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Gamboa had
many attractions. The highlight was the tram ride through the
canopy. Others included: An orchid farm, a reptile zoo, a
butterfly farm, an aquarium and crocodile exhibit, not to mention the
yummy lakeside restaurant. Left: Our Panamanian tram guide was from the Darien. The Darien is the eastern-most part of Panama that shares the border with Columbia. It is also where the Pan American highway ends in swamps and mangroves. It is impossible to drive from Central America to South America. Below Left: Our guide spotted the national bird; a very stately white eagle. Below Right: The orchid farm. |
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| Casco
Viejo, or Old Town, was another sightseeing opportunity. We poked
around in the gift shops and walked amid the beautifully restored old
houses. Unfortunately, the theater and the president's house were
closed the day we went but there was still plenty to see. Right: A nicely restored old house. Below Left: Carrie, Mom, Dad and William with the Bay of Panama in the background. Below Right: Nothing better than a refreshing shaved ice on a hot and humid day. We had no luck getting this guy to smile! |
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William,
Pat and Carrie took a hike to the top of Cerro Ancon where a massive
Panamanian flag flies for all of Panama City to see. There were
spectacular views of the old and new city, the Panama Canal and the
bridge of the Americas from the top. Left: Probably the largest Panamanian flag in the world. Below Left: Big green iguanas were everywhere. They were especially numerous in the area marked 'No Trespassing' behind the locked gate with a small hole in the fence just large enough for a hiker .... Below Right: Whew! What a climb and what a view! William and Carrie relax and enjoy the city views before heading back down the hill. And, yes, William is the poster boy for sunscreen! |
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| One of our
favorite meals in Panama City was Marcos' Fish in a Bag. Marcos
was a Jamaican who specialized in fried fish and patacones
(smashed and fried platanos). The secret was in the jerk-seasoned
pesto and his homemade habanero sauce. It was a great deal too --
only $1.00 for 2 fillets and patacones. We treated the whole
family! |
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