Panama City: Day 1

Currency: U.S. dollar. It was the USD in El Salvador too. Neither print their own paper currency, but they both have their own coin currency, except for pennies, I have only seen U.S. pennies, which I find interesting. U.S. and Panamanian nickels, dimes, quarters... but only U.S. pennies. Obviously we haven't done it yet, but there has been talk of discontinuing the U.S. penny too. Lincoln is on the $5 (has been since 1928 fun fact) so it's not like we'd stop seeing everyone's favorite President every once in awhile or memorializing his legacy on our money. The exchange rate is 1=1 and as a result (I assume), both are more expensive than Mexico City. Panama City has like, Texas prices I'd say. El Salvador, everything I bought (all under 10) was about a buck or two less than it is here, so like 80% Texas/Panama prices approximately?

My hotel: Saba Hotel, in the Argentina district. Nothing charming about it, but it's nice to be in a real hotel that is quiet at night, in a big comfy bed, and have a bathroom to myself with a huge shower, but sadly, no bathtub =(. Very nice staff, and decent waiter-serviced breakfast with a number of options, all for $7.50, but not including coffee. Great, fast & free wifi. No gym.

Coffee shops: There are a lot of very good coffee shops here, and I can't wait to try the Panamanian "Geisha" coffee that costs like $15+ in NYC. Mentiratas Blancas (little white lies) is right around the corner from my hotel. I'm here now, feeling a hipster vibe and sitting amongst 5-10 Panamanians you'd expect at that kind of place, youngish & using the wifi. I'm very much enjoying my cappuccino and the high five I got from the guy behind the counter was a nice touch. Dame cinco anytime chabón.

My Spanish: Is getting so much better and more natural. I'm so happy. I will probably get a tutor when I'm in Quito (next stop) because it's kind of expensive here, but I want to speed it up so I can have real conversations.

Dinner: One of the two El Trapiche locations in Panama City. Cute, filled with locals, and serving traditional Panamanian food. I got a selection of empanadas and a chori hojaidra, a large pig in a blanket with chorizo. Unhealthy but cheap ($9 including tip for a lot of food) and tasty. I'm going back tonight, but to the other location.

#PanamaCity #PanamaCurrency #SabaHotelPanama #MentiratasBlancasPanamaCity #ElTrapichePanamaCity #CourtneyComstockblog