We checked out of our hotel and began our busy day with a drive to Old Town Panama (Casco Viejo). In 1671, the pirate Henry Morgan had captured and sacked the city and eventually retreated to Jamaica. The Spanish rebuilt Old Town, and it is now a UNESCO Heritage Center. While people can buy property there, it is extremely expensive as they are required to meet UNESCO’s stringent building standards. Our walking tour included St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Church, and Cathedral and Herrera Squares.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Church
Herrera Square
Originally part of Colombia, Panama became independent in 1903 and signed a treaty with the U.S. to build the Canal. The Canal returned to Panama after a new treaty was signed in 1977. We toured the former U.S. Canal Zone and visited the Agua Clara Locks after lunch.
Iguana
Coatimundi
In the late afternoon we boarded our ship, the Le Bellot. After settling in, we had a reception and orientation talk followed by dinner. As tomorrow’s beach activities would not begin until mid-morning, I was able to crash in my cabin the rest of the evening.
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