Panama, Casco Antiguo
Panama, Casco Viejo

Time almost stops in Casco Antiguo on Sundays. It is the best time for strolling down the plazas and enjoy the "dolce far niente" (the sweet "doing nothing"). If you are good at those table games like chess, backgammon and checkers you can try your skills against the best at Santa Ana park and get your boots cleaned while you are at it.  But beware: the laid back atmosfere might take you over,  not even the dogs escape from its spell!!!

I have to say I fell in love with these guys last Sunday. I mean, really... the world is going so fast and news are always gloom. People are living in the eye of several hurricanes and had forgotten how it used to feel not to be in there. And while I was walking around thinking about all the economic news, I ended up in Santa Ana, and suddenly my blood pressure dropped down, I started breathing better and I smiled.  They say petting a dog lowers your blood pressure, but these guys might get you killed!

And I thought, all things considered if I was in the middle of the economic hurricane, with debts to my neck and hardly getting by with $5,000... wouldn´t I be better off getting out and coming here to wait it out, where those same $5,000 can buy a cook, maid, chofer, apartment in San Felipe, spending money and time to play backgammon with these guys on Sundays or if not, just hang out at the beach?