Monday, January 16 – Panama City

I’m planning another Uber out and walk back today. My starting point is the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) area of the city. It was settled in 1673, following the destruction of the original Panama City in 1671 (which I visited earlier). And like Old Panama, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took about 20 minutes to get here from my hotel ($4).

I noticed that this area was much more crowded with tourists than Old Panama. Part of it I’m sure is due to the fact that Old Panama is just an archaeological site and museum, whereas the Old Quarter has many shops and restaurants. However, I later learned that a cruise ship was docked in Panama City today, so many of tourists were here for the day only. (Bad timing on my part!)

Here are a few pictures from my walkabout…

I know what you’re thinking, “where are all the tourists Tim was talking about?”. Well, I had to be patient to get these photos with minimal human content! I’ll also say that the area was jammed with traffic. I guess I can understand why vehicles need to get in here, but it seems like the powers that be could set aside some roads as pedestrian only.

I’m going to make my way back to the hotel via the waterfront (well, until I need to cut inland, as my hotel sadly is not on the water!).

I don’t think I’ve mentioned the weather here in Panama City; it can be described in two words: Hot & Humid! The highs are in the mid-to-upper 80s.

Travel Tip: I’m trying to avoid roaming charges on this trip. AT&T charges $10/day for cellular access (however, they do max it out at $100/month). So, I basically use wifi exclusively. Here are some suggestions along those lines (and I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned these before, but they’re worth repeating):

• Subscribe to a VPN. This provides security to all my devices (laptop, iPad, iPhone). And it also lets me select an ip address from the location of my choosing. This is helpful when I’m logging into my personal financial websites, as they typically block access from foreign countries. I use ExpressVPN, which runs about $13/month (on a month-to-month basis).
• The Maps app on my iPhone detects my location via GPS, not the cellular signal. I therefore download the local map to my phone while on wifi, and then it’s stored on my phone for use with GPS as I walk around the city.
• Use wifi calling on my phone. I had used Skype in the past, and am new to the game on this. What can I say, I’m slow!

Tuesday, January 17 – Panama City

My last full day in Panama City. I’m planning on visiting a couple museums today. Again it will be an Uber out and walk back itinerary.

My first stop is the Biomuseo, a $5 ride from my hotel. The main reason I want to see this is because it was designed by Frank Gehry, the architect of such places as the Olympic Fish Pavilion in Barcelona, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Now, I kind of dropped the ball here, because I just assumed that museum was open every day of the week but Monday, like most other museums. Unfortunately it is in fact only open Thursday through Sunday. Oops! Oh well, I mainly wanted to see the exterior anyway!

My next stop is the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, where I was yesterday (the Museum is closed on Mondays – as most normal museums are!). Well, apparently it is also closed today for some reason as well (nothing on their website warning of this). Mmmm, I’m sensing a trend. Oh, and yes, it was less crowded around here today (goodbye cruise ship!)

The last museum on my itinerary is the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. And again, this museum is closed today. (Supposed to be open; no mention on their website) Looking through the front door, it appears that they’re changing around the exhibits. Almost a total bust on museum plans for the day!

Oh well, I ended up spending the day doing one of my favorite city things – just walking around and observing. I do have one more stop though. I want to get a closer look at a building I saw amongst the skyscrapers.

My thoughts as I leave Panama City:

• It probably wouldn’t be very high on my recommended places to visit
• It’s generally pretty dirty, except along the waterfront and tourist areas
• The traffic is terrible
• It is not pedestrian friendly (except for the waterfront path)
• No significant cost advantage versus the U.S.
• But the locals are generally friendly
• And it’s got the Panama Canal, that’s all that really matters!

And to be clear, my comments are about Panama City only, not the rest of the country.

Finally, the Covid situation here in Panama:

• No testing or vaccination required for entry
• No mask requirements (I’d say about 10% of the people I encountered were wearing masks)

Wednesday, January 18 – transit from Panama City to Bogota

My flight today is around noon, so fortunately I don’t have an early wake up! The Uber to the airport took about 30 minutes and cost $19.

And yes, the agent at the Copa Airlines ticket counter did ask me about my one-way ticket. I was ready this time though! I presented her with my onward itinerary to Barbados via Copa. No issues.

(I don’t remember going through this as went from Bolivia to Ecuador to Chile – all one-way flights, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t have the onwards portion booked prior to entry into the country.)

The flight took about 1 1/2 hours on a 737, which was full. And upon arrival in Bogota it took 1 1/2 hours to get through immigration! Brutal! The good news: I didn’t have to wait for my bag! (And no, the immigration officer did not ask about a return/onward ticket)

Travel Tip: I’m pretty sure I mentioned this before as well…I have a Schwab ATM card that charges no foreign transaction fee and reimburses the ATM charges. I use this card to get cash whenever possible. I also have a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees.

At the airport it’s nice that they have a taxi system where you pay a set rate in advance based on your destination. My trip cost $16 and took about 45 minutes (rush hour traffic).