Lonely Planet says it best:
“Panama City’s hippest neighborhood is also its smallest. Just four avenues wide, Casco Viejo (literally meaning ‘old quarter’) is a UNESCO protected district and a barrio on the up. It wasn’t long ago that gangs patrolled these narrow brick streets and visitors kept far away, but these days the grand old colonial houses and crumbling pastel facades have become some of the capital’s most stylish addresses. “
Our guess is that in 5 years, there won’t be any poor people at all. Panama is awash with money, and this is one place that it is being spent.
We walked into some of the more rundown areas, and one can see the inexorable pressure of gentrification pushing. There are new swank bistros, brew pubs, rooftop bars, hotels, and venues for raves. The old derelict buildings are being rejuvenated at an increasing pace, now that they’ve gotten the hang of it. It is hip, and profitable. It is also, arguably a good thing. Squatters need a place to live, but this would have turned into dust had they stayed.
Our guide Kevin lived here 10 years ago. He pointed out, that with the president’s palace in the neighborhood, one could easily walk down that street and be perfectly safe. It is now the safest area in the city.
Love your posts dear friends! We are traveling vicariously through you! Keep on having fun!
As always, it’s great to see the world through your eyes – you manage to find the good, the bad and the real in your travels!
Yeah, what Marlene said.
Hi Steve and Ellen,
I have been catching up on your posts. We have been 5 days in Chicago at my niece’s lovely wedding. Thank you again for including your blog followers on your adventures. Love it! See you when you return.