Part -4 The skyline of Panama City, Panama-Incredible!
Part -4 The skyline of Panama City, Panama-Incredible!
At this point, we just let Alberto take us to where he thought was best. Up until now, we had only seen the skyline of Panama City from the ground. I was anxious to see it from up high. Alberto said he was taking us up on the high hill, Cerro Ancon, for the view we were looking for. It was a beautiful drive up to the top-lots of flora and fauna-several hikers on the trails doing birdwatching.
At the top of the hill was what we were looking for-breakthtaking views of the skyline of Panama City, Panama. It looked like Miami Beach-unbelievable! Panama City is the most cosmopolitan city in Central America and when you see it from Cerro Ancon, you will believe it! Also from the top, you can see all the ships at anchor waiting their turn to go through the Panama Canal. I think I counted 40 of them. If you go to Panama City, you have go up Cerro Ancon.
Panama City skyline-taken from the hotel room
Panama City, Panama skyline
the old part of Panama City
On the other side of the hill was a great view of the Panama Canal and Balboa. Alberto was very patient with us, wanted to give us lots of time to take pictures, and was interested in answering all of our questions-in Spanish, of course!
Bridge of the Americas-entrance to the Panama Canal
Entrance to the Panama Canal-container unloading area
entrance to the panama canal-container yard
After we took all the photos we wanted, it was off to the Canal.
Steve Barrymore
ssb11@prodigy.net
Panama City, Panama-part 3-breakfast and off to see the sights
Panama City, Panama(cont’d)-Part 3-Breakfast and off to the see the sights
Before we ventured out to see the sights, we ate a really good buffet breakfast at the Panama City, Panama, Marriott hotel. The continental buffet was $13.50 and the full buffet was $16.50.
Breakfast at the Marriott
The breakfast smoothie bar at the Marriott in Panama City, Panama
Breakfast at the Panama City, Panama-Marriott
We stuffed ourselves for breakfast–after all, it was a buffet! The plan on this day was to first visit the Panama Canal and then see different segments of the city as time permits. I had read on the internet, that if you ask the doorman the price of a taxi to anyplace, they will try to up-sell you a tour package, or charge you more than you would pay if you found your own taxi.
I asked the doorman for the price to the Canal and he said $20. BTW, the official currency in Panama is the U.S. Dollar which makes it easy. Anyway, I knew the $20 price was high based on my research. So, we went across the street and waited until a decent looking taxi stopped. He had a Jesus decal on his window so I figured he was safe. He introduced himself as Alberto and said $6 to the Canal. A good deal, so we took it.
Alberto did not speak English and spoke that fast Panama Spanish, which gave me some really good practice, and a really good headache. Good thing I had done some research before the trip because when he spoke of some places I was already familiar with, I was able to understand him.
Alberto wanted to up sell us on a couple of side trips, such as show us the view of the city from the mountain, etc, etc. for $20 for 2 hours including the ride to the Canal. At first, I said no, but Steph said, “for only $14 more, we can see some sights with Alberto that we might be paying extra for later”. So, we took him up on the offer and were really glad we did.
We ended up hiring him for 6 hours and saw sights we never would have been able to see. Otherwise, we would have been piece-mealing a bunch of little trips together, and would have wasted time. He turned out to be a great hire and a great use of our limited time.
Steve Barrymore
Next-part 4-The skyline of Panama City
Panama City, Panama-Part 2-The Marriott Hotel
Panama City, Panama(cont’d)-Part 2-The Marriott Hotel
When I first started researching the trip, I found it very difficult to decide which hotel to stay in while in Panama City, Panama. Since we were only going to be there for 3 nights, I wanted to make the right decision. We decided on the Marriott Hotel after much research on TripAdvisor and the Lonely Planet guide book. I chose it because it seemed to be in a central location to everything, including restaurants and shopping. It also was in a good neighborhood.
As it turns out, the Marriott Hotel was a great choice for us. The location was better than what I anticipated. We found the staff to be extremely helpful and accommodating. The rooms and common areas were very nice. Check out these photos:
The Panama City Panama, Marriott Hotel Entrance
The Panama City Panama-Marriott Hotel Lobby.
Panama City Panama-Marriott Hotel Lobby
After we checked in to the hotel, we decided to check out the neighborhood. There were a number of other hotels close by and lots of retail shopping. It was very hot that night and we were tired after the long trip. After about 45 minutes of checking things out we returned to the hotel. The next day was going to be big day. We needed energy to hit the ground running.
Next-We check out Panama City the following morning.
Steve Barrymore
Panama-Part 1-The arrival in Panama City, Panama
Panama-Part 1-The arrival in Panama City, Panama
In total, our flights from OKC-DFW-MIA-PTY took 12 hours. The airport in Panama City (PTY) is very modern. If you want to see their web site, check it out here:
http://www.tocumenpanama.aero/index.php?id=cccpageqp0qpgaleria_fotos
Immigration was pretty chaotic, lots of people rushing to get in line. As soon as we got to the immigration window, the agent said we had to go back and buy a tourist card. No one had told us anything about a tourist card! A supervisor came over and said he would hold our place till I returned with the cards. I left Stephanie at the immigration window, went back, bought the cards and in a few minutes we were outside in the heat and humidity of Panama.
