We have another trip planned for today – the tour of Panama City – another treat from Penny and Peter. Ruth picks us up at 8.30 am and drives into the old town, the original Panama City centre. As we drive around, we can see that parts of it are really rough and run down. Electricity cables sneak along the outside of buildings where people steal the power from the national grid, but we get further into the old town and towards the sea, you can see that a huge renovation and regeneration programme has been going on and is still going on.
Our first stop is a church. Mike and I, not known for our religious inclinations nor interest in churches, pull a surprised face but Ruth assures us that we need to see the altar in this particular one as it is made of solid gold (well the gold is about two inches thick).
Photo: The gold altar
Jim’s new camera is having it’s first outing so he takes a photo and compares it to mine to see if it’s working OK. If the photos look like shit, it will be operator error not the camera, Jim! Peter sneaks up on us and snaps a photo. Are we going to do this all day?
Photo: Show me yours and I’ll show you mine – photo-wise that is!
Before Mike gets too uncomfortable, we leave and after a few minutes more driving around, Ruth manages to find a parking spot and we continue exploring on foot. As we walk along the sea wall we hear a band playing in the distance, not very melodically I might add, and spot in the distance some form of military practising drum banging, trumpet playing and silly walk stomping. Not sure what is going on but keep up the practise, boys – you need it!
Photo: Playing soldiers or policemen
In the distance, across the bay we can see the new Panama City, all high rise apartment blocks and glass buildings. Many of the buildings are still under construction, evidenced by the cranes on top.
Photo: High rises and vultures (?) in the early morning haze
New Panama City is beautiful but a stark contrast to here we are. Looking down the narrow, cobbled streets it is strange to see a high rise in the distance, but, as they so often do, they seem to sit well together somehow.
Photo: Old and new in the same view
Walking around these old streets is fascinating. The finished building are absolutely beautiful, with ornate balconies jutting out into narrow, cobbled streets. Many of the balconies are festooned with plants and flowers and there are a few with interesting, quirky art features.
Photos: Balcony art
We see the First Lady’s office and the President’s house. There are lots of guards around and road blocks are everywhere as apparently there has been a recent threat to kidnap him.
Photo: The President’s house taken from beyond the road block
After a drive around the new city Ruth pulls up at a medical centre. Mike and I need to have the second of our three Hepatitis B injections. Mike and I walk in and are greeted by a non-English speaking receptionist. Putting a language barrier and one of these dragons (why are so many doctor’s receptionists dragons?) together is not on but a passing doctor saves the day. He says he would love to help us but he hasn’t wielded a hypodermic for over 30 years as he is a psychiatrist!
Ruth takes us to another clinic, and a helpful man takes us out the back and through a maze of corridors into another part of the building which turns out to be the Emergency Department of the hospital. A nurse there explains that if we go and buy the vaccine over the counter, she will find someone to inject us. We go back through the maze of corridors and find a pharmacy, spend $37 on two doses of vaccine (bargain) then find our way back where we wait outside the emergency doors until someone is ready to see us. A Triage nurse finds us after ten minutes or so and does the job. We stand there waiting for the bill but there is no bill. What value!
Although it’s a bit early for lunch, we go because we have some time to waste until there will be a boat arriving at the Miraflores Locks, our next stop. A little snack turns into a huge meal, along with another two bottles of wine. I seem to eat half a cow and a bulb of garlic which is delicious. It’s amazing value. Huge main courses for six people and two bottles of wine for less than $75.
Photos: Lunch – and it’s smiles all round
On we go up the only hill in Panama City. The views are fantastic, from the city itself, across to the Bridge of the Americas, the Miraflores Locks and the hills of the rainforest beyond. The viewing station and all the benches have been painted by school children and they look fantastic.
Photo: Taking in the views
Photo: Panama City, the old ……
Photo: …… and the new
Next stop is the Miraflores Locks, but this time as a spectator. When we arrive there are a cruise ship and a container ship going through the locks. Now I have gone through it myself, watching it seems far less exciting. I am sure that it is far more exciting to watch all the activity that rafted yachts generate – boats hurtling from one side of the lock to another, probably looking out of control to the casual observer, and being guided by line handlers, but then I am probably biased. Certainly the people on the cruise ship look less than interested as they lounge on their deckchairs.
Photo: Cruise ship going through the Miraflores Locks
On we go to the artisan market, picking up Ruth’s daughter, Stephanie, on the way. All the stalls seem to be selling the same things, but some are better value than others. There are lovely woven baskets, better than the ones we saw in the village but I resist the temptation to buy one as I already have my plate and there are many more countries to buy things from and a limited budget now we are not earning. Peter however buys himself a real Panama hat although he’s not sure whether he looks a dork in it or not. I’m keeping quiet, Peter!
Our last stop is the supermarket to stock up on heavy goods (wine, beer, those sort of essentials) that will be too heavy to carry when we don’t have Ruth at our disposal, then it’s back to the boat.
Stephanie, who is 11, is very excited to be on the boat, and charges around inspecting every nook, cranny, seat and toilet. She even helps Jim and I wash down the boat which is now covered with a fine red powder from the building taking place on the hill overlooking the marina.
Andrew from WCC arrives to tell us about the party being held on Wild Tigris but we are not sure whether we should go with extra guests so we give it a miss. He reimburses us for all the money taken from us by the many thieving government departments (Sanitation, Quarantine, Customs for the second time) that we have been caught by though, which pays for our meal tomorrow night.
Dear Jean and Mike and anybody else who may be on board. After your phone message last night Jean , I made sure that I read your blog. What wonderful sights and experiences you have seen and had, we all must appreciate that we live a wonderful life compared to many. Terry and I hope that you all enjoyed a raucaus night at the disco (not) we stayed in and had fish and chips. Look forward to seeing further news and pictures. Keep well all of you. Jean I am disappointed that you have found a better cleaner, she sounds great. When can I come over?
ReplyDeleteMuch love Ann and Terry xxx