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"
When I think of Panama, this is what I see
Blue skies, ocean, river and streams
The dark green jungle, fields, and plants
The heavy rains and dry season breeze
And big fluffy clouds
and the ships that would slowly glide by..." excerpt of When I Think of Panama by Mike Laurenzi
After my visit to Panama in early April, I would have to agree with Mike Laurenzi and his first thoughts of this Latin country. He described the sites I expected to see in this Central America destination, along with the famous Panama Canal and a few sloths (if I was lucky). But what this abbreviated view excludes, is what makes this country facinating and what makes this traveler want to recommend it to you!
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A Place of Colorful Contrasts
If you are lucky enough to fly into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, you'll be greeted with an unexpected site before even landing upon the tarmac. A magnificent coastal skyline featuring hundreds of towering skyscrapers, many of which have unique modern designs, more impressive then Miami's. Once you land and move into the city itself you'll find that this new city of high rises is the third reincarnation and the second (or old) city, sits at the foot of the new and the first is but a ruin created by pirates!
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The past and the present are visible wherever you go in Panama City. The older buildings, like the one on the right, stand proudly next to those who have gotten much needed facelifts, in the revitalized
Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter. This area boasts stunning architecture, 17th Century churches, craft markets and fabulous restaurants for residents and tourists alike. A must see destination when traveling to Panama City.
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Sloths, Monkeys and Birds in Trees...OH MY!
The word
Panama means "abundance" to the Panamanian Indigenous, and that's what you'll find on your wild adventure into the tropical Gamboa Rainforest...an abundance of flora and wildlife. One of the best areas to see nature undisturbed is around
Gutan Lake, the main source of fresh water for the Panama Canal. You'll see tropical birds, sloths, crocodiles, monkeys and other critters touring by boat and land. Take the time to visit Monkey Island, peak your head into the
Rescue Rehab Center for an up-close look at sloths, anteaters, porcupines and owls, and ride up the Rainforest Aerial Tram to see the amazing views of the rainforest from 280 feet above the forest floor.
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THE EMBERA INDIGENOUS VILLAGE
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One of Panama's most amazing experiences is going to the Embera Indigenous Village. In a canoe made from a hollowed-out log, two members of the tribe got guided us to their remote village with the aid of two long poles and a small outboard motor. It was an adventurous and beautiful journey, gliding us down the river looking at the scenery and marveling at how blessed we were to be there.
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When we reached the village we were greeted by the tribe playing music, clapping hands and dressed in their finest. We were treated to a brief history of the village, watched and participated in traditional dances and ate a delicious fried fish and plantain lunch prepared for us by the tribe. Before we left, had a chance to buy handcrafted jewelry, intricate woven baskets & masks, as well as hand carved statues. The entire encounter was intimate, fun and the highlight of any Panamanian adventure!
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While we were in the area...
Many of us remember learning about the
Panama Canal in school and we think we know what it's all about, but until you've seen it in person and talked to the locals about it's impact, we really have't learned anything. To be honest, I was more excited to see the rainforest then the locks, but once we were there, I couldn't deny my fascination with the entire process. It really is the 8th wonder of the world and it is absolutely worth a few hours of your time!
The excitement surrounding the canal this year is that the
expansion locks are finally opening! Larger boats will be able to transverse the canal now and that means more income for the country. It also means an end to the drama, corruption and scandal that has surrounded the project. Just another bit of the fascinating history to discover about the Panama Canal!
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I appreciate you taking the time to read about my adventures in Panama. It was my first time visiting Central America and I am extremely lucky that TRU Incentives allowed me the opportuity to experience a destination most here have already seen.
I also want to give a big shout out to the beautiful
Secrets Playa Bonita Panama Resort & Spa
, who hosted my stay and Panamazing, a subsidiary of
Gamboa Tours
who were our tour guides. Their extremely knowledgeable staff showed us the
country and taught us about the people, the land and the wildlife - all of which makes Panama a great place to visit and explore.
Lastly, if Van Halen didn't inspire you to visit Panama in the 80's, then hopefully this 2016 newsletter will! Just contact us at TRU Incentives and we'll be happy to get you there!
TRU Regards,
Tracy and The Staff of TRU Incentives
Your Travel Specialists and Sloth Loving Friends
TRU Incentives, Inc.
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