Casco Viejo (Old Town) Panama City

I want to jump right in and tell you all about the Panama Canal Museum.  But, I can't (besides it's not in my nature).  It is still all a little surreal and I feel as if I have to build up the story (just a little bit).

**Side note **
One of the really unbelievable technological advances, that we have in 2013, is BY FAR Google Maps.  It's really hard to imagine that one can simply pull out their mobile phone and at any time know exactly (I mean GPS exact) where one is at.

My first stop in the Dominican Republic (even while still inside the airport) was the Orange mobile telephone shop to by a prepaid SIM card for my cheap, unlocked, android phone (the phone that is always on the ready for the Philippines).  I dished out a mere $3 for the SIM card and another $5 for the prepaid balance, sent a quick text and I was on the internet surfing by the time I left the airport.

Now Panama wasn't quite that easy, only because I arrived at 3am.  But after a very short rest, I was up and out of the hotel by 9am and had a SIM card and was internet surfing by 9:10am!  Seriously, it took me less than 10 minutes and I was yet once again internet surfing on my phone.  $1.50 for a SIM card in Panama, my only decision was which carrier I needed to choose.  Of course, I told the Pharmacist (yes, they sell SIM cards in the pharmacies in Panama) that I wanted whichever one has the fastest internet connection.

I really did zero preparation for Panama, and Google Maps saved SO MUCH time and effort.  I remember the days of running around with maps, in hand, trying to figure out which way to go.  Walking for blocks and then realizing that it was the wrong direction.  Now, nobody has a clue what your doing on your phone, they automatically assume your sending a text message or something else.  The places that I tend to visit are generally not very "friendly" to tourists waving maps around.  Don't get me wrong, I visit those places too.  One of my greatest success, in foreign travel, has always been the ability to blend in and not draw too much attention to myself.

OK, now the Canal Museum.

It's a little surreal to try and back track and relive the anticipation I had while walking to the Panama Canal Museum.  Ever since 4th or 5th Grade I have dreamed of visiting this place.  I remember back(even at 10yo), President Carter signing the Panama Canal Treaty.  This was a big deal for a 4th or 5th grader and I remember drawing a map where the Panama was located.  Now 35 years later, I am here.  Albeit not at the canal (just yet), but at the Museum of the Canal.

There is no possible way that I can adequately describe the Museum.  It is a must see for every American.  The involvement that we had in this endeavor, clearly makes it a full circle for me.  Sadly, photos were not allowed inside the museum.  However, it had an absolutely unbelievable amount of artifacts, original documents, media, print, everything.  The museum was in Spanish.  However, there was an audio tour in English.  Thank heavens, cause I would have still been there reading every display (and there is a lot of them).

It really did a fantastic job at describing the trials and tribulations of the French and then Americans.

I really am at a loss for words to describe the museum, incredible.  Located in Casco Viejo, right off Plaza De La Independencia, the building housing that houses the museum has a tremendous amount of history itself!  It was created in the late 1800's, and served as the former French Canal Company offices, U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission, then a local Post Office.  In 1997, The Museum took it back over and have done an unbelievable job.

PLEASE, if you have the inclination to visit, do not wait as long as I did.  It is absolutely impressive!