Big City Life

Hot time in the city...does that remind you of the song from years ago? Well we've had a wonderful time in Panama City (after we acclimated to its size and layout). Clouds have been prevalent everyday, but we found multiple "sunny" afternoons to keep up the tan line definitions. We found time to explore our nearby surroundings (and a couple of restaurants) on foot on the narrow sidewalks that are uneven and required BB to employ his old faithful walking sticks to survive. [There was this one time (not at Band camp) that BB had an incident during a walking excursion where something that rhymes with "down goes Frazier" occurred. Yep, hit the deck again! Just when you thought I was NOT due for another injury! BB, aka BB (that's Blog Boy, aka Bald Bomber) regrouped, brushed off two skinned knees and a sore shoulder to continue on the day's mission.]

We found out that there is a walking/bike path that runs along the shore that we had to check out; especially after we found out it would take us to Casco Viejo, ("Old Town") which was first established in 1673. We walked about a half of mile (800 meters for those of you who paid attention in math class) to get to the ocean from our hotel (at about the 50 meter mark the aforementioned incident occurred). Crossing a walk bridge that spanned "Oceanfront Drive", we had a smooth and wide path to follow along the shore. We were disappointed to find out that the shoreline along the downtown area does not have any beaches...we haven't seen one yet...

Walking into Casco Viejo, we were transported back in time. Sha said almost immediately that it felt like New Orleans' French Quarter. Narrow red cobblestone streets and tiny sidewalks were lined with terraced buildings that created an almost tunnel-like feel to the streets. Small eateries, pubs and shops seemed to pop up out of nowhere throughout Casco Viejo. We found a bar that was highly recommended online to take a brief rest and enjoy a fancy cocktail or two as NGG researched a dinner option for us. Sha found us outdoor seating at Cascomar, a restaurant at the far end of Casco Viejo that overlooked the bay. Having walked about 4 miles or more throughout the day, we took an Uber home after dinner. The Uber picked us up right in front of our outdoor table for dinner, took about 15 minutes to drive us home, and cost us $3.74 (for real)! 

We have enjoyed multiple restaurants in the city throughout the week we've been here; trying to sample the wide variety of local cuisines. We walked to a couple (including for lunch) and Ubered to the others including a rooftop with cool views. We enjoyed Casco Viejo so much we had to go back for another dinner before we left. Sha found us a super cool place called La Barbara, which was in the back of a hair salon. Our Uber driver wasn't sure he was in the right place when we arrived as the store front looked closed. Sha reassured him we were here, got out and walked right in the doors. We walked past the hair salon chairs and washing stations to find a small bar and 7 tables for dining. Signature drinks and sushi was the fare. Checkout our cool bartender in the background.

We weren't ready to go home, so we found a rooftop bar for a nightcap. We walked to a place called Tantalo, and went upstairs. As the music played, we marveled at the views and met a wonderful couple from Germany named Rafael and Antonia. We had a great time conversing with them; although the volume of the music made that a bit of a challenge. Exchanging contact info, they said before you leave we had to go to the top level to see the views from there. The spiral staircase up to the small platform at the top was well worth the effort...

You're probably wondering, did they forget the Panama Canal is here? No we didn't...

Our half hour Uber ride cost us almost six whole dollars! Our internet research said best times to visit was 9am-11am, or 2pm-4pm, with an opening time of 8am. Arriving before 8:30, we found the Visitor Center was closed for remodeling. This meant the 3-D movie theater, additional viewing platforms and shops of the complex were unavailable. We were disappointed in what was available to view the canal and only caught the tail end of a single ship passing through the viewable locks we could see (heard an employee tell another visitor on the way out that the afternoon time slot is the best time to come...can't always trust the internet). Regardless, the trip was one we were glad we took, even with our limited viewing.

We have 7:30 dinner reservations for our last night in Panama City before we pick up our rental car and head to Playa Caracol. We are excited to have outdoor seating in the 7th floor restaurant. 

Before I go, I wanted to update the family and let them know that our nephew Michael might have followed us to Panama and is working at our hotel...you be the judge.

I will check back in from Playa Caracol!

​Pura Vida!