Panama is an interesting country as its one of the only countrys that does not rely on tourism or exports as their primary income generator. The country has been defined in the last century by its Canal which separates the Atlantic ocean from the Pacific Ocean. A man-made construction which allowed water vessels to traverse between both oceans cutting off some 2 or 3 weeks of additional sailing around South America and the cold, treacherous Argentine Patagonia waters. This Canal is an absolute money spinner and is by far the biggest source of income to the country. To put things into perspective almost every sailing route from east to west or vice versa traverse through the Canal, and each container ship pays according to the overall weight of the vessel, usually anywhere between $30 000.00 – $300 000.00 per vessel. 13 000 vessels pass through the canal each year. In 2010, the canal brought in US$2 Billion in revenue – No wonder the Americans controlled Panama for such a long time.
This means that in Panama there are a few different dynamics as opposed to other country’s in the area.
– Better roads and infrastructure
– All goods traverse through Panama hence you can purchase almost anything at their large shopping centers
– All customs is geared around strict imports and exports and boarders can be difficult
– Panama connects South America to the North including the drug routes meaning that there are certain port towns which are some of the most dangerous places in he world. The port of Colon on the Atlantic side has a reputation of being the closest city to ‘hell’ – We decided to stay clear for obvious reasons.
However even with all this going on Panama as a country far exceeded our expectations to the point we stayed an extra week enjoying the sights and beaches.
I was pleasantly surprised to arrive in Panama City to find that it wasn’t a huge Urban Sprawl, completely overcrowded like so many other Capitals citys can be. With an ‘Old Town’ (Casco Veijo) that rivialed that of Cartagena in Colombia, fantastic fish markets, a 2km long palm tree lined Causeway connecting 4 small islands, and obviously the Panama Canal, it was a city with a lot to offer and I can now see what the fuss is about.
We are not the keenest big city travelers and prefer being out of the hustle and bustle, however Panama City never felt too crazy or unsafe which was unexpected.
We spent a couple of days with a friend (that’s you Kirsten!) who was passing through on her way down to South America, and what a perfect place to meet up. After walking around Casco Veijo for most of a Sunday morning, we headed over to the local fish market where we dined with many of the local Panamanians (love that word!) Enjoying ceviche and crayfish as fresh as they could be… Beers, food, friends catching up, I couldn’t think of a better way to wind away a day.
Later that night we decided to get a little dressed up (in our smartest travel gear that is) and head out for a night on the town. Only issue was that Panama City have never heard of Sunday sessions and the only place we could find open (apart from Hooters) was a dodgy Irish pub, serving green beer and terrible wine. We were also the only patrons all night, needless to say we were all in bed at a reasonable hour.
We took a trip out to the Panama Canal the next day, which was way more interesting than I thought it would be. They have done a great job explaining the workings as well as the history of the Canal in a superb museum that runs through 5 floors. We were able to see 2 large container ships pass through during our 3 or 4 hour visit.
Quick Interesting fact:
During the building of the Canal in early 1900 they had a malaria epidemic which caused the highest number of deaths. In order to combat this epidemic they built roads, paved sidewalks, introduced garbage removal services, removed all foilage within living compounds and brought running water to the town. Basically they put in infrastructure that we take for granted to get rid of the mosquito’s… Interesting!
Overall a really enjoyable city, filled with old buildings that are either falling down or being restored which fills the city with a contrasting difference one minute to the next.
Great seafood at the local markets, with Ceviche being the main best I’ve tasted thus far in Central America and Crayfish as cheap as Chicken.
A few tips for Travellers:
– Stay in Casco Veijo, it’s very pretty and central
– Make sure you get to the Miroflores locks to see the Canal
– If you need to go to the Immigration department in Panama City, wear trousers and shoes – They will NOT let you on without them
– Taxis are cheap but always negotiate a price before you travel, and watch out for the lack of bars and restaurants open on Sunday nights 🙂
