TUTU AND PAPA LINDEN COME TO PANAMA

We were fortunate to have a recent visit with my parents, Tom and Karen Linden (AKA Tutu and Papa). Their visit was much anticipated and we were all looking forward to spending time together, realizing that a whole year had passed since we last saw one another.  We met them in Panama City for a quick 2 days before a 4-day trip to Isla San José, one of the Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama.

During our stay in Panama City we soaked up the colonial charm of Casco Viejo, and Tutu and Papa treated us to a stay in one of Casco's finest newly restored hotels, which we loved!  Our time in Panama City included a visit to the Miraflores Locks to see the giant ships pass through the Panama Canal, a visit to the new Biomuseo (Museum of Biodiversity) designed by well-renowned architect Frank Gehry, a visit to the Plaza Santa Ana area to see local street vendors, and numerous walks throughout Casco Viejo's plazas while admiring the colonial architecture as well as the abundant and vibrant wall art.

Panama City has so much to see and do, and spending a couple days here was a great way to start off our time with Tutu and Papa.  It was fun to show them a bit of the Panamanian culture and lifestyle that our family has grown to appreciate and love.  Now off to Isla San José, one the many Pearl Islands off Panama's Pacific coast...!

Bienvenidos a Panamá!  Everyone is so excited to see Tutu and Papa, especially Monica and Matt.

Many of Casco Viejo's colonial buildings have been restored, and this beautiful building, The American Trade Hotel, is one of them.

The rooftop pool at The American Trade Hotel, with great views of Casco Viejo.

A visit to the Miraflores Locks to see the ships pass through the Panama Canal.

The gates are being opened to allow two giant ships pass through the canal.

Papa and Christina stand at the Miraflores Locks after having witnessed this huge ship stacked with containers pass through the Panama Canal.

We all enjoyed exploring the museum at the Miraflores Locks, learning about the Panama Canal's incredible global impact during it's 100-year existence.  The canal is currently in the process of being expanded to allow much larger ships and more traffic.

This picture of containers waiting to pass through the Panama Canal was taken from an airplane during one of our flights into Panama City.

Plaza Santa Ana in Panama City

I took Tutu and Papa on a quick tour through the busy Plaza Santa Ana area where locals hang out and sell all types of goods used for everyday life.  

Panama City

Tutu and Papa

Panama City

The new Biomuseo (Museum of Biodiversity), designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry, opened in Panama City within the past year.  The museum's contemporary architecture can be seen in this photo which was taken from the air during one of our plane flights.

Biomuseo (Museum of Biodiversity) designed by Frank Gehry

The Museum of Biodiversity covers all aspects of natural history, geology, and human history of Panama and its surrounding oceans.  We all were impressed by some of the exhibits at the museum and enjoyed learning about Panama's impact on our planet's biodiversity.  

This beautiful crimson-backed tanager was seen outside of the Biomuseo.

These beautiful flowers were seen outside of the Biomuseo as well.

Sitting down for lunch at a local restaurant in Casco Viejo after a morning of sightseeing in Panama City.

Casco Viejo is an eclectic area with some colonial buildings that are in complete disrepair, and others which have been beautifully restored.  The area also has its fair share of vibrant murals.  During our stay, we loved walking the streets of Casco Viejo, admiring it all.

Colorful murals seen in Casco Viejo

Another artistic and brilliantly colored mural in Casco Viejo