This is a Panama tree growing amidst the old ruins.
Here is my family with the old Cathdral - one of the few ruins still standing. Old Panama was founded in 1519.
We then drove to the Old City - downtown Panama in the heart of the city - with lots of character. Poverty amid the high rise condos. We visited Casco Viejo the area where you can find San Jose church with its gold altar.
The gold altar extends up the entire wall. After visiting this Catholic Church we then walked to the Plaza Herrera. J had sweat pouring off his brow as we walked - it was 31 C and very humid! I bought a tropical guava and pineapple juice to try something local. It was 500 ml, cost 65 cents and was super sweet like kool-aid! I did feel perfectly safe on the streets. We periodically saw National Police in pairs keeping a watchful eye on actions. Our guide told us not to return after midnight!
Must show you one of the many striking buildings in Panama City. I call it the corkscrew building!
It was completed just two years ago and has the letters BBA atop it!
We then headed back to the hotel for a buffet lunch and 40 minutes of downtime. One of the women on the trip is wearing a pedometer she reported we walked 5500 steps and my 84 year old Mother in Law did just fine keeping up!
Today is my Dad's 87th birthday! I hope your other daughter helps you to read this to let you know I am thinking about you and wishing you a very happy birthday!
Once aboard the bus again, we headed to the Miraflores and Gatun Locks on the south side of the canal. That is the Pacific ocean side. Fascinating to see two ships move through the canal. The entire canal measures 80 km in length and was first operational August 15, 1914. It is 100 years old this year.
The locks had a museum and 10 minute movie in English telling of the struggles to build the canal. The French spent 20 years and gave up countless lives to malaria and yellow fever before they gave up. Fifteen days later the Panamanians signed a deal with the USA. It took another 10 years to complete the canal. It really is an unbelievable feat of engineering!
A cargo freighter moving through the canal.
P seeing the sites and learning about the operation of the lock system.
Once back at the hotel J and I scooted to the supermarket in the mall next door to buy some snacks. I was able to buy some freshly vacuum packed sugar cane in the produce section. A real treat for P and it cost $1.21!
After supper we called our eldest (JG) with the Vonage app (for free! Get the app!). My blogging mentor who writes the Yellow Fish cruises blog, told me about the app, so I loaded it on my phone before I left home. Conversation was as clear as a bell and probably 20 minutes long! For free in a mobile phone on a call from Central America to Canada!
Good night!
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