After a very educating and fun morning at the Panama Canal we were off to Casco Viejo, the old Spanish Colonial part of Panama City. Casco Viejo is brimming with character and bright colors. Music floats out of the windows and vendors call to you as you walk past. The cafe doors are open and the patios are filled with umbrella topped tables where people sip a cold drink to beat the heat. It is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides so the skirts of our dresses kept flying up. We were able to see an old French brothel (and hear our tour guide say "boobies" over and over in the funniest voice), many restaurants, shops, and even the President's house!
It was a sunny afternoon and we were sweating big time. But it was really fun to get out of the classroom and have some fun. We beat the heat and snuck into the National Theater for a few minutes. What a beautiful theater! We also went into a shop and learned about the classic "Panama Hat." It really is a real thing that Panamanians wear however the hats originated in El Salvador. You can buy them everywhere and it seems to have become a symbol of Panama. They are simple straw hats but an original will cost upward of $35.
It was lovely to get out and explore the city. We broke quite a sweat and it felt great to take a cold shower once we got back (there is no hot water here). The Casco Viejo area is under quite a bit of construction and everyone says it will be the best reconstruction of a Spanish Colonial area once it is finished! I hope to return to this beautiful, colorful place again someday.
That is all for now folks. After Casco Viejo we were off for the weekend, more to come on the weekend adventures! I hope things are cooler up north, they are getting steamy down here in Panama. ¡Hasta la próxima!
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