Page 11 - PGA Community News - October '23

October 2023 October 2023 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 11
Panama City: Three Cities In One

Previously submitted by the
late Don Kiselewski, MCC,
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens
Travel Leaders
Panama is the most
traveled country in the
world, even though most
tourists never touch the Construction of the Panama Canal, 1913. Photo by Thomas Marine
ground during their visit.
The great “cruise through Five Indian cultures made
the canal” is always high up Panama before Columbus
on the priority list of world made his first visit in 1502,
travelers. The experience of seeing how the Panama however it was the Spaniard
Canal operates is unsurpassed and it has truly earned the Rodrigo de Bastidas who
distinction as one of the seven wonders of the modern created the first European
world. However, the greatness of such a voyage seldom, presence a year earlier in 1501.
if ever, includes a stop at Panama’s exciting capital city, A dozen years later in 1513,
Panama City, because of the cruise line itineraries. Vasco Núñez de Balboa forged
One of the most beautiful cities in Central America, his way through the jungle of
Panama City is in fact three distinct cities that have grown the isthmus, and discovered
out of each other. Unlike most cities that are reborn again the Pacific Ocean. Panama got
in the same location, growing from the rubble of the past, its name from the first Indians
the three cities of Panama have retained their individual who lived in the area; it means
identities. To best understand this process and set the stage “place of many fishes.”
for the unique city growth, it’s best to take a glimpse back This discovery by Balboa
in history. became the impetus for the
location of a staging area on
the Pacific side of the isthmus. Aerial view of the Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, with
It became a key position for the Panama City in the background. Photo by Don Kiselewski
Spanish conquest of the Pacific
as well as a transshipping location between the two oceans worldpopulationreview.com/countries). The majority of Panama
for the gold that was being mined in Peru and shipped back City inhabitants are involved with the management of the canal,
to Spain. The Spanish first founded Panama City in 1519, shipping and/or trade of that which passes through Panama. The
and it was Spain’s wealthiest colony in the 17th century. city is a fascinating place to visit, although few do.
With the gold and other wealth being transferred through The area founded by the first Spanish settlers remains in
Panama City, it quickly became the target of English rubble from the devastation caused by Henry Morgan and
privateers. Sir Henry Morgan did a real number on Panama his men. Known as Panamá Viejo or Old Panama, it contains
City when he and his men invaded, looted and completely the brick and mortar of the dozens of buildings that made up
destroyed the city in 1691. the original colony. The area is maintained with manicured
Today, Panama City has a population of almost lawns that allow visitors to walk around and through the
900,000 people (Source: World Population Review, https:// various buildings that formed the community. The original
The National Theatre in Casco Viejo. worldpopulationreview.com/countries/cities/panama), or not
Photo by Don Kiselewski quite one-third of that of the entire country (Source: https:// Panama City: Three Cities In One on page 12

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

HONEYBELLE
Classic Florida style and Southern charm meet seasonal
American cuisine by celebrated Chef Lindsay Autry. Choose
indoor or lush garden dining. Join us for daily Happy Hour from
2 pm to 4 pm featuring $8 bites, $5 beer, and $8 cocktails.

Reservations: 561-227-2548

THE BUTCHER'S CLUB
Join us Friday, October 20th, 2023, for an extraordinary evening of
dining and indulgence presented by Maison Louis Roederer, and
award-winning Chef Jeremy Ford, benefiting Connections School for
Autism. Enjoy 8-course tasting menu for $350++ per person.

Reservations: 561-627-4852

SPA MONTH
40,000 sq. ft. of spa treatments, immersive experiences, and beauty
services complement three Waters of the World mineral pools, a Zen
hammock garden, and café. Throughout October, discover monthly
specials, acupuncture, cupping, and acupressure therapies.
Reservations: 561-627-3111