Page 21 - Panama Review

affable by in large as well as extremely helpful, despite the language barrier. Perhaps a
manifestation of knowing that tourism is a major contributor to the economy.
There are at least two must do’s you must experience while visiting Panama City. The
first is taking a tour of the Panama Canal. It is literally extraordinary to visualize even
to the most casual spectator. The second must do is to experience the countless
cuisines in and around the city. As you may imagine, living in a multicultural
environment for as long as many of the cultures have been in Panama, there will be a
unique fusion of spices and seasonings that would make a person with the most
discriminating palate smack his mama! My wife, who is Caribbean by birth, and a
great cook, is the pickiest, (no, scratch that, she is a refined person) most persnickety
person I have ever met. Her picture is plastered on restaurant kitchen walls all over
the United States for her fussy (no, scratch that too) meticulous attention to detail of the
dining experience. She literally had very little to whine about (no, scratch that as well)
critique. We did not have a bad meal the entire time we were there. The best thing to
do is to get out and be adventurous. Resist the urge to dine in places you dine in at
home. Check out the hole in the wall joints and fine dining establishments also. I do
caution you to be careful of the street food carts. It is of great benefit to seek the hotel
staff for recommendations of eateries. I found that the bellmen and bartenders
typically could give you a great deal of information on where to partake in the local
“flavors” in Panama. Furthermore, strike up conversations with hotel guest and other
tourist you meet in your travels around Panama and exchange dining experiences.
That is another way to expand and enhance your dining experiences as well.
Finally, let me comment on how safe and secure we felt in Panama City. In a word,
“protected.” As I mentioned earlier, the police escorted us to the highway after getting
lost in a less than desirable part of town coming from the airport to the hotel. While
visiting Old Town, in particular, there is a heavy armed police presence. Honestly, it
was a bit unsettling at first. However, they serve as a deterrent to the locals who may
not be tourist-friendly. Remarkably, the police were very friendly, approachable, and
helpful. So, fear not tourist, you are in safe hands. Nonetheless, always be aware of
your surroundings.
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