Panama Event Calendar • April 2014

George Harris: Quién Se Quiere Ir

Theater

 

WHERE: El Teatro Bar, Panama City

WHEN: April 1st and 2nd, 7:30 p.m.

COST/TICKETS: Not listed

  

DESCRIPTION: Straight from Miami, this Venezuelan-born comedian will entertain and delight you with his hilarious wit!

 

Click here for more information

Arlequino, Servidor de Dos Patrones / Arlequino, Servant of Two Masters

Theater

 

WHERE: Teatro La Quadra, El Cangrejo, Panama City

WHEN: April 1st through 13th, 8:00 p.m. 

COST/TICKETS: Tickets $12.00

  

DESCRIPTION: A comedy full of intrigue, comic errors, struggles and triumphs, this is the story of a poor young man who works for two bosses at the same time, secretly

Click here for more information

Festival de Bellas Artes / Fine Arts Festival

Art & Culture / Fun for Kids / Music

 

WHERE: Volcan, Bambito and Cerro Punta, Chiriqui Province

WHEN: April 3rd through 6th 

COST/TICKETS: Free

  

DESCRIPTION: The 5th annual celebration of art, music, dance and more, in the beautiful setting of the highlands of Baru Volcano

Click here for more information or phone 6845-6455

Festival Internacional de Cine Panamá 2014/ International Film Festival

Cinema

WHERE: Casco Antiguo, Panama City

WHEN: April 3rd through 9th

COST/TICKETS: Free for some events, admission for others                     

  

DESCRIPTION: Annual film festival, now in its 3rd year, that brings directors, actors, celebrities and fans together, with all the glamour of other similar events such as Cannes and Sundance 

Click here for more information 

 

Panama Restaurant Guide

Asados del Campo is an open air restaurant specializing in roasted meats. Asados del Campo is located in Coronado on the Panamerican hwy across from the Coronado mall.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.      
Information & Delivery: 240-1615

Bayview Restaurant specializes in seafood and located on the oceanfront in El Palmar.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-9621, (507)240-9875

Bamboo Express specializes in traditional chinese food located in the Coronado Mall.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. everyday

Beruit has a new location in Playa Blanca. Beruit Specializes in authentic Lebanese food.
Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm everyday
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-8081

Bruschetta is located in El Valle de Anton across from the church at the end of the town center. The restaurant is attached to the Anton Valley hotel.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 983-5118

Buona Cucina located on calle Idaan behind Todos El Carbon before the Coronado gates, serves authentic Italian. The restaurant has recently undergone renovations.
Hours: 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-4677

Cafe Soleil is open for breakfast and lunch. Serving smoothies, fresh fruit and sandwiches, this open air cafe is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Hours: Wednesday Sunday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6781-9110

Cafe Viana is a small cafe located just before the Coronado gates on the left hand side. Their menu changes from daily as items such as muffins, scones and quiche are freshly baked.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday closed.
Information: (507) 345-3400

California Burger has great burgers and cold beer. Build your own burger, how you like it! California Burger is located in Coronado across from the Coronado Mall.
Hours:  Weekdays open from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-9985

La Casa de Lourdes a small hotel and restaurant located in El Valle. They are open for lunch and dinner sittings. Hours: 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily
Information & Reservations: (507) 983-6450

Las Camisones specializes in Spanish/Panamanian dishes. They are located in San Carlos on the Interamericana at km 104.
Hours: 12:00 noon - 9:30 p.m. everyday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 993-3622

Carlitos Pizza is located in San Carlos across from the El Palmar entrance. They are well known for their empanadas coming in several varieties and made fresh daily! 
Hours: Open every day expect Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday.
Information & Delivery: (507) 240-8526 (San Carlos) (507) 908-7074 (El Valle)

Cholos authentic Mexican restaurant serves fresh Mexican dishes and frozen margaritas. Cholos in located in Las Lajas. Hours: Thursday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)240- 4004

Coronado Café serves up a great breakfast! The Café and restaurant offers indoor seating with ac, and outdoor seating on a comfortable patio. Coronado Café is located in Coronado inside Las Pergolas plaza, above Philipe Mota.
Hours:  Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-3245
Dominos Pizza the popular American chain is located on the 3^rd level of the Coronado Mall.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information & delivery: (507) 240-1919
Don Chachos Grill is located in Coronado. Don Chachos is specializing in rotisserie chicken and grilled meats. Hours:  Everyday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information & Reservations: (507) 240-1930

