Day 2: Panamá City to Las Tablas

Exploring Panama’s Rich History and Culture

Hello Families & Readers!

Today we all woke-up bright and early: 6:45 AM. We embarked on an early morning adventure, starting with packing up our belongings and bidding farewell to our hostel. Our first stop was at Cafe Niko for a hearty breakfast. While we here, we observed the bustling scene of people lining up for jobs for the Panama Canal. We learned that the Panama Canal is Panama’s the number one provider of jobs and the Canal recently opened 1000 new jobs. This was our first glimpse into how the canal has impacted Panama and it’s economy.

From there, we delved into the heart of Panama’s heritage by exploring Casa Viejo, the old quarter of Panama City. Here, the stark contrast between old and new Panama was apparently, as we learned about the area’s origins rooted in pirate history. Amidst cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, we marveled at the historic Santa Maria Antigua cathedral and delved into the vibrant art and culture of the indigenous Mola people. Our educational journey continued with a visit to the Panama Canal museum, where we gained insights into the canal’s significance and its impact on Panama-US relations.

After immersing ourselves in Panama’s rich history, we set off on a journey to Las Tablas, our next destination and where we will be spending the majority of our time. Along the way, we made a quick pit stop for lunch at a local subway and indulged in some souvenir shopping. Despite the long 5.5-hour drive, filled with gas fill-ups, bathroom breaks, and snack refuels, our anticipation grew as we finally arrived in Las Tablas. Checking into our accommodations, we were greeted with warm hospitality and treated to a traditional Panamanian dinner, featuring savory rice, flavorful chicken, sweet plantains, crisp salad, and refreshing fruit punch.

The evening concluded with a welcome accommodation meeting, where we learned more about our stay, and a nightly meeting to reflect on the day’s adventures and prepare for what lies ahead. Overall, day 2 was a delightful blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and anticipation for the adventures awaiting us in Panama. After bustling through this day, we are all looking forward to well-deserved rest.