Panama is an enigma from the moment you arrive.
For those coming by plane, the trip starts with a unique visual: an aerial view of shipping vessels gliding across the sea, preparing for their turn through the Panama Canal. As if that isn’t already a novelty, the next startling discovery is the vision of endless skyscrapers and buildings in Panama City, so many that they seem unquantifiable.
Panama has several distinctions from her neighboring Central American countries. She’s the bridge of the Americas and also the country that holds one of the modern wonders of the world; the stunning Panama Canal.
The sleek, clean infrastructure of Panama City is modern and impressive. The melting pot of cultures and investors has forged a city steeped in diversity, and a feeling of motion is omnipresent. If you’re relaxing at a beach, you’ll see the patient movement of ships lined up in the sea waiting to enter the canal. If you’re driving into the city, you’ll see the congested movement of cars merging into traffic jams that can last hours. If you’re touring the canal, you’ll see the steady, precise movement of the lock system at work with the fascinating control and motion of water released into the process.
In addition to the wonder of the Panama Canal and the lush jungles and islets, a true treasure is Casco Viejo, a district of corridors with brick roads and intricate architecture. Pirate Henry Morgan plundered Panama Viejo, but the Panamanian’s resilient revival and restoration persevered. The old town has a magnetic and jubilant energy.
“Saunter” is too cliche to describe how to move through her streets, so let’s get creative:
Venerate. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, where saints’ relics are displayed. Popes have visited this cathedral elevated to a basilica.
Caffeinate. Try the famous Geisha coffee and enjoy a brewing tutorial from a barista in a hip coffeehouse.
Perambulate through the galleries and boutiques.
Decorate yourself with artisan jewelry from the vendors on the seaside promenade.
Gravitate towards the photoshoot of the girl in her Quinceneara regalia.
Elevate yourself to the bell tower of a soaring church through steep staircases. Open one of the many intricately carved doors to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views. Grandiose statues with outstretched hands or angel wings overlooking the skyline of skyscrapers across the sea convey a feeling of benevolent protection.
Rotate and gyrate in a salsa dance lesson. You’ll work up an appetite for dinner.
Hydrate and pontificate over your new cultural discoveries on a rooftop bar during the 2-for-1 happy hour specials. Then, dine on flavorful food in a snug tavern with live music, and savor the sabores of each delicacy served by waiters in Panamanian hats.
And what about those Panama hats? Although it’s an identifiable Panamanian look, the hat actually originates from Ecuador. When Ecuadorian hat makers emigrated to Panama, that increased the production volume. The hat’s popularity grew when President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing one when visiting the Panama Canal construction.
Contemplate how the combination of antiquity and modernity is a starkly contrasting image of merging historic eras.
Ruminate on the irony that the Panama Canal is the ‘crossroads of the world’ that technically has no roads at all.
Meditate on your location in the world. You’re on the “bridge” of the Americas!
Unlike other modern wonders of the world which only benefit their own regions, the Panama Canal benefits the entire world. It’s best defined by the phrase, “A land divided; a world united.”
