Panama - A Visitor`s Perspective
Remember, this web site is a personal site for friends and others that may wish to view other parts of the world. We have, however, provided links to accommodation sites if you wish to go. Using these links is appreciated as that provides the revenue for site maintainance, but, We just hope that you have the same opportunities as ourselves and if not, at least be able to share froma visitor perspective.
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Interactive Map of Panama City, Panama 
Lot`s of Pics
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Move Cursor, over underlined items for picture and links Panama, just a great country to visit or perhaps even retire to.
Our (Kathy & John) three month visit took place in the December thru February 2006 time frame. This is the Panamanian summer (dry period with summer break for school)
and rainfall is limited but there is plenty of sunshine and very warm temperatures. Most North Americans may find the temperature
rather warm (+30c or +90F), but if you can schedule inside activities during the hours between 11 am and 4pm the climate could be considered as perfect (night or day).
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Bahamas - Eleuthra Pink Sand  Grand Canyon-South  Lake Superior - North Coast 
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Now that you know how to get around visit some of the sites. Visit some of the great shopping malls. Our favorite was Allbrook Mall with over 150 stores and very similar to North American Malls but larger. Visit the ancient city ruins and purchase some Native handycrafts. Prices are reasonable and the products are usually quite native to the country.
Downtown Panama or By-the-Ocean Panama has many great sites and most individuals would consider themselves to be in a major North American city. There are restaurants, shopping, & medical facilities that compare to the best of our cities. The Business district also has the shopping, restaurants, banking facilities and gambling casinos that make the city so vibrant. Panama`s famous " Carnival" is also held just prior to Lent.
Certainly one of the areas within Panama City (Casco Viejo) could be considered as third world. It however has a marketplace, museums and the Presidential Grounds that almost make it necessary to visit. The experience of seeing products advertised for 25 cents along with the Golden altar in one of the churches will remain with you for a lifetime. There is also a major renaisance happening in the area and one is able to picture how it will look like 5-10 years from now.
Panama City has come a long way from the days of Noriega, but to many North Americans that is a subject that often arises. During our trip we were very fortunate to tour his home and grounds. As the video clips highlight, Noriega is no longer an issue, and Panama City is experiencing the growth of one of America's great cities.
Before we highlight some of the surrounding country sites outside of Panama City, it is important to make note of why our trip was so special. To us it was our accommodation and being close to many of attractions in Panama City. If you travel to Panama consider your location as being the prime factor. It is where you have the possibility to meet others, to rest up for your next excursion or maybe just sit by the pool. Our location made us feel at home, and it is the real reason on why we will return.
Many Casinos also in Panama City also| Panama (the country) |
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Interactive Map of Panama (the country)
Lot`s of Pics
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Just outside of the city are two areas that you can actually take a taxi to. One being the Amador Causeway that was created by the dumping of grounds removed to create
the Panama Canal. We were there several times and found the walk quite interesting as well as several restaurants along the way where we stopped at for an hour or two. The other is the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal itself. Here one can see how these great ships migrate from the Pacific to Atlantic oceans. Well worth the trip.
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Bahamas - Eleuthra Pink Sand Grand Canyon-South Lake Superior - North Coast
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El Valle is up in the mountains west of Panama City and gives you relief from the hot Panama City temperatures. It is cooler (25c or 80f) and very lush. It is also an area that experiences more rain. It is a pleasant drive up the mountains (rather curvy however) and the town is quite clean compared to many others in Panama. To visit one really needs a vehicle (or a taxi) to see most of the town sites.
Gamboa Resort is an example of what is done right. A beautiful location, resort & grounds gives one the feeling that we are so fortunate to live on this Planet. Activities abound for all and very few would be disappointed. It is however a bit expensive, but if you are there it is worthwhile to visit.
After three months very little of the country was seen, but that provides the incentive to return once again to Panama.
Hope that you enjoyed the trip,
but there is really nothing like seeing it yourself.
If you like what you see,
tell your friends and be sure to visit our Picture Blog.
