The Rain Forest.

December 17 2014. (Late entry)

The Rain Forest.

The Panama rain forest is the second largest in the world. Although smaller than the Amazon it has a much bigger biodiversity. Some species of plants and animals are unique to the Panama Rain Forest, because of the moisture it receives from two oceans. It is the different mineral content, of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans that's make it so unique.

We got to take a small hike in the rain forest, witch was part of a tour. A nature walk, mostly among insects, birds and butterflies. It was on a boat tour that we saw the monkeys.

Enjoy!

Typical in Panama.

December 16 2014. (Late entry)

Typical in Panama.

The locals in Panama, "live with the light". I was told that they leave the house at 6 am and by 7 pm, they are all back home, mostly in bed sleeping. 

They typically only cook for themselves at supper time and eat out for breakfast and lunch in a roadside cafeteria type canteen. Breakfast consists of mainly fried foods, like plantains and bananas. Lunch would mosly be rice with a piece of fish or chicken. To them, it is not a meal,  if it not served with rice. Beans and or lentils are used to "water down" the rice. 

Here are photos taken in a coffee shop in old Panama City

God was born in Panama.

December 15, 2014 (Late entry)

God was born in Panama

It is said that "God was born in Panama but now lives elsewhere". Although non  active volcanoes are found, Panama is earthquake, flood and hurricane free.

 The waters from the rain season and the rain forest, plays a very important and integral part of the Panama Canal. These waters are very well managed, to maintain a healthy balance between the canal's functioning and the very delicate Eco System of Panama.

Only once in  the last 100 years did they need to open the locks of the canal to let the swelling waters from the rains flow freely.

Most of the population of Panama is concentrated in the one city itself "Panama City" and a good percentage of the land is protected, for its Biodiversity. 

Posted are photos of the Old and New Panama City. The old part of the city is now protected by UNESCO, and is now under major restoration.

The very last photo is of the "Bridge of the Americas". It is that bridge, that separates North America and South America. How interesting!

Swimming in the Pacific.

December 14, 2014. (Late entry)

Swimming in the Pacific.

Got to swim in the Pacific Ocean today. Although quite murky, it was very warm and pleasant. I was told that the water will get clearer as the dry season sets in. Mountain debris, such as Volcanic sediments are still flowing in from the nearby rivers making it cloudy. It is hard for me to believe, that I am swimming in the Pacific while I am within 100 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean.

First photos, the  sun rising on the Pacific Ocean taken from our balcony. 

I lift my hat!

I lift my Hat.

The Panama hat. The real Panama hat is worn by the older man in my photos. Very distinctive and unique.   Worn by both men and women. Many styles but very much the same. Ranging from $15.00 to $400.00, depending on the craftsmanship. It is said that if a man wears his hat with the rims up he is available. Married if the rim is lowered.

Dancing in the Rain

December 13, 2014 (Late entry)

Dancing in the Rain.

Sure got a good taste of what a good downpour is. No I did not dance in the rain. It is still the rain season here in Panama. It lasts eight months of the year and it officially ends December 15 th. It is a first for us to travel at this time of the year. We always travelled to southern countries during the dry season. The forest and lawns are still nicely lush and green. Have included photos. Very soon the trees will drop their leaves, to protect themselves from the dry and harsh heat of the summer just ahead. December being a transition month in the tropics, it is the first time I actually see a papaya tree baring its fruits (first photo).

 The second  photo is of "The Panama Tree" the official tree of Panama. Enjoy!