2020 Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, Fuerte Amador, Panama

Ann, Cathy and I got off the ship on an early tender to meet up with Carlos, a taxi and tour guide, that the ladies prearranged. We left the Fuerte Amador cruise terminal via the Causeway between islands passing the Biodiversity museum. Designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building itself is interesting to look at and is Gehry's only work in Latin America. Our journey today began with the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center where we witnessed the grand scale of this incomparable waterway, its history and much more. We went up to the observation deck as the world’s container vessels, tankers, cruise ships and recreational vessel pass beneath. Our role was reversed today, as we were the tourists watching the ships transit the canal as the waters of Gatun Lake flow into the locks, raising Atlantic bound vessels and as they empty again, allowing ships to pass to the Pacific. Next, we drove to the Old City, and by foot, we discovered many hidden treasures and secrets of the past. We got a good feel for Panama’s history as we walked through the main attractions of this quarter. Defined by its massive historic sea wall, Casco Viejo is a World Heritage Site that was built in the 1670s and was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Since our last visit considerable strides have been made in restoring buildings, in compliance with UNESCO status. We had a quick stop at St. Joseph’s Church built by the Augustine Order with its stunning golden alter. Old Panama gives you a feeling of stepping back in time as you admire the beautiful colonial buildings, narrow streets and impressive churches and numerous plazas, such as Herrera and Bolivar. We even popped into a bar, the Marzola, which was reminiscent of the Ruin Bars of Budapest we visited last year….  The table and chairs on the ceiling were a nice touch!  We walked the wall with the Bovedas or Vaults and the Panama Memorial below. Leaving the old city we passed Chinatown, the fish market and went to the New Panama with its vast and beautiful skyline of many different architectural types of buildings, the highlights being the F&F Building or the Twister and Bahia Grand Panama/JE Marriott Hotel...we returned to the ship for lunch and some relaxation by the pool. Another great day in Panama…..