April 2 to April 8- Around Panama City

At the beginning of this week we did our first drive into Panama City. After taking the winding road down the mountain from Cerro Azul for our usual 45 minute drive, we got on the 'Corridor Sur' - the main highway into the city. As you get closer, the views of the city ahead become very impressive.

Lots and lots of condos and very modern bank buildings. Like every other big city, the banks have the most impressive buildings. This one was particularly so.

That day we were going to the Amador Causeway, a bridge of land connecting three islands south of Panama City.

http://www.amadorcausewaypanama.com/

This is a very pretty area with wonderful views of the city plus of all the boats lined up to go up the canal.
                              This is the pedestrian walkway that goes all along.

         And looking out over the Pacific at some of the ships waiting to enter the canal.

We had lunch at an Mid Eastern restaurant overlooking the Marina.

Waiting for our cervazas.

On another city day we parked on one of the many free lots on Balboa- the road that runs beside the Pacific along the city. We walked around for some time exploring the neighborhood we had rented in a couple of years ago.

This is the walking/biking path beside Balboa Ave.

Looking towards our old neighborhood- Punta Paitilla

Some more very impressive condos and hotels along the shoreline.

When we returned to our place in Cerro Azul, we had the pleasure of seeing one of the resident Toucans very close. He flew to the tree right beside our deck so was finally able to get several good photos.

They make a sound much like a croaking toad calling to each other.

The eerie views off our deck when the clouds drop.