THE LAST LEG

The final travel day began with a characteristically early start,  the pay-off being that we would be in Panama City by midday.  This time we had a Toyota Hiace  van that seemed to offer slightly more space than previous vehicles and it was certainly better padded for comfort.  This soon proved to be necessary as our driver Ricardo was a confident soul whose technique involved approaching all gravel sections and potholes at maximum speed.  However we reached Santiago and picked up the Pan-American Highway well ahead of schedule.  For the major road through Central America there seemed to a paucity of signage through this area and I think it would be possible to drive a considerable distance in the wrong direction before you might notice your mistake.  At a comfort stop I noticed an unusual form of customised transport.  This photo shows a Toyota flatbed truck with a home-made cabin welded on top. 

Lord knows what the seating arrangements were!

As we neared Panama City there was an increase in settlement and traffic information as well.  I’d half expected some sort of favela as we approached the city but what I saw was lots of pretty new basic housing. 

It turned out that poorer housing was perhaps more on the eastern side of the city as well as around the central district.  Again, to my surprise Panama City looks modern in every way with more skyscrapers than I’ve seen since Chicago. 

This perhaps reflects a lack of research on my part.  After dropping our bags at the hotel I found a Panaderia around the corner where a plate of chicken and rice could be had for only $2.  A pity it has taken me the whole trip to find that such places actually exist.  We’d all opted to take a Panama trip as most of the group were flying out the next day.  I’d hoped it would orientate me for further exploration.  Our first stop was the Miraflora Lock on the Panama Canal.  It seems unlikely that watching boats pass through a lock could be such a major tourist pastime but there were hoards there and the viewing gallery was packed. 

I found it amazing that such massive ships could be moved through the system so efficiently without even brushing the sides.

From here we were taken along the causeway out of the city, where we could good views of the city and its skyscrapers but other than visiting the duty free shop there didn’t seem much point to this as we couldn’t stop on the causeway to take photos whilst the marina at the end of the causeway obstructed the views considerably.  From here we went to the old city.  Already something of a tourist magnet it is currently undergoing refurbishment, largely funded by UNESCO. 

Most of the buildings are shells only and in places a range of structures are needed to keep the facades in place.  Doubtless, when the work is finished there will be masses of cafes and bars and prices will increase dramatically.

In the evening I met up with Sarah, who seemed much happier having spent a few days away from the group; weeks of group travel is much harder than one might imagine.  Anyway, she is now looking forward to her time in Cuba.  She started over month before me so I hope she enjoys it as well.  I’m ready for home now!