Today, in Panama City, the weather is sunny and very warm again. We decided that we would again explore some of the areas that we had briefly seen when we initially arrived in Panama City before we left to see the rest of the country. To get a 'flavour' of the city's culture we decided to visit the largest outdoor shopping mall, the Plaza Cinco de Mayo, on this Saturday. The area/closed street was filled with various stores and street vendors where sugar cane drinks could be bought as the cane was squeezed on the spot, bargains could be had on clothing and shoes and fresh fruit and vegetables could be bought. There was a very long line-up to eat at the McDonald's, which offered a few basic 'staples'. It was somewhat strange to see Kuna Yala women in their traditional clothing feeding their little children french fries and hamburgers while the children played with the McDonald toys.
Our explorations lead us back to the nearby Casco Viejo area. Here, we explored some of the different shops as we enjoyed the restored architecture, together with the buildings awaiting some tender loving care to be restored to their past grandeur. Every new corner and street was a visual experience of surprise and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the area. Here, we explored a gem/stone museum and the Museo del Canal Interoceanico. The Museo del Canal Interoceanico is housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as the headquarters for the original French canal company. We were not certain which was more impressive, the contents in the museum or the building itself. We also visited the Iglesia De San Jose church which protects the famous Altar de Oro (Golden Altar) which was about the only thing of value salvaged after Henry Morgan sacked Panama Viejo.
According to local legend, when word came of the pirate's impending attack, a priest attempted to disguise the altar by painting it black. The priest told Morgan that the famous altar has been stolen by another pirate and even convinced Morgan to donate handsomely for its replacement.
We also saw the Arco Chato, a long arch that had stood here unsupported for centuries. It reportedly played a part in the selection of Panama over Nicaragua as the site for the canal since its survival was used as proof that the area was not subject to earthquakes. We could see why this area has been getting international recognition and being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and we walked in the area.
In our explorations of Panama City, we also discovered a very different part of Panama City, i.e., the Wyndam Hotel/Casino area. This is very exciting area with with mini-lights beckoning to the visitors of the City. Inside, the Hotel, the lobby was huge -- a city of its own. Signs, like the Moutlin Rouge offered: Girls, Girls, Girls, as we walked by. Finding a place to eat dinner we decided upon a 'Sports Bar' not far from this area where we met two men from Brazil. They had come to Panama on a business exploration. Their explorations sent them to Colon, which is a tax-free zone in Panama. They talked about their disappointments in Panama's lack of business infrastructure, at length. They were happy to be going back to Brazil the next morning. They had spent a few nights at this bar and were excellent sources of the delicious food to order. We had a pizza, the crust of which was made of plantain -- it was amazing.
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