From Bocas to Panama City

We left the island world of Bocas behind us, but before we met up with two guys from our turtle time to go out. We followed the recommendations for a local place, which turned out to be a jackpot. We arrived in a big harbour hall with almost no lights, maybe ten people scattered around the walls, a small bar and one customer sleeping at it. Unmistakeable signs of a good place. We ordered cuba libres (they produce rum in Panama too after all) and paid 0.75 USD each (0.50 EUR) now we were convinced that it was a good spot, but as we didn't want to start kissing each other violently, like the other ten people we thought we move on to a more busy place.
Next day we were going on a bike tour, which seemed like a really good idea until we realized, that the road is not shady at all and noon is a hot time, but we recovered on the water facing veranda of our hostel. The airport had a suprise as well. Local newspaper Bocas Breeze had a nice article on the mayor of Bocas, mentioning as one of the controversies, that he let a "Survivor type" reality show being shot in a natural reserve (he says that the contract was made with the previous mayor). So the next time you see stuff like that on TV don't forget that the next McDonalds is only a 10 min boatride away, and they could get to the next restaurant on foot.




We took the plane to Panama city, which was promising wonderful views of the country, but unfortunately it rained all the time and i didn't get my free nachos because of the shaky ride (Amelie, one row in front of me did but she only gave me 6 Nachos out of her bag which was not a fair sharing). When we arrived we decided that we are not going to fall into the hand of piratery and won't pay more than 4 USD for our taxi ride to the hostel. It was not a big success. We were firm and skillfully negotiated the price from 5 to 6 USD.
Taxi drivers in Panama are just better than us. Nobody has a meter and nobody is scared to let a ride pass (a ride where we would pay double). At the airport after turning the first guy's offer for 5 down, we were waiting for the next taxi, which arrived 30 min later (in the meantime there were only very few people left) and took us for 6.
During the day were were trying to get a ride to the local Phoenix park. We were assured by locals that the fare should be 1.25 USD. We were thinking, that as we are tourists and don't speak Spanish, we take 3 USD. We had 3 taxi drivers turning down this price. I am not sure why this happens. Obviously there are more trips being asked for than taxis, then as well the drivers don't seem to operate for maximizing their own profits, but rather for maximizing the taxi driver communities' profits - a well working cartel? - I don't know.
Anyways busses are way cooler. Drivers decorate them to perfection, i guess like in India. My favourites are massive looking and sounding sport mufflers and countless spirits of ecstasy on the hood. Any trip costs 25c, but sady they dont go everywhere. So we will have to fight with taxi drivers in the next days.
Otherwise Panama city looks really amazing. The skyline can compete with Shanghai and the old town looks quite fascinating with ghost houses. (The city has been relocated twice. Once because of the pirate, who after destroying the city gave his name to a spicy rum, and once because the people didn't like the old spot any more.) So far we are still soaking up the amosphere, so we will have more details on everything later.

-some more pictures coming here-