Don Lee is a popular Chinese food chain. They are located in the Village mall.
Hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
El Galeon specializes in Seafood dishes. They are located five minutes past the entrance to Santa Clara.
Hours: Everyday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Information & Reservations: (507)993-3078

El Meson Suizo, specializes in Swiss specialty dishes and seafood. The restaurant is located on the Panamerican hwy just after the turn off for El Valle, on the right hand side.
Hours: Everyday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-8657

El Pampero is located on the Panamerican Hwy in the district of Chame, across from Banco nacional. Specializing in Chorizo made in house!
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Information: (507) 240-6755

El Parque, has both Chinese food and local Panamanian dishes. They are located inside the town of San Carlos on the main road.
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Information: (507) 240-8202

El Rincon Del Chef is located in Coronado. Rincon Del Chef is specializing in Baby Back Ribs.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Information & Reservations: (507)240-1941

Green Leaf is located in the Village Mall. They serve an English Breakfast, crepes and sandwiches.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. everday
Information:(507) 6225-6367

Gourmet Pizza is located inside Coronado past the gates. The restaurant is on Ave. Roberto Eisemann, just before the fire station on the right hand side.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Thursday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Delivery: (507) 345-4585 or (507) 345-4586

KFC is located in the Village Mall across from the El Rey shopping center.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Information & Delivery:  (507) 236-5555

La Ruina Taberna Antigua has pub food & Panamanian dishes they located in Gorgona.
Hours: 12:00 noon. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m. Friday– Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
Information: (507)6527-8462

LA TECA opened in Coronado February 2013. Specializing in Spanish cuisine, LA TECA offers a fine dining experience. The restaurant is located in the Village Mall on the first floor above Don Lee.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 noon  – 9:30 p.m.  Closed on Sunday & Monday.
Information & Reservations: 240-2101 or 240-2102

Locos Backyard Grill makes everything in house, they have great fresh cut fries. Locos is located in Gorgona. Now open Thursday’s!
Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – till the last person leaves. Closed Sunday - Wednesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6233-7298

Luna Rossa specializes in authentic Italian dishes and deserts. They are located in Coronado on calle Roberto Esiemann across from La Cosita.
Hours: Wednesday to Friday & Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)240-1455

Manglar Lodge Restaurant is a restaurant and hotel located in El Palmar. They serve fresh seafood, burgers and more.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-8970

McDonald’s is located in the Coronado Mall.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Nitro City Action Sports Resort is a sports resort with a restaurant inside. Nitro City is located in Punta Chame.
Hours:  Every day except Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)223-1747

O'Pedros is an Irish pub located at the Los Madarinos hotel in El Valle
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. everyday.
Information & Reservations: 983-6645

Pantay has fresh seafood daily. The restaurant is located in Coronado on calle Roberto Esiemann before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6444-1586 or (507) 345-4025

Paraiso Bar & Restaurant is located 3km up the El Valle and has a little bit of everything, from burgers to fresh seafood.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6613-0513 or (507)6835-1611

Picasso Bar & Restuarante offers a fusion of fresh salads, oriental flavors, grills, wood-burn pizza and more! Picasso is located inside the Coronado gates on Ave. Roberto Esienman, across from the fire station.
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday Brunch 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Information & Reservations: (507) 345-3777

Pio Pio is a fast food chain specializing in fried chicken, located in the El Rey mall. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday 24hrs.

Prime 19 is located on the 18th hole of the Buenaventura Golf Course. Prime 19 is a steakhouse that offers serveral imported cuts of meat.Hours may change by season and day of the week.
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday Open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Punta Chame Villas is located at the end of Punta Chame. The restaurant specializes in seafood and offers breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-5590

Rancho Los Toros Is a large ranch located in the district of San Carlos.
Hours: Open for special events & weekend dinner sittings
Information & Reservations: (507) 6619-1693

Rincon Catracho is a small open air restaurant located in Gorgona.
Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information: (507) 240-5807

Steak 2 Restobar is a stea house located just before the Coronado gates.
Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. everyday Information & Reservations: (507) 345-4677

