Our first visit to Panama was in the same era that the North Koreans first decided they wanted to reunite with their southern neighbors. In those days, our heads were filled with visions of one English gentleman, Mr. Henry Morgan, who exhibited a love for all things Spanish and visited the area twice as a result.

So when we were doing a little touring here this week, we could not but wonder what old Henry would have thought had he parted the jungle and seen before him this village in the distance.

If he grew tired of the jungle he might have hitched a ride on a passing galleon, in which case the waterfront view would have been somewhat startling.

He probably would have made better time astride a mule than you would today in a taxi.

The traffic is that bad, we kid you not.

There is an enchanting nature preserve adjacent Panama City…

…With a variety of flora and fauna.

Our favorite area is old town, now being turned from ruins into desirable real estate.

Coincidentally, it reminded us of Spain and Portugal.

A church that drew Mr. Morgan’s attention had its own little miracle inside.

An angel to be sure.

There is even a newly opened quaint bed and breakfast.

At the end of this arduous day we stopped at a sleepy little cafe for a coffee, before sitting for two hours in our trusty taxi on the five mile journey back to the waterfront.

We transit the Canal on Monday.