Casco Viejo
The “old quarter” of Panama City, once home to gangsters where tourists feared to tread, is now very much party central, and the trendy area of Panama currently going through gentrification on a large scale.
When we arrived last night after dark we were welcomed by the sounds of police whistles, barking dogs (as in trying-to-eat-someone-alive barking), church bells ringing and late-night partying from the many roof-top bars.
This morning started off humid and overcast, warmed up to bloody hot and steamy by 9.30 am, then the heavens opened up at about 11.30 and we’ve had several heavy showers on and off all afternoon. Pity Australia couldn’t be getting some of this rain.
Today on a stroll around the area, we saw many of the old buildings in ruins but so many beautifully restored colonial buildings.
Jarrah found it a bit confronting walking straight past soldiers on the streets with what appeared to be AK47s or rifles of a similar ilk slung over their shoulders like handbags. Having grown up in South Africa, and seeing these and other weapons on almost a daily basis – didn’t even register with me – even after being out of South Africa for 26 years.
Giggle for the day: after spending 10 minutes trying to decipher a menu in Spanish so we could order food, the waitress came over and asked us if we’d like an English Menu.
“broads abroad”
7 Comments
Marinda
Love please keep it coming
Lynda
Fabulous photos of the old & the new, such a contrast. Loving the buildings. Now that we are back online really enjoying ready about your travels.
pip
meh! Itchy feet…… love these photos Sandy, just making me want to up and off tho!
I hope you graciously
“gracias-ed” that wonderful waitress??
Sandy
:)! We sure did Pip. Plenty of Spanglish was exchanged with her and many others! The worst of it was WE picked up the original menu – didn’t even check for an English one 🙂
Mandy
Great blogging! Can relate to the large guns thrown over shoulders, never seen so much military action on my travels. Can’t wait for the next instalment x
Barb Allen
Wonderful contrasts for sure xx
Bailey
These photos are AMAZING. You really are skilled. Going to be some amazing memories for you to look back on in several years.