debandfredseeingtheworld: Panama City Tour with Pauledo

Having arrived late last night we decided to have a leisurely day walking along the Causeway. We needed a taxi driver, so as usual Fred started negotiating for the drive to the Causeway and the wildest looking vehicle was the winner. Couldn't have picked one better. His name was Pauledo, he was 75 years old, lived in Panama City all his life, spoke good English, and wanted to give us a tour of Panama City instead of just taking us to the Causeway. He kept telling us there was nothing to do except walk on the Causeway. He must not have liked walking as we kept saying that was what we wanted to do and by the time we got to the Causeway he had us thinking that a 4 hour tour in his little Taxi was the way to go. So off we went checking out the sights. He was full of information and showed us places we probably wouldn't have seen on our own.

He took us across the Bridge of the Americas which was the first major roadway to cross the canal. We were able to see a ship making its way under the bridge on its way through the canal.

The Centennial Bridge resembles sails of a ship, it was the second road crossing the canal close to the Pedro Miguel locks.

Crossing the Centennial Bridge.

Soldiers cemetery. Very well kept grounds.

Cemetery for the French works who began to build the canal. Pauledo said there were 25,000 who died due to illness, diseases, accidents and the jungle. Not much wonder the French gave up.

We drove through Casco Antiguo, Panama City's old quarter. This part was a walled city and was the administration and social hub until the country gained independence in 1903. Many of the buildings are being restored to their colonial glory. There are many shops and restaurants, lovely city squares, churches, architecture, with the red tile roofs and wrought-iron railings around the balconies for the tourist to enjoy while they wonder about.