This morning, our last morning in Panama, we first headed out to
Panama Vieja (Old Town). The district may be in ruins, however the
history is far from. Our very own Esteban led us through the beautiful
commons and structures while explaining the events that occurred in the exact
same place that we stood hundreds of years ago. The community was built
in 1673, a few years following the pirate invasion and destruction of the old
city.
The first set of ruins we walked through belonged to the once
standing Dominican Brother's convent. Next, we were guided through a
shady path surrounded by gorgeous trees stemming from crazy looking roots to a
wide sunny common. The multi-story cathedral and the Bishop's house
looked over this common. As explained by Esteban, the Spanish brought
Indians from several different tribes and cultures to mix and form a new
community in Old Town. These Indians were not considered people by the
Spanish and were not allowed inside the cathedral until they had learned the Christian
document inside and out. Until they completed this task, they could be
used as slaves to the Christian residents.
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| Just some fun in the sun... |
Next, we put our fitness to the test as we climbed the steep
staircase to the top of the cathedral. I
think I can speak for myself and the rest of the group when I say that the view
of the city across the water from the top was absolutely breathtaking. The pair of beautiful scenery and intense
history made this trip one of a kind.
Our final stop of the Panama leg before heading to the airport was Casco Viejo (Modern City). Observing the transformation from the old to the new city was quite the culture shock. We stepped off the bus onto a street parallel to the ocean and a city skyline view.
Our bus driver, Jaime, briskly led the way into the French influenced city, making sure we would return to the bus on time. We strolled through the narrow streets, taking in the detailed French architecture. Esteban brought us into the Iglesia San Jose (church) which contained an alter made of pure gold. After gazing at the stunning stain glass windows and the incredible sculptures and alters, we headed back out into the blazing Panamanian sun. This kind of heat called for a pit stop at the snow cone stand. The group gathered around the seller as he skillfully transformed ice from an enormous block into a perfect snow cone. Although I, personally, was a bit skeptical of the condensed milk used in the treat at first, it was actually the best thing I had tasted all day. Delicious!
Our final stop of the Panama leg before heading to the airport was Casco Viejo (Modern City). Observing the transformation from the old to the new city was quite the culture shock. We stepped off the bus onto a street parallel to the ocean and a city skyline view.
Our bus driver, Jaime, briskly led the way into the French influenced city, making sure we would return to the bus on time. We strolled through the narrow streets, taking in the detailed French architecture. Esteban brought us into the Iglesia San Jose (church) which contained an alter made of pure gold. After gazing at the stunning stain glass windows and the incredible sculptures and alters, we headed back out into the blazing Panamanian sun. This kind of heat called for a pit stop at the snow cone stand. The group gathered around the seller as he skillfully transformed ice from an enormous block into a perfect snow cone. Although I, personally, was a bit skeptical of the condensed milk used in the treat at first, it was actually the best thing I had tasted all day. Delicious!
Jaime requested the group to start making our way back to the bus quickly
as the time was ticking. The mix of
history, beauty, and sun made for a perfect last day in Panama.
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