Panama City, PANAMA
Feb.21-26, 2015
I don't think I'll ever run out of things to say about Casco Antiguo... For example, I could go on about how the gradual "gentrification" of the area brings not only character, but snobbery as well. A quick stop inside the lovely-looking fancy American Trade Hotel coffee shop (ie. the ex-gang headquarters), so Jeannie could grab a muffin, left her standing for a few minutes waiting to pay, while the "gentleman" behind the counter completely ignored her. She finally threw some change on the counter and said "I'm taking this", holding up the muffin, and walked out. But I'll spare everyone the lengthy essays and leave you a few final photos instead.
 |
| Cafe Coca Cola - Rasheedah's old haunt from when she lived here |
 |
| Note the painting... |
The Cafe Coca Cola has been there since 1875, as I suspect have many of its customers - dapper old gents reading the papers, talking politics, observing the clientele. It would have had a different name (Coca Cola didn't come onto the market until the later 1800's), but otherwise I swear it is the same place as 1875. For five bucks, you can get a full "Panamanian" meal - fish/meat with rice, beans, plantains, rounded out with a bit of fresh salad, and honestly, probably the best cup of regular coffee to be had in Panama City. We came back a few times.
In this current period of Casco Antiguo's transition, the snobbery is mostly kept in check with the localized decor, among other things. I wonder if one will eventually triumph over the other, or if, true to its existing charm, both can continue to co-exist.
 |
| Changing of the guard Panama style |
 |
| Santo Domingo Church, 1678 - the fact that most of it (other than the roof), including the main arch, is still standing after 337 years is recognized as testament to Panama's lack of natural disasters... |
 |
| Police exercise a la football |
 |
| Celebrating on our balcony with fancy wine glasses - Rasheedah got her Panamanian Residency! |
 |
| One of many many ceviche stands at the Very Big Fish Market |
 |
| Mmmmm, ceviche |
The Fish Market was a fascinating smelly array of the coolest fish assortments and displays imaginable. When I asked the the lady in the photo, from whom I bought my ceviche, if she minded if I took a photo, she became quite shy. As a result, I didn't feel comfortable randomly photographing the assortment of fish stands - how would I feel if a bunch of foreigners showed up at desolate cubicle-land where I used to work, photographing my cube-mates and I extensively while we worked?
