Vibrant
Welcoming
Rooted, in spite.
Panama was a beautiful surprise to me! This destination isn’t as popular with American tourists as say, Jamaica or Cancun, but it’s absolutely worth a visit.
With a major expat community and the globalizing impacts of the Canal, Western influence is obvious in Panama City. The cityscape of skyscrapers is breathtaking, and for some, unexpected. Uber is a popular way to get around. They have P.F. Chang’s, and it delivers. 🙂
I’ve been twice, both times with friends, and we definitely enjoyed a lifestyle of nights out, hotel bars, and all the makings of a modern vacation.
Yet the sense of culture and connectedness to indigenous roots is also undeniable. A walk through Casco Viejo will give you a taste. But I thought the islands (Bocas del Toro and San Blas) offered the best examples of Panama-unspoiled. Bocas specifically has a community of brown folks that made me feel very welcome and at home.
It’s also worth mentioning that it felt perfectly safe to travel in Panama. I was alone at some points (due to different arrival times, etc.), and never felt uncomfortable asking a local for directions or traveling in my Ubers and taxis. But, as always, use caution while abroad!
All in all, do be sure to visit this gorgeous place.
♥
(photos by me)
