Panama
This page is dedicated to Panama City!
Panama is a country on the isthmus linking Central and South America. It gained independence in 1903.
The famous Panama Canal is the miracle of human engineering, cutting through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans creating an important shipping route.
While the country is known for its famous canal, its natural attractions include birding, whitewater rafting, and snorkeling tours. Panama's biodiversity has been said to be three times higher than the United State, Canada and Europe combined.
Panama is one of the most beautiful countries in the Western Hemisphere and a popular choice for travelers and tourists. It is truly the bridge between worlds, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through the Panama Canal.
On one end is Panama City with its modern skyscrapers, casinos and nightclubs, contrasting on the other side with colonial building in the Casco Viejo.
Casco Viejo
Panama City, Panama was really, our short side trip on the way back from Bogota, Colombia. We stayed in Casco Viejo only one night, therefore the most of our memories are related to that part of the city.
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City. Completed and settled in 1673, it was built following the near-total destruction of the original Panamá city, Panamá Viejo in 1671, when the latter was attacked by pirates. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.
With the earliest buildings dating from the 1700s, architectural styles include Spanish and French colonial, neoclassical, art nouveau and mid-century modern. Most homes in Casco Viejo are two-story apartments in restored converted houses.
Casco Viejo is home to the heart of the gastronomy scene in Panama City. You’ll be met with the smells of grilled seafood wafting through its historic streets, and you’ll get to try some of Panamá’s best dishes, as well as cuisine from all over the world made by premiere chefs
After Morgan’s departure the city was rebuilt on the site of Casco Viejo, a more defensible location, further protected by a surrounding wall. In Spanish Casco Viejo refers to this wall, meaning “Old Shell”.
Panama Hat & Currency
The story is saying that Panama hats actually originated from Ecuador. They were shipped from Ecuador to Panama before being sent to other destinations around the world. However, among people they were always considered as Panama hats. Those hats were very popular all over the world when hat-wearing was very common.
Panama’s official currency is the balbao. One balboa is equal to one US dollar. Despite having its own currency, in Panama USD are used as the currency. Panamanian balbao banknotes were produced in 1941, but were withdrawn after one week.
About Panama canal
The Panama Canal is very important trade and commercial route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is a very easy transition for vessels dramatically shortening their waterway routes.
The idea of building a route across Panama dated back from the sixteen century.
The French were the first to start the construction job back in 1880 and after losing almost 22.000 workers, thirteen years later they gave up.
The United States began construction of a canal in 1904 and finalized it in 1914.
Adios from Panama....
