Panama City: A Fusion of History, Culture, and Modernity

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-cool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, poor fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quiero comprar...
  [kee-eh-roh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deh-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas and quickly became an important part of Spain's colonial empire.

In 1671, the city was attacked and sacked by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan. The city was almost entirely destroyed, leading to the decision to relocate and rebuild it a few kilometers away from the original site. This event is a pivotal moment in the city's history and marked the end of the original settlement.

Following its destruction, Panama City was relocated and reconstructed in 1673. The new city, known as Casco Viejo (or Casco Antiguo), was built on a peninsula surrounded by a defensive wall to protect against future pirate attacks. This area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Panama declared its independence from Spain on November 28, 1821. The city played a crucial role in this movement, serving as the center of political activity and the site where the declaration was signed. Panama subsequently joined Gran Colombia, a union of several South American countries.

On November 3, 1903, Panama separated from Colombia with the support of the United States. This was a significant turning point in the city’s history, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal, which would forever change Panama City's economic and cultural landscape.

The construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 and was completed in 1914. This monumental engineering project transformed Panama City into a global hub of trade and commerce. The canal's completion made the city a strategic point for international maritime traffic.

In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed by the United States and Panama, agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by the end of the 20th century. This agreement was crucial for Panamanian sovereignty and bolstered national pride. The canal was officially handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999.

In December 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, a military invasion aimed at deposing Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. The invasion had significant impacts on Panama City, causing substantial damage and leading to a period of rebuilding and political restructuring in the years that followed.

In recent decades, Panama City has undergone significant modernization and development. The city's skyline is now dotted with skyscrapers, and it has become a major financial and commercial center in Latin America. The revitalization of Casco Viejo and the expansion of the Panama Canal are key highlights of this period.

Panama City is easily accessible through Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center. The airport serves numerous international airlines and offers direct flights from major cities in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Upon arrival, you can reach the city via taxis, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttle buses.

Panama City offers a variety of transportation options. The Metro system is efficient and covers key areas of the city. Buses are another inexpensive option, with routes covering most neighborhoods. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available. Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours. Walking is often the best way to explore the city's historic districts like Casco Viejo.

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD); both currencies are used interchangeably. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

While Panama City is generally safe for tourists, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods like El Chorrillo and Curundú have higher crime rates and should be avoided if possible. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. Stick to well-lit and populated areas to ensure your safety.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance. Tocumen International Airport has a medical station for emergencies. Major hospitals in the city include Hospital Punta Pacifica and Hospital Nacional, both of which offer high-quality medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are abundant for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in lightweight, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale areas. Religion: Do respect religious customs. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do use the Metro and buses but be mindful of your belongings. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. A simple 'Hola' is polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and be open to new flavors. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Panama City like a local, visit the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) for fresh seafood and local dishes. Spend an evening in Casco Viejo, exploring its colonial architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. Take a walk along the Cinta Costera for stunning views of the skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss visiting the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks to see the engineering marvel in action.