photos panama

View across the bay (Pacific Ocean side) towards Panama City from the Presential Palace. (Sahayak)

Photo of the Kuna people, indigineous to the islands off the coast of Panama. This race of people are extremely short, the women wear armlets and leg beading and dress in bright hand embroided sarongs and tops. (Sahayak)

Transport for the poor...they're big, noisy and each is a piece of artwork. The average ride costs US 25 cents. (Sahayak)

Some passing locals! We stayed for one night at Santa Clara beach - Pacific Ocean side, (about 1 1/2 hours west of Panama City by bus, US $3.25 each). The hostel accommodation was US $40/night (no hot water). Just up from us fishing families lived simply on the beach, their open fishing boats going out in the afternoon, returning mid morning the next day. (Sahayak)

Maia's take on Panama - left and above, scenes from the balcony on the threshold of the dodgy end of town. Below, an antiquated VW that could use some serious TLC! (Note, cops on the corner behind the car, complete with rifles - keeping part of the old city safe.

Across the road from where we stayed in the old part of Panama City - security at the local corner store. (Sahayak)

The 'No Go' section of the old part of Panama City - we were continually warned by the locals not to go into this area, as we would be SHOT!! When taking this shot I did not realise that I had left the safety zone. This chap looks to be carring timber to 'prop up' the supports for his 'home'. (Sahayak)

On nearly every corner - police carrying pistols and rifles in the 'safe area' of the old Panama City. (Sahayak)

Panama City is a lot warmer than Costa Rica (much to Maia's liking). Here locals take a dip in the harbour. The old part of the city is gradually being reclaimed by the wealthy (see Maia's picture below of the VW to see the old next to the new!!)

The police are seen on the borders of the 'No Go' areas. A quick stop for a shine for a motorbike policeman. (Sahayak)

After take-off, a view of the Panama Canal (Pacific Ocean side). (Sahayak)