Bella Vista: The Heartbeat of Panama City

• 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-as]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-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-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

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

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo 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-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• 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)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 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?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• 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 pasa el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh pah-sah ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Bella Vista, originally part of the colonial expansion in the 16th century, began to take shape as a residential neighborhood in the late 19th century. Its development aligned with the broader growth of Panama City, influenced by the establishment of the Panama Canal, which turned the city into a bustling hub of trade and commerce.

In the early 20th century, Bella Vista emerged as one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for the affluent, featuring elegant mansions and lush gardens. This period coincided with the construction of the Panama Canal and the influx of international businesses and expatriates, which significantly influenced the area's cultural and architectural landscape.

Bella Vista became a melting pot of cultures, with various immigrant communities, including Italians, Chinese, and Jews, settling in the area. This cultural diversity enriched the neighborhood's social fabric, contributing to its unique culinary scene, festivals, and traditions that reflect a blend of influences from around the globe.

The latter half of the 20th century saw significant urbanization in Bella Vista, with the construction of high-rise buildings and commercial establishments. The neighborhood transformed into a vibrant urban center, balancing modernity with historical charm. Key landmarks, such as the Parque Urracá and the iconic Cinta Costera, highlight the area's commitment to public spaces.

In recent decades, Bella Vista has become a cultural hub in Panama City, home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions. The neighborhood hosts events like the Festival de las Flores y del Café, showcasing local talent and celebrating the region's agricultural heritage, further establishing Bella Vista's identity as a center for arts and culture.

Bella Vista is centrally located in Panama City and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. To get there from the Tocumen International Airport, you can take a taxi, which takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the Metro Line 2 to the San Miguelito station and transfer to Line 1, getting off at the Iglesia del Carmen station, which is within walking distance of Bella Vista.

Within Bella Vista, the Metro system is a convenient way to navigate the area, with the Iglesia del Carmen station providing easy access. Local buses, known as 'diablos rojos', also operate, though they can be less predictable. Biking is becoming increasingly popular, and there are bike-sharing options available. Walking is also an excellent way to explore the neighborhood, especially along the Cinta Costera, a scenic waterfront promenade.

Bella Vista is generally safe for tourists; however, it is advisable to remain cautious. Areas around the Parque de la Cinta Costera are well-patrolled, but tourists should avoid venturing alone at night in less populated parts of the neighborhood or the outskirts, particularly near the old buildings in the San Francisco area. Always keep personal belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance. The Hospital Nacional is a reputable facility nearby for medical emergencies. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health-related issues. For non-urgent matters, there are pharmacies throughout Bella Vista where you can find over-the-counter medicines.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate, but avoid beachwear when not at the beach. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites; modest dress is appreciated. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and be polite. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile; a handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy street food, but don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Bella Vista like a local, visit the fish market at Mercado de Mariscos for fresh seafood and local cuisine. Engage with vendors and try a ceviche. For a cultural experience, attend local festivals or events, often held in the parks. Explore the Casco Viejo neighborhood, just a short walk away, to appreciate its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.