Panama - Retire here?: Panama City - day 20

This morning did not start out so well. We thought we would finally get up to Ancon hill to get a good view of the whole city. On the way out we passed by an accident a few blocks from our apt where there was a body laying on the center meridian covered by a tarp. The Policia were standing by along with a stopped car and a few people. Apparently the vehicle hit a pedestrian. About a few miles later, we heard screeching tires and saw a taxi with his rear bumper laying on the road. An SUV was speeding and hit the taxi and spun him around. We were beginning to think that we should head back to the apt for the rest of the day.

But, we tallied forward to Ancon hill. Ancon hill is a landmark that I use every time I leave the apt in the car. If I can see Ancon, then I know where I am. Ancon used to belong to the Americans during occupation of the canal, so there is very little development on it. Today it is a virtual forest surrounded by the city. You can drive to the top and see all around Panama City. It is a sight not to be missed. Unfortunately, the pics below do not even begin to describe the views from this hill. It is breathtaking. You can see the canal, the Miraflores locks, old town Panama, the skyscrapers, the ocean, everything. We even saw another capybara, the large rodent.

View of the City from Ancon Hill

Casco Viejo in the distance

View of Albrook Airport

View of the Canal

We also went back to Casco Viejo, the oldest part of town. On Sundays, the markets are alive with vendors selling the exact same thing as every one else. After two booths, you no longer see anything new, but it is still fun to walk thru them. Jan bought another beaded bracelet and a beaded hummingbird, something she has been looking for every since Bocas del Toro. There are some very old churches in this area, where restoration can be seen everywhere.