Going South

I was most impressed with Panama – a country of just 4 million people, 25% of whom live in Panama City. I think most people have the impression (as probably I did) that Panama is all about the Canal, money laundering and hats but precious little else. Not true. Although I didn’t venture out of the city, people I talked to and things I read indicate there is beautiful countryside with great resorts, lush rain forests, great beaches, fishing, scuba diving, whale watching and the rest. As to Panama City, it’s vibrant, modern and sophisticated; full of good hotels, good shops, good bars and (I’m told!) a great night life. The only problem is the weather! The rainy season lasts from around April to the end of December. It doesn’t rain every day during this period. But when it does? Oh Boy! It rains. Irrespective of this, I would highly recommend Panama as a holiday destination worth considering. And for an investment of $300k (which could be buying property) you can become a Panamanian citizen with all the attendant tax advantages. ! I really must talk to my accountant about this!

So, onwards to Guayaquil where it is sunny. Yippee! It’s Ecuador’s largest city, founded in 1538, with a population almost the same size as the whole of Panama! It’s clear even in the short time I’ve been here that this place is much less developed than Panama. No designer shops here, then; just a hotch potch of small retail outlets with less than attractive window displays, this one only selling haberdashery stuff.

And I even saw a mini Halfords!

Right at the back of my hotel is Guayaquil’s cathedral

which is not a particularly old building but is impressive enough with some beautiful stained glass windows.

Opposite the main entrance to this Cathedral is a small square complete with the inevitable statue of Simon Bolivar. In itself, it’s not such a spectacular place until you look down and see, in amongst all the people going about their daily business, Iguanas! Loads of them.Some of them digging,some climbing

and some just lazing about.

It’s extraordinary when you consider that just a few feet away, there is a cacophony of blaring horns, screeching brakes and the general hubbub of city life.