The Lure of Panama: A Curious Mix of Old & New

Separating North and South America is the country of Panama, a strip of land  bordered by Costa Rica and Columbia, and a canal, bordered by the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

The country is one of great dichotomy, with most people living in Panama City and Colon (on each side of the canal), and a large portion of the country left uninhabited.   You can get a glimpse of ruins and primitive culture, while still being in a major financial and commercial city.  There are deserted islands and skyscrapers, uninhabited regions and modern amenities.  A visit to Panama is a visit to the best of both worlds.

Let’s look at the old first —

In one of those largely uninhabited areas –the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of 365 islands — you’ll find the Kuna Indians.  The Kunas are a largely matriarchal society, and the more prominent a woman’s standing in the community, the more gold you will find her wearing.  Some of the elderly women can be covered with beautiful gold necklaces that became a full breast plate of gold.  The craftsmanship and art is spectacular.

The Kunas are also known for the art form known as Mola.  Molas are a reverse appliqué technique, hand stitched using several layers of vibrantly colored cloth.  These layers are sewn together, and then the design is created by snipping away at the layers and stitching down the edges.  Generally speaking, more layers are seen as being of a higher quality.  When finished, the mola can be used as a piece of art (I had mine framed when I returned home), or sewn with additional pieces of cloth to create a garment.

I visited San Blas on market day, a time when the Kunas come to what looks to be an otherwise deserted island and set up a market for visitors.  With Kunas arriving at the island in dugout canoes, it looked like something out of the television show Gilligan’s Island, and had primitive structures and clothes lines hanging around this particular.  It was absolutely fascinating!  I loved watching the men and women working on the molas, as they snipped and stitched away, creating intricately designed patterns.  The prices quoted for pieces were VERY reasonable.  Although some bargaining went on, I kept in mind that a mola can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months to make, and didn’t choose to quibble over what is, to me, a small amount of money.

If you’re headed for Panama, I recommend you visit San Blas for a look at a culture very different from your own.  I consider it a DO NOT MISS experience.

Now let’s look at the modern Panama –

The flip side of primitive Panama is the natural beauty, culture, outdoor recreation, and modern urban life that attract travelers from around the world.  Panama City (in photo) is a commercial and financial hub, with everything that you’d expect in a business corridor.  Oh – and there are great beaches, too.

Outdoor recreation is extremely popular in Panama.  Given it tropical climate, and location, it’s not surprising that there are lots of activities centered around the water.  Try boating on one of the country’s lakes, or go through the canal.  If you enjoy outdoor adventure, you may want to try diving or snorkeling, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, or try a zip line or tree canopy excursion.  Each provides a different view of the spectacular natural environment of the country.  If you want to relax, try a beach or your hotel pool.  You may also want to check out an eco-tour, available through most Panama hotels.

The curious blend of modern American and colonial Spanish influence can be seen in the architecture and culture of the country.  You’ll want to wander Panama City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or one of the other colonial towns, check out the beautiful cathedrals, view the impressive President’s Palace, and pop into a museum.  There’s great history to appreciate here.

And don’t forget the shopping!  You can find lots of native handiworks, but Panama is also a popular spot for duty-free shopping.  The modern side of Panama also offers great nightlife, music, spas, and even casinos.

You’ll find that Panama hotels rival the best found in any other major city, and given the favorable exchange rate, offer 5-star indulgences and amenities at very affordable prices.

You can get a glimpse of Panama’s primitive culture and history, while still allowing for a very modern experience.  It truly is the best of both worlds – the old and the new, luxury and budget.  Hmmm, I think I may have just talked myself into a return visit!

Photo credits:  All from flickr. Jpeg Jedi (Kuna woman); dsasso (Panama City from the air); Joaquim Pietsch (San Blas Island)