Travel Through Books: Panama City, Panama by jalisa.whitley
Welcome to Panama City, Panama! This Travel Through Books guide will take you from the pages of the captivating historical fiction novel, “The Great Divide” by Cristina Henriquez into the heart of Panama. We’ll follow the Panama Canal’s construction, a monumental feat of engineering that forever altered the landscape – and the lives – of those involved.
Prepare to be transported to bustling marketplaces where you might imagine young Omar hawking his father’s fish, or to grand avenues where ambitious figures like Dr. John Oswald might have strolled. We’ll delve into the social and cultural complexities of the era, mirroring the struggles and triumphs faced by the diverse cast of characters in “The Great Divide.”
This is more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s a chance to breathe life into history and witness the Panama Canal through the lens of a captivating novel. So, pack your bags, grab your copy of the book and get ready to experience Panama City in a whole new light!
WHAT TO READ:
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is a sweeping historical fiction book set in early 1900s Panama during the American construction of the Panama Canal. On its face it’s a book about the Canal, but underneath is a story of the many lives that were irreparably changed by man’s insatiable desire to conquer the land and other people.
The story is told from the perspective of various interconnected characters traversing their own personal divides including a wife turned activist as her childhood land is put at risk by the canal; a doctor who has journeyed to Panama with the goal of eliminating malaria; a fisherman trying to bridge the divide the Canal has created between him and his son, and countless named and unnamed laborers who risk life and limb for the canal’s construction.
Prepare to be deeply invested in their journeys and gain a deeper understanding of the history surrounding the canal’s construction including how the US’s involvement influenced and undercut the Panamanian liberation struggle.
WHAT TO DO IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
- Get acclimated to Casco Viejo, the old city through a bike tour with Go Panama Bike Tours. They have wonderful service.
- Take a day trip to the Emberá indigenous village. Although they reside near the capital city, the Emberás in the Canal Watershed have kept their language, songs and dances, and above all, their reverence for the natural world.
- Take a boat or catamaran to Venas Azules.
- Rooftop culture is a way of life in Panama City. Check out Tantalo hotel rooftop, CasaCasco, or Selina.
- See local art and grab souveniers at Karavan Gallery Weil Art Gallery, or Diablo Rosso.
- Learn more about Panamanian history at the Canal Museum, Mola Museum, or BioMuseo.
WHERE TO EAT IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
- Canalete PTY – an Afro-Panamanian owned restaurant and art gallery that showcases food from the Caribbean Coast.
- Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar – pays homage to Pedro Mandinga, the captain of the Cimarrons, a group of formerly enslaved people who carved out their freedom created hidden communities along Panama’s Caribbean coast.
- La Tapa Del Coco for AfroPanamanian cuisine
- The rooftop of Tantalo Hotel not only gives great food and a view of the entire city, it’s the place to be for late night partying. They also have a $6 lunch special.
- La Pulperia – creative tapas-style dining and a lunch menu of the day for just $6.
- Mahalo Cocina y Jardin and its sister restaurant Mahalo Snack Shack – founded by two Canadian sisters that wanted to create healthy, comforting food.
- Fonda Lo Que Hay– upscale versions of traditional dishes that spotlight local produce.
- La Barbara – A speakeasy sushi restaurant and bar located behind a hair salon.
- Cafe Coca Cola – the oldest still operating diner in Panama. This is a great spot for an affordable local-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Mercado San Felipe – where you’ll find over 15 stalls of Panamanian food. You can typically have a full meal for under $5. Only open for breakfast and lunch.
- Casa Sucre – is a great place to try multiple varieties of Panamanian coffee and small bites. The staff are great and they’ll do a whole coffee mini lesson.
- Nomada Eatery – a bustling spot for coworking and a leisurely lunch.
WHERE TO STAY IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
- Hotel La Compañia – This luxurious 5-star hotel is a living museum. Housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century complex, unwind in a stylish room in the Spanish, French, or American wing, eat at one of the many onsite restaurants the reflect all the cultures that influenced Panama, or read in the onsite library.
- Central Hotel – Steeped in history and luxury, Central Hotel Panama beckons you with a stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century landmark. Imagine relaxing by a rooftop pool overlooking the charming Casco Viejo district.
- American Trade Hotel – Art Deco elegance meeting colonial charm, all steps away from the vibrant nightlife and rich culture of Casco Viejo. Unwind by the rooftop pool, indulge in Panamanian fusion cuisine, or catch a live jazz performance – all within the walls of this boutique gem.
- The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel – if you don’t mind staying further out of the city this hotel is BEAUTIFUL and the service is impeccable. The onsite dining is great and they have one of the best pools in the city.
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Want help designing your dream trip? We plan private experiences! We have existing group itineraries in Cape Town, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Accra, Ghana, Cartagena, Colombia, Bogota, Colombia, Mexico City, Mexico, and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica that can be customized. Fill out our private trip interest form or email jalisa@bookedtrips.com for more information.
Or join us on our upcoming small group trip to Accra, Ghana October 10-16, 2024.
