Casco Viejo -- and my favorite thing in Panama!

Me looking out on Panama City from Casco Viejo

We napped for a while after reaching the hotel.  I wasn't really into waking up, but we had to.  With only about 2 days on this entire trip to explore Panama City, I didn't want to miss out.  Got up, got dressed and headed down into the main street to catch a cab to explore Casco Viejo -- the old city.

Passing Panamanian China Town on the way to Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, at least according to Amar, looks a lot like Cartagena, Colombia, but with fewer renovated buildings.  On the ride to the quarter we had to pass through a few shady places.  I had read in our guide book that Casco Viejo was still a "transitional" neighborhood, meaning that the area was starting to undergo renovations, but there are still some parts that aren't that clean or safe.  We had to be careful at all times.  The cab to the Old City was only $3, proving that we had obviously overpaid for our trip from the airport.  C'est la vie.

We wandered around the old city and saw Plaza Bolivar, breath - taking views of the Panama City skyline, and the President's palace.  It was fun to walk around and spend some time in this "transitional" neighborhood.

One of the beautifully restored buildings in Casco Viejo

One not-so restored building

                                            

Having not eating since morning breakfast on the airplane, I forced Amar to take a break from the afternoon sun and go inside Cafe Casablanca for a snack.  I looked at the menu and saw the most awesome thing.  This made my whole trip to Panama worth it!  Fresh juices - freshly made as soon as you order in all sorts of tropical flavors!  Unlike India and other countries that offer them, the water in Panama City is TOTALLY safe to drink!  So drink I did... and wow was it delicious.

One guyanaba, One maracuya, please!