When in Panama, don't be scared off by warnings about this beautiful, historic, and relatively undiscovered section of the city. True, you have to be reasonably careful, but if you avoid Casco Viejo, the old section of the city, rebuilt after Henry Morgan's pirates attacked the original city site in the mid 1500's, you will miss a true taste of the real, non-glitzy Panama. Wander through the winding, mysterious streets off of Avenida Central. See the ruins of old churches, convents, and other long abandoned sites. As you make your way to the Bovedas, a lovely lookout point at the tip of the peninsula, you will sample the tastes, smells, and sounds of what all of Panama was like a century or so ago. Beautiful, yet decaying old homes, slowly and carefully restored mansions, a beautiful cathedral and not to be missed Canal Museum await you in Casco Viejo...

The ethnic diversity of the people of this country is mirrored in their foods. Where else in Latin America can you have a WONDERFUL Chinese breakfast of Dim Sum (the best I've had outside of NY!) lunch in a wonderful Italian cucina, and dinner in good 'ole Gringo Friday's or Bennigans. (yipes!!) That doesn't even begin to cover the excellent variety of French, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and of course the wonderful local specialities!! Panamanians LOVE to eat out, and you could be here a life time and never try all the wonderful places there are to eat. If you go, I'd recommend some of the great places on Via Argentina... or head to Avenida Uruguay, off of Avenida Balboa for a quick international tour... Japanese, French, Panamanian, English Pub... or for a romantic night out, try any one of the open air cafés in Casco Viejo. Since so many Panamanians love to eat out, I'm sure you'll get great recommendations from EVERYONE... Panama... incredible history, amazing diversity, and GREAT food!!

If you go to Panama you should definitely go to the canal, one of man's greatest industrial achievements. If you have a car one of the main observation points is just 20 minutes away from the city center, la esclusa de Miraflores. If you don't have a car you can get a return ride in taxi for $12 but you should negotiate the rate before you get in the cab, as always with cabs in Panama. <br>Follow the link to see the times you should be at the observation spot.