Day 7

January 28, 2019 – Panama City, Panama

We are at anchor in the harbor of Panama City. Very modern looking. Some very bright lights that reminded us of Times Square in NYC.

We were up early and took the first tender off of the ship. Today we visit the Miraflores Lock and Museum and also do a walking tour of old Colonial Panama.

The museum was jam packed full of people. The Pope had just been in town and people came from all over to visit. It looked like a nice hands on museum perfect for children. There were too many people to make it interesting for us. I like history and engineering. I could have learned a few things but chose to go quickly through the museum and watch the locks from the balcony on the third floor.

Lots of politics here. Many banners and flags were held up on this ship. People on the balcony sang songs and waved banners back. Don’t ask me the words. People were also chanting on the balcony. One person held up a cross. Our guide spoke about how people are illegally migrating to Panama because of the economy and the use of the US dollar. Illegals are taking jobs from Panamanians and putting a strain on the social safety net. She said they are very tough on border security.

This is an old school bus from the US. It has been painted, outfitted with lights, and is used as a party bus. The drivers are generally 16 years old and like to race other party bus drivers. Safety seems to be of little concern The seats have been taken out and there are benches along the side. Loud music is played and drinks are served. These busses drive through Panama all night long. The final stop is the Police Station. I would guess that all sober people are off by then.

Our walking tour took place in the old section of Panama. It had walls completely around it (I know what you are thinking) and was settled in the 1600s. Three different influences on architecture here. Spanish, French, and American.

Many of the streets could easily pass for Bourbon Street in New Orleans. All that was missing was some live jazz.

I captured the church organ and the original church roof of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Both still working well. Work on the church began in 1688.

Our tour guide did a nice job and we parted at the port to take the tender back to the the ship. The tour lasted about 4 hours.

Back on the ship we spent the rest of the afternoon on the Promenade deck in from of our room. Nice breeze off the ocean.

We ate dinner at the Lido Market and came back to our room to call it an early night.