PANAMA
I first found Panama through an airline’s stopover program, but this country deserves so much more time and dedication than a few quick days on your way to somewhere else. Having now returned three times, I’ve witnessed the country’s incredible diversity from Panama City’s skyline (which feels like Miami’s tropical twin), to the lush jungles and untouched beaches of the coast.
Panama is as much for nature lovers (it’s even more biodiverse than Costa Rica!) as it is for foodies. I’ve enjoyed a delicious raspao (shaved ice that’s better than any snowcone I’ve ever had) and tried my first ever ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos. I’ve even partook in Panama City’s surprising obsession with Sunday dim sum.
Whether it’s the islands of Guna Yala (aka San Blas) to the countryside of El Valle de Antón; it could be the beautiful capital city or the culture of the indigenous Emberá people; or perhaps for you, it’s the modern marvel of the famous canal or the intense party vibes of Carnavales: there is something to draw every type of traveler.
But for me, the connection is deeper than the sights. In Casco Viejo, I fell in love. Not just with the colonial charm of the cobblestoned streets, but with someone who showed me the soul of this country. Panama now holds a special place in my heart because of the people who have allowed me to see its beauty through their eyes. Through these stories, I hope to convey some of the things which make the country so remarkable here.
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