Day Forty Nine - February 23

Our arrival into Panama was at 08:00 am with an overnight departure on Thursday at 04:00 am the next day in order to meet our scheduled entrance into the canal.

While on deck this morning I noticed more than enough ships outside of the city waiting their turn to sail through the canal. It was like a huge parking lot.

The latest population figures as of 2021 indicate a country population of almost 3.9 million with Panama City having approximately 30% of this total.

Again we were off with our friends from Vancouver, Ilona and Keith to explore the "new" old town of Panama with its unique shops, restaurants, and interesting architecture. It's other name is Casco Viej and is in the historical district of Panama which is also the official home of the President of Panama. The district was settled in 1673 to replace the original old town of Panama or Panama Viejo which was attacked by pirate Henry Morgan in 1673 and subsequently destroyed.

We completed our walk and after lunch in the Old Town thought that we'd hop into a taxi to visit the original old town which happens to be on the other side of Panama City. To explore the area it is necessary to purchase a ticket however upon arrival to the park it was unfortunately already closed.

I actually bought myself an original Panama hat which are all made in Ecuador not Panama.

Hopping into another taxi to return to the Old Town was interesting. After every one was in the taxi, I noticed the driver doing the sign of the cross. A good or bad omen I think. Driving here reminded us a little of Lima Peru where no one listens to traffic rules and there are no set lanes.