It’s rare you get to work with the same people twice in my career. It’s even more rare to work with the same people twice, when you actually click and get along with them. I visited Panama, my 12th country of 2019, in September and was blessed to have an amazing crew member I met back in February when I went to London. Panama was also a country I’d never visited before so I made sure to get that passport stamp.
Aly took us around Casco Viejo, Old Panama City. He was our translator and tour guide.
The city has been around for centuries and you really see and feel that when you walk the streets. Narrow, cobble stoned streets, old churches that were destroyed and never rebuilt juxtaposed next to beautiful classical buildings with quaint balconies covered in flowers.
On the water you’ll find Paseo de Las Bovedas, a monument that was once part of the defense system of the city as well as used as prison cells. Today it has offices, an art gallery and a restaurant. You’ll also find many street vendors along the walk to Las Bovedas, selling hand made crafts and souvenirs.
But what you really come to Las Bovedas for is the views. Spectacular views of the ocean and the city, and if you look far enough into the distance, the panama canal.
Making your way back inland, you can wonder the streets of Casco Viejo for hours admiring the architecture and culture. We visited on a Saturday night but the streets were still full of families and children riding bikes and playing. Eventually we made our way to Independence Square. It’s a good meeting place and people watching spot. Surrounded by official buildings, a church, and other tourist attractions, Independence Square is a classic looking square with a gazebo and benches to sit, relax, and enjoy your cerveza.
A few blocks to the northwest of Independence Square is the hotel and bar, Gatto Blanco. It was a beautiful evening and my crew and I were looking for a place with rooftop views to enjoy the sunset. Gatto Blanco was that spot. It’s a small roof top but enough room to spread out, it has comfortable seating and good priced drinks.
For dinner we went to Tantalo’s rooftop bar. It’s one of the most popular spots in Casco Viejo and for good reason. Not only does it provide nearly unobstructed views of the coast and city sky line, the food is amazing.
Overall Panama City, and Casco Viejo, is a place I’d go back to and spend more time exploring the streets and learning the history. There’s so many craft stands selling home made jewelry and bags, so many small bars and restaurants ready to make you a drink, and every person is friendly and kind. So in the words stenciled on Gatto Blanco’s steps, “Peace. Love. Let’s Gatto.”
AAdventure Seeker 