Ciudad Del Saber

Hello! Today is our second day, or dia, in Panama. We are staying in the City of Knowledge, El Ciudad del Saber! Our accomadations are very cozy and there is air conditioning! Woohoo! I know when we leave here there won't be any air conditioning, so we are using it to the max now! But, I digress.
Panama City is a wonderful ciudad, with very friendly people. I think the contrast between poverty and wealth is the most shocking so far. One side of the street in the "old city" (that is the old part of Panama City) is restored, while the other side of the street is completely dilapidated. However, each part has it's own beauty. I mean, I have never seen bulidings with vines and trees growing out of the windows and roofs totally collapsed! There is a charm to these buildings, as if they say, "Yes, we are antiquated, but you can only begin to imagine our history." They were once occupied by a more affluent people, but they moved out of the "old city" to bigger and newer communities. When they left, rents/leases became cheaper and the buildings were not quite as taken care of as they had been. Years of disregard just took it's toll on the "old city." However, around 1995 the Panamanian government started projects to restore the old buildings back to their original integrity, although I am told it has been a slow process.
We also saw the Panama Canal today. (Part of it at least.) We were fortunate enough to see ships pass through the locks. One ship had to pay $350,000 just to cross from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. The director said the Panamanian Government makes about 4-5 million a day from the ships passing through! They are literally and figuratively speaking a well-oiled machine! The canal stretches over 50 miles. The construction alone is truly something to marvel over. There was so much drilling they could have gone through Earth plus 900 kilometers! That is dedication!
As for the Panamanian people, well the one's I have met, they are a helpful and delightful population. I look forward to meeting more people from Panama.
I can only hope the trip continues to be as wonderful as today and yesterday have been! I will keep you informed!