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Published: March 16th 2010
Panama the last Central American country we visited, and we were not sure about what to do or see other than than the Canal of course. Without it Panama may still be part of Columbia. The French went broke building it due to a bad design and yellow fever. The main French stockholder obtained power of attorney from the 12 main families in Panama and made a deal with the USA to complete the project. As expected America and the Frenchman were the winners and the Panamanians realized it after the fact. The canal is something to see ships carrying 4,400 containers squeeze into a lock with 2 feet on either side is something you don’t forget. The thing you have to realize is that Gatun Lake in the center of the isthmus makes the canal possible. The political history of Panama is very interesting especially the American role behind the scenes to support. some not so reputable characters. The main one you recognize is Noriega but he is not alone in the USA support.
We crossed into Panama from Costa Rica by taxi at Paso Canoas a real border town. CR side is rock, gravel and potholes step across
the line it is a 4 lane highway with designated traffic lanes and a divider. It is the most shocking difference of the 2 countries. First stop was Boquette at 3,500 feet, after the taxi dropped us in David to pick up the rental car. Boquette’s main attraction is the scenery. The town sits in a high valley surrounded by jungle and coffee plantations. Nearer to the end of the rainy season white water rafting is the big outdoor tourist activity but with low water flow we opted out.
Traversing the pan American highway we arrived in Playa Coronado for one night to see our friends from Verrado, Kevin and Marie. They are building a house and will be moving to Panama in the next few months to swell the ranks of worldwide expats who are calling this country home.
We then tackled Panama City traffic and the graffiti ex American school busses that are everywhere and the only mass transit in the city, unless you count the thousand plus yellow taxis. This is survival of the fittest but we made it out without a scratch, even if we did drive in a pedestrian mall, being unable to
back up after getting lost in Casco Viejo. We survived and it is just another adventure in our travels. We found that driving outside the city was much more rewarding and relaxing so the National Parks of Soberania, Las Cruces Trail and Gamboa rain forest were our next destinations. The Las Cruces trail was used by the Spanish to transport gold and other Central and South American riches from the Pacific to the Caribbean and the waiting Spanish galleons. Panama has always been and always will be a transit point for people, merchandise and money.
Our last day was spent on a tour of the Embera Indians this was a National Geographic experience. Driving 1-hour south east of the city we arrived at the Chagres River and boarded our dug out canoe (log) for our 1 hour up river adventure. All went well till the 30-horse motor could not be used due to the shallow water at the riffles. So out of the canoe and help to push/pull up to the next level and the deeper channel. Aw for the aluminum jet sled of the Northwest, (would have ruined the ambiance).
We arrived at the village of 140
to the beating of drums and a bamboo flute. The people live in palm leaf roofed structures built on wooden stilts 10 feet above ground. This is a working village and not some theatrical stage for tourists; the American Peace Corps volunteer was their helping with the children’s education. We spent 4 hours with the Embera learning their customs of dance, food and natural plant medicine. They are expert basket weavers, woven masks and wood carvers. They sustain their life style with sales of their crafts and tourist visits. This was the highlight of Panama.
We are now back in AZ and our non traveling life but we are already planning our next adventure, there are too many options so we will not be able to visit all on our wish list next year. So we stay healthy and there will be many more blogs to write. We hope you enjoy the pictures and would love to hear your comments.
Mary and Bill
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ron
non-member comment
wow! great pics! you are somewhat in the bush? i think you are lucky pups to be able to trevel like you do. have a nice saint pats day. ron