Panama City - The new city of Panama City is actually fairly old in that it was built by the Spanish in the 17th century. The streets are narrow, the gardens, villas and iron balconies often to be found overhead. The Palace of Justice has some old dungeons which are very interesting to visit. The Cathedral is also worth a visit with its very interesting tower. The National Museum has a very good collection of pre-Columbian artifacts including Incan treasure.

Panama Canal - If you haven't seen the canal, you just haven't been to Panama. This one project which runs through the center of the country has also been the center of Panama's history almost from the creation of the nation. The "ditch" is about 50 miles long and was 10 years in the making. At Miraflores Locks there is a guide service available and a theater which shows documentaries about the canal. The canal cost over $500 million to complete. Today, it costs the average ship to traverse the canal system over $7,000 to make the journey.

Bocas del Toro - Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean can be found at Bocas del Toro. This is a developing area which will eventually be one of the best tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Chiriqui Province - The Guaymi Indians who make their homes in the mountains of this area are known for their 'chaquiras' which are beaded collars worn for evening wear by women. The province is also well known for orchids, wild strawberries, Easter lilies and blue jacaranda. Hunting is year-round for wild game.

Contadora - This island is only 20 minutes by air from Panama City and has 12 of the most beautiful beaches that you can imagine. Snorkeling, scuba, swimming, fishing and sailing are all excellent here on Contadora.

Pacific Beaches - Coronando is the best known resort along the 75 miles of beaches here on the Pacific side. Fishing, sailing, scuba and snorkeling are very popular.

San Blas - This archipelago is the home to the Cuna Indians who live in huts made from bamboo, and although Panamanians, live by the old tribal laws. Women wear ear disks and nose rings as well as beaten gold around their necks. When taking pictures of the locals, be prepared to pay for the opportunity. The locals are definitely friendly and will do remarkable things for you but be prepared for surprises. An admiring comment of what woman is wearing may quickly end up in her removing the garment and offering it for sale. Be careful. The islands are exceptionally blessed with beauty and serenity. Calm seems to abound here and relaxation just is a way of life. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are very popular.

Capital: Panama City

Population: 2,782,000

Area: 54, 716 square miles

Language: Spanish. Be prepared not to be understood. Panamanian Spanish is very different. English is widely understood.

Time: Same time as New York

Electricity: 110 volts but beware variations up to 220 volts do occurred the sockets (US) are often not labeled.

Geography: Panama is at the southernmost part of Central America and is bordered in the north by Costa Rica and the south by Colombia. To the east is the Caribbean and to the west is the Pacific. Panama has the narrowest land mass between the two great oceans of anywhere in the Americas which is about 30 miles. There are two mountain chains which run north/ south through Panama. There is a dormant volcano which has in its proximity some hot springs.

International Airport

Panama City - The airport is located 17 miles from the city and is reached in about one hour by bus service. Taxi service usually takes 30 - 40 minutes. When traveling by taxi note that the charge to tow is about $20. If you share a taxi with others (known as a collectivo) the rate is under $10.

Tipping: Tipping is not really expected here but you should leave a few coins just to acknowledge the service.

Shopping: Shop opening varies but they are usually open from 8:30 am until 6 pm with a closed period for lunch lasting about one an a half hours. Among the handicrafts to buy are clothing, ceramics and wood carvings. There is a woman's dress called the "pollera" which is a lacy and frilly creation which is as colorful as it is expensive. The cost usually hovers around a thousand dollars. There are lots of imported goods here. If you venture into the Colon Free Zone be mindful that the merchants are looking for buyers in mass not individual items. Panama is not a place for bargaining. What you see for a price is almost always what the price will be.

Food and Drink: The most popular dish here is called the "sancocho" which is a spicy concoction of vegetables and chicken in the form of a stew. There are a number of good restaurants which serve an array of specialties. You will not go hungary here. Seafood is plentiful, but on the Caribbean side you can have a lot of Caribbean King Crab, lobster and shrimp. In Panama there is nat a real concern about the water. Soft drinks are plentiful. Rum and beer are abundant in Panama but wine is not except for expensive imports.

Social: In general people are very hospitable. The makeup of the population varies as the ethnic diversities of Boston, New York City or Chicago. Included in the population are large sections of Chinese, Croatians, Germans, Swiss and mestizos and a number of Middle Eastern peoples. Do not surprised if you hear languages other than Spanish or English (which is widely understood). There is an indigenous people called the "Kunz" which are quite photogenic. Do ask beforehand when taking their picture. They will usually allow it - but give them something for the favor. The picture that you will get will be one of your favorite.

Business: Business standards are somewhat the same as the US. Speaking Spanish would be a good idea. Be punctual and not pushy in you dealings. They are most concerned with someone who will listen carefully and they will respect you all the more.

Banking: The banks are open Weekdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm. On Saturdays some are open until 1:30 pm. All are closed on Sundays.

Currency: The US$ here is called the Balboa. Panamanian coins are used interchangeably with US coins as they are also the same size and value.

Money Exchange: No need to exchange US currency here as it is the same. Other currencies should be changed and doing so, along with travelers checks, is usually no problem due to the great number of foreign banks in Panama. Passports will be needed to cash travelers checks.

Credit cards: Master Card and Visa are mostly honored. American Express and Diners Club are usually honored in upscale shops.

Climate

There are two weather patterns in Panama which are separated by the mountains. The Caribbean side receives almost twice as much rain as the Pacific which is evened out through the year. On the Pacific side, there are more distinct wet./dry seasons with the dry months from December to April and wet from May to November. The dry season is very dry meaning that there is not enough tropical moisture to support a lush forest. Therefore you'll find mostly tropical savanna. Temperatures vary widely with the mountains usually 74F during the day and highs in the 50s at night. In the lowlands, the temperatures ar 10 - 15 degrees warmer.