Casco Antiguo, Panama

{multithumb} (Source: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/trilby54/1/1215797040.html/ )  Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming a land bridge between North and South America, (Spanish  Canal de Panamá   lock-type canal, owned and administered by the Republic of Panama, that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. The length of the Panama Canal from shoreline to shoreline is about 65 km (40 miles) and from deep water in the Atlantic (more specifically, the Caribbean Sea to deep water in the Pacific about 82 km (50 miles). Panama City, the capital of Panama is located on the Gulf of Panama with an enchanting panorama of colorful wooden fishing boats, enormous tankers, sailboats and cruise ships off in the distance. Sprinkled throughout the city lie deteriorating neighborhoods with traces of their colonial beginnings, massive skyscrapers and exposed relics of former Spanish communities illuminating the contrast of old and new.   There is a lot of construction underway; the influences of a modern world making Panama City a center for finance and trade. In sharp contrast is a considerable amount of run down homes and businesses - there is a unique sense of history and character mixed in with wealth and poverty.  The blend is subtle and does cause some concern for visitors that aren't familiar with the boundaries from neighborhood to neighborhood.  There is a criminal element as in any city, and more prevalent in certain areas, but a strong police presence is very obvious. Aside from more serious crimes, the most common in the touristy areas is pick pocketing. On every corner there are police and guards (policía de turismo), especially in Casco Antiguo the historic center of Panama City where the Presidents Palace, Palacio de las Garzas (Palace of Herons) is located. The Veneto Hotel has a casino, beautiful outdoor pool w/a full service bar, a fabulous health spa, gym, business center w/ internet service, sushi bar in the lobby, gift shop and 4 restaurants.  My room was about $175 a night. There are a lot of very nice traditional hotels in the city with a more Panama feel to them and cheaper.  Because I was alone and have never been to Panama I felt safer staying in a hotel with a familiar name on the higher end and in the center of the financial district. Unknowingly I arrived on the last day of "Carnival", (celebration is always 40 days before the Christian holly week). It was amazing to see all the colorful costumes and a challenge distinguishing between male and female...similar to New Orleans "Mardi Gras" but without the beads! Panama City officials are actually contemplating banning the celebration because of the crowds and spike in crime.  There was also some kind of "Miss Teen Panama" contest being held in the Veneto; literally hundreds of young beautiful girls dressed to the nines wearing their district sashes, stilettos, slinky evening gowns and diamond tiaras strutted around the lobby. As a result of Carnival and the contest the Veneto dinner menu was limited and they ran out of wine because of the unexpected amount of visitors - seemed odd for a four star hotel.  Service was a bit slow at my table for one, but the waiters were very attentive to the other tables seating all the contestants. The next morning before heading out to pick up supplies in Colon City for my sailing adventure to the San Blas Islands, I did a little local site seeing.  The market place in Casco Antiguo is well known for its local crafts and artists, Kuna Indians selling their hand made Molas and other souvenirs. The architecture and location is full of history and a glimpse of what the future hopes are for Panama City as it is being restored and rebuilt. 

The next morning before heading out to pick up supplies in Colon City for my sailing adventure to the San Blas Islands, I did a little local site seeing. 

The market place in Casco Antiguo is well known for its local crafts and artists, Kuna Indians selling their hand made Molas and other souvenirs. The architecture and location is full of history and a glimpse of what the future hopes are for Panama City as it is being restored and rebuilt.