Casco Viejo by contrast is still a small city within the city and we spent a number of hours here during the day and returned again for some great dining at night. It's a mixed bag here and the area is definitely in transition. You find old buildings with peeling paint right next to beautifully restored ones. It is quite reminiscent of New Orleans with narrow streets, cafes, restaurants and even a jazz bar. My favourite sights included: the Church of the Golden Altar (Iglesia de San Jos?); Plaza de la Independencia (this is the plaza where Panama declared it's independence from Columbia in 1903); Plaza de Francia, Plaza Bol?var, the area around the Palacio de las Garzas, and the Flat Arch (Arco Chato). It was lovely walking around and I really felt like I was in Europe when I visited this special place.
Although we didn't have any problems at all, Casco Viejo is known not to be the safest part of the city. However, like anywhere I found using common sense kept us out of any trouble. Also, there were plenty of tourism police around and that added a touch of comfort. Returning at night I really felt more comfortable being dropped off in the plazas.
To end our day we discovered one of my favorite restaurants in all of Panama, Manolo Caracol on Avendia Central y calle Tercera in Casco Viejo. When you plan your visit be sure to call ahead for a reservation!
Well it's time to head back to our hotel. I'll catch up with you tomorrow as we explore more of Panama City. Hasta Luego!
The Panama City often called as the mainland paradise, boasts of its being rated as the world's most beautiful beach. Located on the panhandle of northwest Florida on the stunning St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama City beach is a favorite destination amongst the tourists who want to see the sun set over the emerald green waters of the Bay of Mexico.
Panama City beach, one of the most sought after tourist destination in the Panama City, is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is in fact a 27 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special and mouth watering treats on the beach itself.
Just for the records, Panama City Beach is the number one destination in the United States for Spring Break. So you will find a lot of rush on the white sand of Panama City Beach during this period. And in fact it can be the most eventful time for you to visit the picture perfect city of Florida. And if you have had enough of the beach you can enjoy the nightlife offered by the city which is equally appealing. Just roam around the blocks and you will discover an all new Panama City in the evening with much more to offer. To amaze yourself with some facts mixed with surprises visit the much known Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. The 4D Theater in Panama City can be another option to indulge into.
The number of visitors in Panama City is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Panama City is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Panama City are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Panama City include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Panama City and have an experience of a lifetime.
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Panamamark has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Real Estate and Golf Guide. Mark has been there and done it! He moved to the warm, stable Republic of Panama. With his wife and two sons he travelled throughout the country and learned how to Safely Invest in Panama Real Estate. Now you can follow the journey discovering the best pl. Panamamark's top article generates over 74000 views. Bookmark Panamamark to your Favourites.
Anand Dongre has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Vacation and Online College. Looking for more information on Panama City Hotels check out panamacity-hotels.us your guide to Panama City Hotels. Anand Dongre's top article generates over 301000 views. Bookmark Anand Dongre to your Favourites.