old town

We are staying in old town panama. Evan drew a line on the map as to where it is safe to go and where it is not. We went to the café this morning for breakfast. Espresso and everything. Then we had a taxi take us around the city. He and Shannon taught each other English and Spanish. I am continually amazed at how easy it is to understand the gist by body language and a few words. He took us the first panama city, destroyed by the pirate sir Henry Morgan in 1671. Parts of the church and convent still stand, with a little help. Shannon and I created a system for seeing things out of her physical reach. I walk over, take pictures, memorize info on the sign, and repeat it to her when I return to the car. An excellent system.

We recognized many business names; Citi, Samsung, mcdonalds, hard rock café, even a Do-it Center. Panamanians have become quite ingenious architecturally, building a half moon shaped building, and a double helix one with a leaning spike on top. Why? Because they can. No canal sightings yet.

Then I went out to explore and take pictures. This being old town, there are a lot of ancient buildings to photo. About half the buildings have been renovated and half remain in varying states of ruin. By law, these buildings may not be remodeled, only renovated. This makes for an interesting mixture of beautiful doorways and garbage in the streets. Several churches have been claimed for other things, such as a bank, while others have simply fallen into ruin.

One thing I have noticed all through the city is a strong celebration of Christmas. Nutcracker statues, Christmas trees, giant ornaments, a children’s’ choir singing jingle bells, and even a “navidad” village in the center park of the city. All along it they have set up larger-than-life nativity scenes. Why cant America celebrate Christmas with that sort of joint excitement?

We leave for the san blas islands tomorrow morning early. No idea what the wifi/telephone service might be there. Or even the power. We shall see.