My first Carnival in Panama

First off, look at that picture...that is exactly what its like in the town of Las Tablas during Carnival. Crowded streets of people getting sprayed with water. What you may not know is that the crowd is mostly gay men and young kids. In addition to the water, you'll here lots of music and see some extravagant floats. All in all, it was just okay plus gay men and young kids are not my crowd.

At night, there are two night club options (PH and X Zone). PH plays Panamanian music and X Zone plays reggaeton. Again, both are just okay.

My suggestion, go for one day only, if you don't mind crowds.

Important Note: People warned of aggressive flamboyant gay men, lots of crime and lewd/drunken behaviour.

Reality from 2011 visit:

---->Many gay men but they didn't bother anyone.

---->Saw no crime. Only one fight (where only one punch was thrown).

---->No lewd behaviour (gay or straight).

---->People were drinking, but not much more than any other public event.

Panama is a lot more conservative than people think. Even the wild stuff here is somewhat tame compared to what I've seen in other countries.

It's 5:45am Right Now...and a MARCHING BAND IS PLAYING on a work day!!!!!

Only in Panama would a marching band would be practicing at FULL VOLUME at 5:45am on a Monday morning. It is so ridiculous that I just started laughing rather than got mad. Today better be some special holiday for this tomfoolery...

Sushi in Panama

I like the "Sushi Express" chain. There are lots of locations here in Panama.

Good sushi, decent prices, open till 11pm and one of them is down the street from my house. You can eat on their patio or inside. They don't take a long time to bring you your food, and they deliver.

My gf and I have eaten her many times and I can always count on them for good food. Just be aware that if you make subsitutions, be very clear with what you want and DOUBLE check that the server understands. Have them repeat it back to you or you may end up with wrong order. To their credit, if they mess up your order, they will gladly take it back and fix it.

There is also a place called "Sake" across the street from Multiplaza. Here, the sushi is higher end (taste and price). The restaurant, bar, lounge are all decorated like an upscale club. Good choice for sushi if you don't mind spending more.

Getting Lost and Stopped by the Cops Again!

Last night my girlfriend and I were driving home from Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo is an old part of town where there are some bars, restaurants and areas which are questionable. If you are not careful, it easy to get lost and end up in the wrong neighborhood.

We were dropping off a friend so we followed the GPS and took a route we were unfamiliar with. First we drove the wrong direction on a one-way street. A minute later, the street begin to split and I swerved a little as I tried to decide which way to go.

Immediately after, the cops pull us over. It was two young guys with machine guns, pointed in our direction, but at the ground. We decide to speak NO spanish to the cops. They eventually told us to get out the car. We told them that we were lost and we were following our GPS. After realizing we were telling the truth, the cops relaxed and explained to us how to get home.

I'm happy to say that they did NOT ask for money, nor did they even bother to check our ID.

Until I get to know Casco Viejo real well, I will take taxis in and out of there.

Spanish Version vs English Version

Whenever looking at Panamanian website, don't assume the English version is up to date. English is not the language here, so when things change, the Spanish version of a web page will likely be changed, but the English version may not.

Prime example: Multiplaza shopping mall (I needed to go this morning, so I looked up the hours):
English version: Sat: 8am-7pm
Spanish version: Sabado: 11am-8pm.

I KNOW THAT MALL IS NOT OPEN AT 8am!!! That's why I looked at the Spanish version to be sure. :) You gotta love Panama!

Bicycling in Panama City - Risky, but Possible

I live in a section of Panama city where everything is close, but too far to walk if you are short on time. My girlfriend keeps the car and I bike when we need to go to seperate places.

Everyone says "Biking in Panama is dangerous!" I agree and disagree. It is dangerous, but it can be manageable if you don't mind a little excitement and you follow these simple rules I've developed:

1. Do not EVER ride you bike in the street (cars will honk and run you over or off the road).
2. Stick to main streets (they are likely to have sidewalks).
3. Always ride on the sidewalk.
4. When crossing a street, make sure its safe, then GET OFF your bike and WALK IT across the street (people can have time to see you if you are walking).
5. When on the sidewalk, slow down and proceed cautiously when you come to a driveway.
6. If people are walking and blocking the sidewalk, get off the bike and walk it around them then get back on it.
7. ALWAYS keep an eye out for **potholes, open drains, manholes, etc** in the sidewalk and street. (Garbadge bags and other debris might also be in your way).
8. If its raining, do NOT ride your bike...OR ride it very slowly and cautiously.
9. Always wear some sort of athletic shoe and don't carry anything in your hand (use backpack if needed).
10. Be prepared to get off your bike to get on/off the sidewalk (or be ready to jump up to get on the sidewalk)

Common sense stuff:

Wear a helmet and bike light.

Get a bike chain and lock your bike in a visible place.

Follow these rules and you will be fine.

***If you are looking for a casual, worry free ride, then DO NOT BIKE in Panama unless you go to a park.

"Cable and Wireless" = Cable and WORTHLESS

Unless you are going to buy a simple pre-paid phone...DO NOT use "Cable and Wireless" aka "Mas Movil" for anything. Their customer service is terrible! Panamanians and foreigners all agree...their service is terrible.

*Terrible service = extremely long wait times when you go in their store.

*Terrible service = not having phones in stock (happens regularly, but NOT all the time)

*Terrible service = one employee having no clue what the other employee is doing

*Terrible service = not keeping adequate records

*Terrible service = employees making claims that are not true

*Terrible service = corporate accounts run by employees who have little integrity or professionalism

If you don't believe me, be my guest and go to Cable and Wireless and try them for yourself.