Casco Viejo

Saturday in Panama. I decided to do some touristy things. I followed all the guides that pointed to Casco Viejo and Old Panama. The literature said it was one of the best attractions for Panama, after the canal, of course.

It was a 1.50 cab ride (though, strangely enough, 3 to get back to the hotel... curious.) I arrived tipo 10 in the morning to do a couple hours of wandering before grabbing lunch.

The neighborhood is slowly going through repairs as it becomes a trendy place to buy property, so there was a lot of construction along the streets.

I made a covert purchase of a Panama hat and hid it in my backpack. (I'll BUY one, sure, but I'll wait to get back to El Salvador to actually WEAR it. - Oh, and also while alone in my hotel room while writing this. heh.) After ages of looking for just such a hat, I'm pretty happy with the purchase, even though Panama hats are actually NOT from Panama, originally.

Well, long story short, Casco Viejo was kinda cool. I planned on hitting the Metropolitan Nature Park in the afternoon, but it started raining, so I abandoned ship mid taxi-ride. Tomorrow.

Things in Panama are fine, though I have to say the allure of traveling alone has worn off. Places aren't as fun when you don't get to share them, first hand, with anyone. My surgery is slated for Monday, at the Hospital Punta Pacifica. I'll probably be there a few days, then back to the hotel.

Cathedral

Municipal Workers, haciendo la limpieza.

Saint Peter

The Panama City skyline from Casco Viejo, and fishing boats.

Rock on, Senor.

Wagner and Shakespeare

My 2 dollar Ceviche Combinado from the Fish Market.

Octopus, shrimp, scallops, and such with repollo, lime and tastiness.

For sale. The neighborhood is still in a HUGE transition.

Poverty and wrecked buildings next to luxury second homes and vacation properties

Another quiet plaza