PANAMA CITY

I woke at 4 AM CA time with an amazing sunrise blasting through the window in front of me on the plane. We were flying over the ocean.  3 hours later, as we lowered for landing I could see many muddy riverlets draining into the bay contrasting with the lush green of the low trees at a very low tide.

This is a city of highrises, amazing architecture, haunty young ladies in tight leggings with very high heels, and humidity or afternoon rains.  I knew it was hot when from the plane I could see the local firemen washing their truck and spraying each other in their uniforms.  But, there is airconditioning everywhere.

Right now I have a perfect Mojito from the hotel bar beside my computer to help me concentrate. We are staying 2 nights at a Marriott Courtyard in the center of the city (450 thousand people) right next to a huge mall.  Of course, we had to check it out.  Found an ATM machine to get local currancy ~ the Balboa ~ as the bartender told us we had to use Balboas in stores.  The ATM kept giving us US dollars no matter which button we pushed.  So, we asked people walking by about Balboas. Oh my no! US dollars are accepted everywhere. We must not have communicated to the bartender.  The Balboa is the same value and "old."  Their coins are the same value and size as ours but have their impressions on them.  However, it is very hard to cash $50 and $100 (HAVE to have your Passport) as a major business in Central America is making counterfeit 50 & 100's. Also, banks and hotels will not cash Travelers' Checks.  Interesting. 

So, while in the mall we tried a snack bar for Empeñadas and Cappachino.  A Columbian lady made them with a lightly spicey vinegarette to dip them in.  Many people here are from other countries. I hear folks from South America move here for the better wages.  At the mall I even had time to buy gifts for Tim and Jorma!  Pañama hats were $70 tho! The mall had stores from Payless shoes to 2 huge supermarts, Sanfords, and hi end stores like Jimmy Cho's. That section felt like Rodeo Drive.  Lots of people shopping with lots of bags.  Super large purple or yellow purses were everywhere.  Most people are short and slim.  Well behaved children. And, outside the mall there are lines of yellow taxis.

The rain is most important for the country's economy as the canal needs fresh water to pump through it. We were told at the intro meeting that the average daily income in Panama is about $20.  This Caravan Tour is nice in that EVERYTHING is paid for in the $995 ~ all tips, in tour transportation and meals. Tonight's Grill dinner was only $10 on the menu, but "free" for us.  I had a  moist perfectly grilled Sea bass and salad buffet. No wine tho.

Tomorrow we travel to the old city of Pañama and Miraflores Locks. We were told that there is a web cam at Miraflores that will show us live on the internet going thru the locks on Tuesday.  Not sure of the time yet as it is decided that day. We should be spending 5-6 hours in the canal. 

Buenos noches for now, Claudia