Day 20 Sunday 14th October: Panama City – the old and the new

Mike writes: waking up to Panama’s 21st century skyline was a bit of a shock after El Salvador. Lois and Alexandra’s lovely apartment in Punta Pacifica is our base for the next few days exploring Panama. It has great views of both the city and the sea, plus pelicans swooping past the balcony regularly, at least until anyone aimed a camera at them.

Undeterred by the threat of rain we set off to the Casco Viejo, the old town which boasts colourful old buildings, many dilapidated or being renovated but all very atmospheric regardless of the state of repair.

In an uncharacteristic attempt to educate ourselves, we opted to visit the excellent Panama Canal Museum where amongst other things, we established that it was my family’s fault not John’s that the expedition to establish the colony of Caledonia in the Darien Gap failed precipitating Scotland’s financial ruin and the Act of Union (sorry about that Nicola / Alex et al).

Happily our expedition involved nothing more onerous than finding a hat for John, who has so far rejected all attempts by Chris and I to persuade him to buy assorted ridiculous local headgear (embarrassing photos available for a small fee).  Today’s version got the thumbs up.

We found a roof top bar and restaurant with views of across the city and of a troop of local dancers performing what appeared to be a version of Morris dancing with a bit of African ululation thrown in for good measure in the square below.

Walking back along the seafront showed us more evidence of Panama’s entertainment industry (a bizarre band practice featuring a gargantuan front man) and its imaginative modern tower blocks, one evidently designed by the makers of Jenga.

We detoured to a shopping mall where, despite an aversion to shopping, I was persuaded to replace my decomposing trainers. These were consigned to the nearest bin to much acclaim from my fellow travellers, although this move may not so popular with the bin men of Panama.

The city looks no less impressive at night so we will venture out to see what it has to offer.

Tomorrow we face the choice of trying again to secure the Darien Gap for Scotland or taking a trip across the eponymous canal.