Subway the popular sandwich chain is located in the El Rey Mall beside Pio Pio.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tai Kai Sushi is located in the JW Marriott hotel serves Japanese creations and fresh sushi.
Hours 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. reservations are recommended on weekends
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Tamarindo is located in the JW Marriott hotel, they serve International food. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours: Everyday from 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Terrazas Del Mar offers fine dining at the beach specializing in international dishes and seafood.
Hours: Everyday from 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations:  (507) 345-4077 or (507) 6612-0095Trattoria serves Italian food, and brick oven pizza. They are located on calle Idaan behind Todos El Carbon before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday

Todo Al Carbon serves local Panamanian dishes, located in Coronado on Roberto Eisenman, before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-1106

Todo Sabor Located in the San Carlos town square, Todo Sabor serves creative and fresh authentic Italian meals by award winning chef Alfredo Ziino
Hours: Open everyday expect Tuesday. Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Information & Reservations: 6277-4073/ 6263-5804

Toti's Marisquería is a seafood restaurant located on the Panamerican highway in Chame.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday
Information & Reservations: 6753-8358

Ty's Sports Bar is a pub style restaurant located in El Valle.
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Will open 7 days a week in January.
Information & Reservations: 6780-7251 or 6780-7253

Xoko offers a variety of Mediterranean & Panamanian dishes. They are located on the Panamerican Hwy at the Santa Clara turn off, on the ocean side.
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 993-3876

XS Restaurant is located one block off the Panamerican hwy across from the entrance to Santa Clara.
Specializing and burgers and fresh cut fries.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
http://www.playacommunity.com/en/restaurant-guide 

Grocery Stores in Panama

Penonomé, Coclé Province, Panamá
www.UncoverPanama.com

Whoa!  Why is someone writing a blog about grocery stores on a travel site?  What a mundane topic.  We all look forward to a fun filled tropical, sunny vacation, what do grocery stores have to do with any of the enjoyable plans we have?

 

As with most people we wonder what our rooms will be like, what is the beach like, what adventures can we have.  After the first day or two enjoying the beautiful beaches, great surf and a few Pina Coladas, our attention turns to more mundane matters.  After all, there is a practical side to every vacation.  If you are not staying in an ‘All Inclusive’ a very logical question is ‘Where do we buy food?’

As with most people we wonder what our rooms will be like, what is the beach like, what adventures can we have. 

After the first day or two enjoying the beautiful beaches, great surf and a few Pina Coladas, our attention turns to more mundane matters.  After all, there is a practical side to every vacation.  If you are not staying in an ‘All Inclusive’ a very logical question is ‘Where do we buy food?’

Several of our friends Stateside have had many questions to ask of us about Panama and often asked are questions like  ‘’Does Panama have ‘Real’ grocery stores?’’  “Can you get fresh fruit and vegetables”  etc. 

The answer is a resounding YES!!!

When we first came to this tropical paradise, we found ‘El Rey’ in Coronado approximately 30 kilometres to the East of us.  At the time, it was the only grocery store around.   Equidistant from us in the opposite direction is Penonome which had no large grocery stores but did have a smaller store called Machetazo.  Nowadays however, it is a very different story and Coronado boasts three good sized modern shopping centres, each with a grocery store.
 
f you need groceries, medications, suntan lotions, and / or just about any kind of general necessity you don’t have to look very hard. A large Super 99 is close by while a brand new shopping centre has been built on the other side of the highway with a large Machetazo which occupies three floors. It not only sells wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables, boasts a butcher’s, baker’s and a well stocked deli counter, but it also sells all kinds of household goods, electronics, clothes and hardware.

While there are numerous wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants in Coronado, tucked away in a corner of Machetazo is a little cafeteria we visit every time we shop there.  Here you can have a really great, inexpensive lunch cafeteria style, including an excellent choice of main courses, salads and desserts.

Penonome has its own Machetazo store just on its eastern outskirts, not quite as large as the newer one in Coronado but amply stocked with the same types of items, and there is a very large, 24 hour, Super 99 across the other side of town.  In between you will find all kinds of shops selling everything you could possibly imagine.  Apart from all of this, in Penonome there is  a bustling fresh produce and meat market, numerous  pharmacies, a casino, a brand new movie theatre, university, hospital, clinics, many wonderful restaurants and bars and it seems like there is a bank on almost every corner.