We had been told to only take official taxis and watch out for the “gypsy” cabs. We were approached at least 6 times by taxi drivers that did not appear to be “official”. Finally, someone with an official looking ID tag directed us to a taxi, and soon we were being driven by our new best friend, “Bennie” to the Marriott hotel. Bennie was a nice guy who immediately wanted to sell us a condo. He was ok with it when we told him we were just a couple of tourists and didn’t really need a condo in Panama City. We told him we would hire him to take us back to the airport on Saturday at 5:30 a.m. in lieu of buying a condo from him!!
Since my daughter, Stephanie, was traveling with me, I figured I should spring for better accommodations than usual. When traveling solo to Latin America, I prefer to stay with local families to get the full immersion experience, but Stephanie wouldn’t have any part of that. So, I parted with some Marriott points for 2 free nights (Wed. and Thurs) and then paid a reduced weekend rate for Friday night.
We were at the Marriott in about 30 minutes. Bennie dropped us off, we exchanged cell phone numbers, and he told us where it was safe to walk in the area surrounding the hotel and where it wasn’t.
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
Next-photos of the Panama City, Panama Marriott Hotel.
Panama and Ecuador-From Sea Level to 9,000 feet
Panama and Ecuador
Earlier this year, I was looking to head to South or Central America to work on my Spanish. As I began to search for air fares, I found a reasonable fare to Quito, Ecuador. I had been to Quito once before, but just for one day. I had always wanted to return.
I had also always had a desire to go to Panama and see the Panama Canal. As I started to check out my options, I discovered the round trip fares from Oklahoma City to Panama City, Panama were the lowest I had ever seen–$380.80 to be exact! As I continued my research, I found I could really do both cities, Panama City and Quito, for just a little bit more money.
My wife was not able to go due to work, so I asked my daughter, Stephanie, if she would go with me. She could go for only 3 days due to her own job, but was certainly up for the adventure if we could make it work.
The plan was set—We would fly to Panama City for 3 days, see the Panama Canal and whatever else we could possibly squeeze in. After 3 days in Panama City, Stephanie would fly home to OKC alone and I would fly southward on COPA airlines to Quito, Ecuador. I could have saved a little bit of money by flying from Panama City back up to Miami and then down to Quito all on AA, but time was money for me. Plus I figured it would be more fun flying Panama City direct to Quito.
My goal in Quito was completely different from Panama. In Quito I planned to enroll in Spanish Language school, live with a local family, and travel around in Central Ecuador as time permitted. I had only 3 weeks to plan the entire trip. It would be a trip of 2 different experiences.
I will post a series of reports of my adventures in both countries. I have plenty of photos to share……so stay tuned.
Steve Barrymore
Getty Museum-The flowers-Los Angeles-Part 5
In addition to the architecture of the buildings, The Getty takes great pride in its gardens. Take a look at some of the photos:
All in all, the Getty is a great place to spend the day. If you go to LA, veer a little off the Disneyland and Venice Beach route and pay a visit to the Getty. You won’t be disappointed!
Los Angeles-Getty Museum-part 4
Of course, the best part of the Getty Museum is the architecture. Here is a series of photos of the buildings.
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Next-the flowers from the grounds of the Getty Museum
Los Angeles-Getty Museum-part 3
When you want to take a break, there are several dining options available. One is the outdoor restaurant that has some great views. If the weather is nice this is a great place to have lunch. 
The main outside restaurant-great view of the valley
Another option is near the entrance where there is another , but smaller outdoor bistro.
An outside Bistro at the Getty Museum
Also, if you can downstairs from there, there is a gourmet cafeteria style walk up order area that serves an abundance of different kinds of food. If it is a hot day, being inside will be very relaxing.
Great food in the cafeteria of the Getty Museum
Next-more photos of the grounds and the architecture
Los Angeles-The Getty Museum-part 2
At the top of the hill when you get off the tram, you are greeted by very well dressed, well mannered museum volunteers who are eager to pass out free maps and answer any questions you may have. The first thing you notice is the stunning architecture of the entrance as seen here:
Entrance to the Getty Museum
A couple of things you will want to do first:
Go into the main lobby and get your plan together on whether or not you want to try to see everything yourself or want to take advantage of some of the free guided tours. Another neat option is to dial in on your cellphone and use it as a personal recorded guided tour.
Main Lobby to the entrance of the Getty Museum
Courtyard after going through the entrance of the Getty Museum
Next-more photos of the grounds of the Getty Museum
Los Angeles-the Getty Museum-Part 1
Los Angeles-The Getty Center
Recently, my wife Carol and I, had the opportunity to visit Los Angeles. One of the places I have always wanted to see was the Getty Center. I had seen many photos of the property that had stunning views of the LA area.
I have visited many museums and have seen many amazing works of art. While there are certainly many interesting exhibits in the Getty Center; I thought it would best serve the interest of the reader to devote this blog to photos of the architecture of the museum and the grounds. If all you did was just spend a couple of hours strolling the grounds, that in itself would almost be enough.
The Getty opened to the public in 1997. The architect, Richard Meier was chosen to design the Getty Center.
The Getty sits high on a hill overlooking the 405 freeway on the north side of Santa Monica. Admission is free (unusual). Parking is $15, free after 5 p.m. I asked the question about free admission and the response was that Getty wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the museum irrespective of the ability to pay an admission fee.
The parking is at the bottom of the hill with the entrance on the west side of the 405. A modern tram takes you up to the museum. Check out the photo here:
Getty Center Los Angeles-train station-
Getty Center Los Angeles-train track-
I am going to do a series of 5 posts so stay tuned for some very interesting photos of the architecture of the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
