Panama Ed

Okay, so it's a silly name based on a Grateful Dead song of all things, but there is a story (not much of one).  The proprietor of this fine place told me his name several times - something like Edrrrrrrranciel.  He says I'm not the only one who doesn't get it.  Anyway, he said, "Just call me Ed.". There - now on with the story.

View from My Balcony of  Bridge of the Americas

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My Bathroom (Looks like the one we had as children)

View from the top of Ancon Hill

I'm not sure what I expected to find in Panama City, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't it.  The city seems very cosmopolitan and is loaded with unusual skyscrapers which seem, for the most part, to be clumped together.  There is an old town which is currently under major construction but is full of beautiful old buildings with wrought iron gates and balconies on narrow streets.  Ships line up in the Pacific Ocean to go through the canal, and the ocean seems WAY calmer than the Pacific Ocean with which I'm acquainted.  The coolest thing, though, is Ancon Hill where I'm staying. This hill used to be owned by America's military as is evidenced by the base-style housing.   It's an actual small rain forest within the city limits and is literally teeming with wildlife.  I have seen Tamarin monkeys, parrots, toucans and a variety of other birds, all from my very own balcony with the most comfortable hammock.  There is also a large rodent (not as large as a Capybara but similar looking) who roams around all over this hill. It's called a Central American Agouti. The one thing i have determined is that this country bears closer inspection.  I haven't ventured too far, having only a few days here and liking the idea of staying put after a long and fairly active trip, but I walk up to the top of the Hill in the morning and evening to look at the trees, birds and to watch large vessels go through the Miraflores Locks.  For a relatively small country, you could spend time here exploring its forests, mountains and what appears to be great beaches.  But that's for another trip.  See y'all soon!