This was a trip planned pre covid but had to be canceled as things closed down the month before our departure. Seven of us decided to set out for the adventure. I was particularly excited to see the changes since my previous visit more than ten years ago.

The first thing I noticed was that there was  enhancement to the airport. Terminal 2 is new and very modern with restroom facilities in abundance. Immigration is located in terminal 2 and after claiming your luggage you proceed to customs where luggage to include carry-on runs through security check again.

The first thing that caught my attention was the increase in numbers of skyscrapers creating a great skyline. There were many more traffic lights with filter lights. The roads were in great condition with several lanes.

The next thing was an established train line. So far, there are two major lines with plans to install an additional line. The first line began operation in 2014 and the second line 2019.

The route includes an underground and an elevated portion of the ride.

Another striking thing to me was how orderly the people were, waiting in queues at bus stops and the courtesy to seniors. Seniors are allowed to board the bus first and adults and school children give up their seats to a senior without hesitation. The standard fare to ride the train is 35cents and the bus 25cents. Seniors do get a discount. They also use a card to tap no swiping as we do in the United States.

The Causeway runs along the coastline into the Pacific that links the mainland to three islands. Driving along the causeway offers a view of ships and carriers waiting in line to go through the canal. I had been there when small stores were just opening and to see the extension of this area I almost could not recognize the restaurant I had eaten. It is a real hang out area with restaurants, stores, picnic areas, clubs, and a boat basin. There is a jogging path and a bicycle path where you can see people enjoy cycling. This road is said to be built from the excavated rocks when the canal was being built.

We went on a catamaran trip to Taboga Island about twelve miles from Panama City. This was a six hour fun time that included music, refreshments, lunch, and beach time. While waiting to get aboard, I noticed other small groups going out on other sailboats that appeared to be privately arranged.

At first, the catamaran goes to an unpopulated side of the island where guests have an opportunity to swim. Safety jackets were available if requested, as well as swim noodles.

After spending some time here, swimmers got back on board and we headed to another side of the island to allow for exploring the town or heading to the beach. We headed to the beach.

Most guests were already wearing bathing suits but what was nice to see was that there were bathrooms and change facilities ranging from $0.50 to a $1.00. There are umbrellas and lounge chairs for rental also. Pina coladas are served in a pineapple which seems to be a staple here. Back on board the party continued sometimes led by members of the crew. This started at 9am and returned at 3pm, highly recommended. If you have a limited time I strongly suggest booking ahead especially if you are in a group.

We continued exploring the city, and as we drove around the city, I noticed a few of the old decorated buses were still in operation. These buses i saw on my previous visit were heavily decorated, which made one wonder about the frequency of accidents. The few that I saw this time were a little less decorated, and the loud music and flares were gone.

While we on the topic of transportation, driving in Panama is simply crazy. Traffic is very heavy, they drive very fast, they cut off each other, pay no attention to signals, and you have to be extremely aggressive in driving. Then there are the motorbike riders who are extremely daring, challenging cars moving in and out of lanes and at such speed.

In the midst of rush hour driving out to Veracruz, I noticed vendors on the highway moving between cars. I found this interesting and daring considering how the drivers switch and cut across lanes despite how heavy the traffic is.

On my previous trip, I visited the Miraflores locks, and here again, there was major expansion. Now, there are two observation decks, a beautiful large theatre with a film that required 3D glasses. The cost to enter is $17.00, which includes the observation deck and entry to the theatre to view a narrated historical film.The film runs on or about every one and a half hours for about half an hour. At the end of the film, the exits lead you where? The gift shop, of course.

To guide the vessels through the canal and with this cruise ship, four locomotives (referred to as mules) are attached to the ship two on either side. A worker from the canal assumes the captain’s role while passing through the canal.

With the increase in size of cruise ships and industrial vessels a new traffic lane was completed in May 2016 and became operational in June 2016. This project allowed for more ships to pass through the waterway. From the observation deck we could see another ship going through the new pathway in the distance.

We also paid a visit to Casco Viejo, the historical district of Panama. That area is now very popular with restaurants, churches, stores and hotels.

As we walked around, we came upon the Afro-Antilian Museum. Unfortunately, it was closed on Mondays. This museum is housed in a refurbished Christian Mission  Church.

I had been to shows before, but some of the friends I was traveling with, this was their first visit to Panama. We had dinner with a typical show at Trapiche Vista, formerly Tinnajas restaurant.

These dresses are traditional dresses (pollera) of Panama accompanied by the Jeweled  headdress and ornate combs and jewelry. The dresses have different designs at the top and in the skirt. While dining at the Sabrosa restaurant out on the causeway, we were entertained with some folkloric dances and chants.

I am often asked about food, so in Panama, the food is very similar to the Caribbean. There is a fish that I like that is similar to snapper but way less bones. It is served fried, or you can get it sautéed or filet. The side orders are generally patacones (fried green plantains), steamed or fried yuca (cassava), fried ripe plantains and tamale (cornmeal) wrapped in Banana leaf; we have another name for it in Jamaica. They also do clams in the shell in a garlic sauce simply delicious. In general, there is a wide variety of food, steaks, chicken, tripe, and soup (sanchoco). Make sure you ask about the size because the bowl of soup can be a meal.

Driving out of the city to Veracruz we go over the bridge of  The Americas where we enjoyed seafood at the waterside. There were new changes here also as restaurant owners expanded to dinning areas across from the original restaurant that guests can sit by the ocean.

It is fair to say Panama has changed since my last visit, and the country is progressing in leaps and bounds. Children are wearing uniforms, traffic is very heavy throughout the day, for the shoppers there are plenty of malls, lots of restaurants, good food and lots of history. It is always nice to have a native traveling with us and be our personal guide and driver. Thank you Dave. We stayed at RIU Plaza in the city that included an extravagant breakfast with great service. Next up my cruise to the Caribbean from New York.