5 Days in Panama City

I just came back from a Panama City and I had a blast!  I can't wait to go back!  Panama is now on my short list for places to retire.  I've been sad since I came back :(.  5 days was not enough time at all!  But I will definitely be back :)!


Panama City is the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America.  It's the Miami/New York of Central America.  It's a business, trade, and international banking hub and holds one of the modern seven wonders of the world; The Panama Canal.  It's one of the tax havens for the wealthy and one of the top 10 places for American retirees.  


Bae and I stayed at the W Hotel downtown.  It's a new hotel that has only been open for a few months.  I loved it.  The design is very unique and artsy.  And the rooftop view of the city is amazing!  They hosted several events on the rooftop during our stay.  We went to one on our first night.  There was live music, dancing, and an open bar!!  The hotel also had another bar and lounge area, a gym, a great spa, and business and conference rooms.  We had a small issue with the cleaning service, but it was quickly taken care of!




The "Panamama", which contain's Panama's signature Ron Abuelo rum.  
I brought a couple bottles back with me.

This super cute, tropical set is from Poppy Apparel. You can use my code 
TAKARA18 for 10% off your next order.



I wore this sexy number for a night out in Casco Viejo.  It's from House of CB.

Can you believe this super cute swimsuit is from Target!? I love Target so much!  But I hate that they always take my money lol!  I need to buy some Target stocks and recoup some of my money!

During our stay, we ventured out to Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or Old Town.  It's one of the oldest, but hippest neighborhoods in town.  It's a UNESCO protected district and an up and coming barrio.  Just a few years ago, it was one of the most dangerous neighborhood in town.  But now, the grand old Spanish colonial houses and crumbling pastel facades have become one the of most stylish neighborhoods in town.  It's the place to see and be seen.



There's plenty to do in this neighborhood.  You can eat/drink at one of the stylish restaurants or cafes.  Dance all night at one of the hot bars or clubs.  Discover history at one of the museums or with one of the ex-gang tours.  Or you can shop with one of the artisans or street vendors.




This area was one of my favorites.  I love the old world style colonial buildings and the pretty pastel colors.  I love the fact that some of the buildings are still unfinished. 
 It adds history and charm to the neighborhood.



I had a great time partying in Casco Viejo.  I love the mix of salsa, reggae and reggaeton that many of the clubs and bars played.  Did you know that reggaeton originated in Panama?  When the West Indians migrated to Panama to help build the Panama Canal, they brought reggae with them and mixed it with Latin music.


The food is Panama was delicious! Especially the Ceviche!


El Trapiche was one of my favorites!  They offered a sampler dish of traditional Panamanian foods that was delicious!! I was so full after eating that night!

We took an afternoon to visit the Panama Canal.  It was way more interesting and intriguing than I'd thought it be!  It's a huge money maker for Panama.  It's also the only pathway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, basically a pathway connecting every continent in the world!!  The history behind it, the U.S. connection and the engineering behind it, is truly fascinating!  I did not know the U.S. built and controlled it until 1999.  It helped the U.S. become a world leader and powerhouse in the early 20th century.  The history behind it is not all pretty though.  The U.S.'s dealing with the Canal Zone was pretty brutal and ruthless at times.  And their treatment of the laborers mirrored the Jim Crow treatment of Black Americans in the American south.  
Shocking, maybe. Surprising, no.  It's the American way..



Balboa statue

After visiting, I can see why so many Americans retire there, even though I barely scratched the surface.  Because of the Canal, Americans had a strong presence in Panama for a long time.  It definitely shows.  There were many American restaurants, many people speak Spanish and English, and they accept U.S. dollars (both dollars are equivalent).  Add to that the tropical weather and atmosphere,  the nightlife, and the beaches on both the Pacific and Atlantic coast.  It's almost a tropical United States lol!  I really hope it doesn't turn into the United States.  There's a reason (a few) why I scouting retirement locations.


Next time, I will going during the winter months.  There is less rain during that time,  The rainy season in Panama is pretty long.  But it did not stop my fun.  It only rained (heavily) for a few hours, 2 out of the 5 days.  I would also stay away from the yellow cabs.  They were ripoffs.  Ubers were much cheaper and much nicer.  Sounds familiar right?





As I said before, Panama is definitely on by go back list and on my retirement list.  Next time, I want to visit other areas like Rio Abajo, and Bocas.  Hopefully sooner than later!! 









16 comments

  1. Panama sounds wonderful. Looks like it was worth your trip and by reading your blog, even I felt that I took a trip as well. Expensive but amazing. Will travel someday if I have enough finance.

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  2. Sounds like a great holiday, I've never thought about going to Panama City as it's so far from me in London. I really love the tropical set you're wearing x

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    1. Thank you! That's the same reason I haven't been to London yet lol. But I will make it happen soon!

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  3. Panama seems like a great place to visit and have fun with your loved ones. Loved all the pictures posted by you in this blog.

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  4. Havent been to Panama ciry yet. I am sure its a good holiday destination thats what I realised after seeing the pictures. Its a nice clean and green place.

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    1. It's definitely a good holiday place. Clean, green, and blue water!

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  5. Visiting such a modern place that still boasts of magnificent outdoors like Panama is just a travel worth it! I love your bikinis giiirl!Too sassy for some basking in the sun in Panama too.

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    1. Thank you! It was truly the best of both worlds.

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  6. It looks like you had such an amazing time there. I never would have thought of Panama except for the canals. But now I will have to add it to my bucket list of places to see.

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    1. I did! I had friends who had gone and they loved it so I had to check it out for myself!

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  7. It looks like an amazing place to visit, I know next to nothing about Panama, the tall modern buildings are a big surprise. And you look super hot in all your outfits!

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    1. It was! I didn't expect it to me so cosmopolitan but I loved it! And Thank you!!!

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