I stayed in Casco Viejo (“Old Town,”) the historic district in Panama City. It was a nice break from the hustle of the business district. Casco Viejo is bordered by a massive wall by the Pacific Ocean, remnants of its purpose as a defensive city. Many buildings are still in ruins, some have been restored, and most are still being restored that walking around its streets meant navigating around construction sites. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the historical houses, buildings, the slums, and the walls covered with street art. The Panama Canal was a short cab ride away. I got there in time to see a big ship passing through the Miraflores Locks. The water drained, the locks opened, then slowly the ship passed through. Then the locks closed behind it, then filled back up again with water. It was an amazing sight. Just seeing the canal in action was well worth visiting this country.
RandomShutteredSky 