So when you come here on vacation, there is no need to worry about food shopping, supplies for the BBQ or suchlike. It is all here in spades. Come and enjoy yourself, take in all that is on offer here in this wonderful part of the world and hopefully this ‘Grocery’ blog will enlighten you to the resources available for your shopping pleasure.

Incredible Culinary Experience at Miraflores Locks Restaurant

Story by Tamara Rowe
Photos by Tamara Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com

Almost every visitor to Panamá will take in one of the great Wonders of the World, the Panamá Canal.  Between the Bridge of the Americas and The Centenary Bridge sits Miraflores Locks, the most visited of all the locks.  This is also the location of the current expansion where two new locks are being constructed.

 Although I have visited Miraflores locks many times proudly touring friends and family as part of their Panamá experience, I was not aware of the elegant restaurant located on the second floor.    

Our friends and lifelong residents of Panamá, Luz and Jorge Patton, asked if we ever had the pleasure of dining at the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.  They told us this is one of the finest restaurants in Panamá and where they frequently enjoy dining.  Luz was happy to make the necessary reservation for the four of us for the following week.

Upon entering this beautiful restaurant we were given the opportunity to either sit outside on the veranda and watch the ships as they pass through the canal or to dine indoors.  We choose indoor dining enabling us to more appreciate the charm and ambience of this lovely restaurant.  We were easily distracted as we passed by the huge buffet displaying a multitude of mouth watering main dishes, salads and deserts.  Putting imaginary blinders on, we made it to our seats.

No sooner seated and we were warmly greeted by Executive Chef Diego Garcia Vela and to our delight, he informed us he had personally prepared a five course meal for us to enjoy.
Our dining experience began with a lovely glass of white wine accompanied by the most delicious garlic bread.  I could have eaten the entire basket but managed to refrain knowing there were five courses to come.  Our first course was a wanton consume followed by Chef Diego and staff delivering a dazzling display of Tatacki Tuna, ever so lightly seared and accompanied by salsa Nikkei.  An explosion of flavours melting in your mouth!  Next, octopus with a sour tamarind sauce; simply delightful.  Our main course was a clever combination of beef, Serrano ham and feta cheese rolled and presented in a bed of pea puree.  As soon as our coffee and tea orders were taken dessert arrived; a lovely chocolate crêpe Suzette with grapes flambé.  This was an absolutely deliciously memorable dining experience!

Originally from Lima, Peru, the land of the Incas, Chef Diego has always been curious in the culinary arts.  As a young boy, his parents took him to dine in the finest restaurants of Peru and other countries enabling him to experience new and different cuisines.  After completing his education in Peru at the Ibero-American School of Hospitality and Tourism, he followed with several internships at some of the finest restaurants in Lima to gain more knowledge and experience.  He attained a position at Iquitos Fitzcarraldo Restaurant & Bar in the jungles of Peru which afforded him the opportunity to experiment with different techniques using exotic products such as lizard, ostrich and camu camu, a fruit found only in the Amazon, creating new dishes.

Chef Diego joined Miraflores Restaurant & Bar just a little over one year ago and “wants people to come to Miraflores not only to visit the Canal, but to visit also for the cuisine of the restaurant and to have an amazing experience where they can use all of their senses”.

The Miraflores Restaurant & Bar is operated by one of Panamá’s most exquisite hotels, the El Panamá Hotel.  To ensure seating, please make reservations by telephoning either 232-3120 or 232-3122 or visit their website:  www.elpanama.com.

Thank you Miraflores Restaurant & Bar for the warm ambience, flawless service, a wonderful dining experience and thank you Chef Diego for the deliciously brilliant meal, simply stunning in every way.

Whether you are a long term resident or simply a one time visitor to Panamá, I highly recommend that you experience the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.

Exploring Aguadulce, Coclé, Panamá, S.A.

Aguadulce, Coclé, Panamá, S.A. 
Story by Wendy and Tamara
Photos by Wendywww.uncoverpanama.com

The town of Aguadulce is located 42 km. southwest of Penonomé, in Coclé Province map.  The main part of this sizeable town is south of the Interamerican highway.  The District of Aguadulce includes the town of Aguadulce, El Cristo, El Roble, Pocrí and Barrios Unidos.  There are an additional 75 communities or regiments for an estimated combined population in 2008 of 46,473 inhabitants.

