Panama City, Panama

July 24-26

Panama City is by far the best capital city I've been to in Central America. It almost felt as if we'd stepped into another world when we arrived. There were skyscrapers, perfect roads, clean streets, huge shopping centres. Completely different from the other (rather dingey) cities I've been to thus far. 

It was a looooong journey to Panama City so we didn't get in until well after dark. Within minutes of arriving at our hostel we ran into various people we'd already met along the way, and shared a few drinks over happy hour. 

The next morning a few of us set off to check out the Panama Canal. I found this really fascinating! It was created as a way for ships to get between the Pacific and Carribean oceans. The French started building it, but after 23 years too many of their workers were dying from disease and injury... So the Americans came in and took over. By 1914 it was complete and the Americans had full control over it up until 1999, when Panama finally took over. At the Miraflores Locks there is a 26m difference in the water levels - so the locks are used to assist the boats in going up/down as they go through. We saw one cargo ship go all the way through, taking about 45 minutes. Apparently it costs the big ships up to $400,000 to go through! And an 8-10 hour journey from one ocean to the other. Still, better than going all the way down under South America!

We roamed around the Casca Viejo area in the afternoon, which is an incredibly mixed little spot. There are super fancy buildings as well as apartments that are falling to bits. 

Many of the streets are covered in colourful street art. We wandered down Central Ave and found barely in tourists in sight; just cheap shops and delicious local food.

Just before sunset a group of us went up to Trump Tower, where there is an infinity pool on the 66th floor with a fantastic view of the city. 

We had one very expensive drink, hopped in the pool and enjoyed the view. 

As it was my final night traveling with Aaron we had one last happy hour drink before an early night- preparing to get up at 4.30am for my San Blas adventure...