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South American Explorers |
NAME: Katharine Skola
katharineskola@yahoo.com
DATES: July-August 2000
EXCHANGE: Panamanians use US dollars
WEATHER: Hot, 70-100% humidity, 35 degrees most days in rainy season
TERRAIN: Lush forests, views of the ocean, green grass with hills in the Panama city region and mountains in Chiriqui, a northwestern province.
TRIP RATING: 9
ROUTE: For about $850 I traveled from San Diego to Panama city in only about eight hours after being routed first to Atlanta City via Delta airlines. The ride was pleasant and nothing unusual. Travelers do need to have a travel card ready at customs for a fee of five dollars and customs clerks usually know no english.
HOTELS: Restaurants that are unusually good are most of the italian places and hotel restaurants that cater to business travel such as the Executivo where you can get a large traditional breakfast for about $4.
ESSENTIALS: Bring light clothing. Long sleeve shirts are not needed, even at night, and bring nice clothing. Panamanians in the city are generally very well dressed and typical American tourist clothing will stick out like a sore thumb. If planning to do business work, bring a jacket because many buildings are cool because of massive air conditioning. If you are sensitive to cold, bring a light jacket wherever you go so that you will be comforatable indoors.
COMMENTS: Panama city is very modern. There are good places and bad places. Via Espana has most of the retail stores and Marbella is a very nice area of the city. The traffic seems insane and honking is usual for every offense. Traffic rules may or may not be followed. Women can walk alone during the day and may be whistled at or honked at but nothing more. Tipping is usually 10% and you will find most people to be very nice and pleasant and will help most tourists. The Causeway is a must see and the fresh seafood is delicious. The canal on the other hand should not be a priority considering the many more beautiful sites to see.
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South American Explorers |