Since its lunchtime when we arrive, we head for a favourite spot, El Jardin de San Juan Restaurante (Plaza 19 de Octubre, Aguadulce, Tel. 997-2849, open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).  As we enter, proprietress Nelva Real greets us with her warm smile.  Although the air conditioned inside seating is quite comfortable, we head for the outside terrace overlooking the lush courtyard.  Tamara has her favourite, Kike’s Corvina, lovely white sea bass fillets covered in a mushroom sauce with papas puré (mashed potatoes) and lots of limon (fresh lime - yes, even though it looks orange, its definitely a lime).  A few months back, we managed to persuade Nelva to divulge her sangria recipe. 

On this visit, Nelva introduces us to her cousin, longtime local resident Mariela Real.  Mariela is a wealth of information and explains some of the history of Aguadulce.  According to Mariela, the original name for Aguadulce (“agua” water and “dulce” sweet), was Trinidad.  The early Spaniards, working at the nearby port, were happy to discover a “sweet water” well and took the liberty of renaming Trinidad to “Aguadulce”.  Mariela directed us to the Museo Regional Stella Sierra, the local museum which displays artifacts, historical painting and details the history of the local sugar and salt industry.  “We must visit” she tells us, and while we enjoy our lunch, Mariela slips out to the museo, returning a few minutes later to let us know she has informed them we will be coming. 

A pleasant stroll across the busy central plaza sits the Museo Regional Stella Sierra (Tues. to Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Admission:  Adults $1, Retirees $0.75, Children $0.25 and Groups $5).  They were definitely expecting us and museum guide, Yilka Berrocal, greeted us warmly.  Housed in a uniquely shaped building located on a busy street corner, the structure was built in the late XIX  Century by Italian Eduardo Pedreschi.  It has been used as a meeting hall and, in 1989, a National Post Office.  Originally founded in 1998 as the “Salt and Sugar Museum”, the museo name was changed on July 28, 2005 to the present day Museo Regional Stella Sierra. 

On the second floor we find history depicted in art, the original church organ, indigenous pre-Columbian artifacts, pottery, and although Yilka has little English and we muddle through with our sparse Spanish, she manages to explain much of the items displayed.  Many Panamanians fought in the Columbian civil war (1899 – 1903), and guns, uniforms and swords are displayed from this time.  We are also provided a wonderful view of the central plaza.  Opening a window to take a photo, we are almost blown away by the strong dry season breeze we remember from our church steeple climb in Natá. 

The main floor of the museo displays a beautiful wall mural depicting the early harvesting of salt, a few other pieces of artwork and the administrative office of the museo.  It’s the museo’s closing time so we say our goodbyes to Yilka and stroll back to our vehicle.  Next stop, Aguadulce’s port. 

Located approximately 10 km. east of the town we find the tiny port of Aguadulce.  Its low tide and not much is happening so after snapping a couple of photos, we head back.  Driving along this nicely paved road we pass a private shrimp farm and cattle quietly grazing in the lazy late afternoon sun.  It’s been a full afternoon and time to head home.

Agriculture and aquaculture are both major contributors to the financial stability of the District of Aguadulce.  Along the Interamerican highway between Natá and Aguadulce, huge fields of sugarcane blanket both sides of the road.  Harvesting begins in January and can continue into late April.  Although machines are used, much is still harvested by hand.  We spot both methods in action and snap our last photos of the day.

It has been a fabulous day.  In just a few hours we have made a new friend, enjoyed a delicious lunch, had a history lesson, viewed possibly one of the smallest ports in Panamá and were awed by the backbreaking manual harvesting of sugarcane.
Thanks for sharing our adventure.  Now, let’s see, where to next?

Related Article: Natá - Explore This Historical Church With Us

Tamara & Wendy
www.uncoverpanama.com  

Un Raspao: Panamanian Shaved Ice

Written by Tamara Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com

Un raspao (in Spanish) is known to North Americans assnow cones or shaved ice. Raspao’s come in many different flavors:strawberry, coconut, banana, pineapple, lemon and is topped off withsweet and condensed milk drizzled over the top. This delicious treatcosts between .30 and .40 cents each.

You can find the raspao venders in every parktown-square and public event throughout Panama. Easy to spot withcreative handmade pushcarts with a metal cover placed over alarge block of ice. Watching the rapid technique of the venders, almostalways male, is fascinating to observe. This delightful treat isincredibly refreshing on a hot and humid day.
                  
          A great way to cool down on a hot Panama day!