can only love Panama's excellent blend of the modern & the traditional, the Western & the Eastern. To me, the city held a unique mix of big city "Philly" hum with a taste of Hawaiian culture. Panama is booming & growing with every heartbeat, yet the natural beauty of the country causes one to be still in order to drink it all in. Surrounded by the Pacific ocean, you feel like you're actually traveling on a large island, especially when you experience what it's like to live according to "island time"... which is the very relaxed, very laid-back way in which Panamanians like to live life!The local cuisine holds great variety - Italian, American, Chinese, Indian, you name it! I got to experience a local dish called sancocho de gallina (chicken stew), which tastes much like chicken noodle soup only with a more distinct flavor!
Spanish is the official language of Panama, though most everyone we met was comfortable with speaking "Spanglish"... I personally find Spanish to be the most romantic language of all, and I hope to take some classes in the near future!
I'm convinced that Panamanians are one of the friendliest people one can ever hope to meet. They are gentle, fun-loving and helpful people. Perhaps the best word to describe them would be "warm". They are quick to smile, and their politeness is not stiff, but they care in such a way that you feel that you are in "good hands". I felt such acceptance from them, that after a second or third meeting, I knew I had a new friend for life!
We found that the Panamanian people are predominantly Roman Catholic, but there is a sizable Muslim and Protestant community and a small number of Hindus and Jews. They are more spiritual than us North Americans, and I also feel that could be part of their very expressive Latin culture. Their heart for worship was so refreshing!
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