Panama City Panama
February 7th, 2016 – On the way to determine if Panama is where I want to relocate to. Leaving on an overnight flight from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Panama City, Panama (PTY). Arrived morning of the 8th. and immediately noticed the humidity difference between the two cities. Los Angeles, of course, is very dry year round and Panama City is just the opposite. At least it is considered to be the dry season in Panama (November to May). Even though Panama is located north of the equator, the locals refer to the dry season as their summer. When I asked why they call November through May their summer months, they answer back that it is, and they say so. Makes no sense to me.
The Turtle in Panama City, Panama
PTY Airport Construction
The airport facility is ok, but you do notice that a whole new terminal and airport complex is being built next to the old terminal facility. Riding in a shuttle from the airport to my hotel, you travel on the Corredor Sur, which takes you to downtown Panama City. Most of the Hotels are located along Avenida Balboa,which is located right on Panama Bay, and they make up the beautiful skyline of high rise buildings on one side and the Bay on the other side.
Panama City
Downtown Panama City
Panama City
All along the bay and across from the high rise buildings is the famous Cinta Costera, which is a beautiful bike / pedestrian park that travels between Casco Viejo (Old City) and Parque de la Cinta Costera (about 2 miles).
Cinta Costera
Cinta Costera
Cinta Costera
The park has lots of trees, gardens, pedestrian bridges (to cross Avenida Balboa), and grass all along the park. On Sundays, they even close down Avenida Balboa for use by bicycles only (from 6 am. to about noon). Looking from the bay across the park and Avenida Balboa, you see the beautiful skyline that the city is famous for. It’s hard to believe that you are in a third world country. This view reminds me of looking across from New Jersey towards Manhattan Island in the states. It is impressive!
Panama Bay has a very high tidal swing (about 18 feet) so most of the boats you see in the bay or harbors along the Cinta Costera will either be floating on water or grounded in the mud depending on the tides. This tidal swing also accounts for the sometimes bad odor that comes off the bay during low tides.
Fisherman’s Market
Since I was visiting Panama during Carnaval or Carnival, the city was bustling with tourists and out of towners. Part of the Cinta Costera was fenced off and closed for use until after Ash Wednesday (Feb 10th). It’s hard to explain what Carnaval in Panama City is all about other than to say peaceful chaos. Carnaval last 4 – 5 days and most businesses are closed during this time. People all over Panama gather to eat, drink, and party till the sun comes up for 4 days.