El Cangrejo: The Heartbeat of Panama City

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, poor fa-vor]

• 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/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah 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-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-cho]
• 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-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs 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-booce)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

El Cangrejo began its development in the early 20th century, emerging as a residential neighborhood for the affluent classes of Panama City. Its name, which translates to 'The Crab', is thought to derive from the area's nearby wetlands that were once home to crab populations. The neighborhood quickly became known for its elegant architecture and wide avenues, distinguishing it from other parts of the city.

During the mid-20th century, El Cangrejo underwent significant cultural and social changes. The neighborhood became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and musicians, contributing to Panama's cultural scene. The establishment of cultural institutions and cafes played a vital role in fostering a vibrant artistic community, which continues to thrive today.

El Cangrejo has been a focal point for political activism throughout its history, particularly during the turbulent periods of the 1980s and 90s. The neighborhood's residents actively participated in movements advocating for democracy and human rights, reflecting broader national struggles. This activism has left a lasting imprint on the community, shaping its identity and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

In recent decades, El Cangrejo has experienced gentrification, leading to a blend of old and new. The influx of young professionals and the development of modern amenities have transformed the neighborhood while preserving its historical charm. This urban evolution has sparked discussions about maintaining the balance between progress and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Today, El Cangrejo is celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape and artistic expressions. The neighborhood boasts a range of restaurants, galleries, and cultural spaces that reflect the fusion of traditional Panamanian culture with global influences. Events such as art fairs and food festivals further highlight El Cangrejo's ongoing role as a cultural beacon within Panama City.

El Cangrejo, located in the heart of Panama City, is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Tocumen International Airport, you can take a taxi or book a rideshare service, which usually takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you are coming from downtown, you can take the Metro Line 1 to the '5 de Mayo' station and transfer to a bus or taxi to reach El Cangrejo. Buses are also a viable option, with multiple routes connecting the area to other neighborhoods.

El Cangrejo is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, and many attractions are within walking distance. The Metro system has a station in the area, making it easy to travel to other parts of the city. Local buses and taxis are readily available for longer distances, and bike rentals can be found in the neighborhood, providing a leisurely way to explore.

El Cangrejo is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone late at night, especially around the outskirts of the neighborhood. High-crime areas in Panama City include parts of El Chorrero and San Miguelito, so it is wise to stay vigilant and avoid these locations. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are hospitals and clinics in the vicinity of El Cangrejo, including Hospital Nacional. Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are readily available.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; if visiting churches or temples, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to eat; don't waste food or refuse offered hospitality, as it may be considered rude.

To experience El Cangrejo like a local, visit the local markets and food stalls, where you can sample traditional Panamanian dishes. Engage with locals in cafes and parks, as they are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and live music venues offering a taste of the local scene.