The Cinta Costera or Coastal Strip is the place to be in Panama City. Ever since it was inaugurated during the Martin Torrijos administration, it has become the meeting place of the city dwellers.
The strip borders the Panama Bay with cool ocean breezes, ample open green spaces, special lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, sports installations and just about everything you need to enjoy yourself. The place has become so hot, the current president decided to expand it all the way to the Old Shell (Casco Viejo) making it even more attractive to both local and foreign visitors.
During the next few days, I’ll be posting pictures of this vibrating place so you will get an idea of how the new and old Panama look like. Today is the first picture to open the curtain, so to speak. Here we go.
Photograph of a sign at the Cinta Costera shouting to the four winds, this is the best place in town. (Welcome to your Coastal Strip) Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
I live very near a “hot spot” myself, though not so fine as this one. Mine has restaurants, amusement rides, shops and a view of the water, though – a good indication that people around the world enjoy so many of the same things.
I’ve been looking through your added photos of the palm, too. I didn’t realize when looking at the black and whites just how large it is! What an absolutely beautiful tree. And you’re right – the sunset light makes it glow as though lit from within.
I could say a few things about our developers who clear-cut beautiful old trees, but it seems there’s little point. I’ll save my energy for the next local battle and speak there.
I’ll look forward to more photos from your coastal strip!
Hello Linda:
It’s so comforting for me to read your comments. I’m glad you have followed the trail of the solitary palm in our neighborhood. The late afternoon sunlight really makes a difference on the overall appearance of a subject.
I’ve seen similar places like the Cinta Costera in the United States; mainly in San Diego. Like insects to a light bulb, people are attracted to these places in search of human warmth. People like to interact with other people even if they are complete strangers. I call it “people energy” and it certainly lifts your spirits after visiting these social places.
Please stay tuned, there are several pictures in the pipe.
Regards,
Omar.-
[...] If you don’t read my friend Omar’s blog, you are missing something. He is getting ready to start another of his pictorial posts about Panama City as seen through his eyes. http://epiac1216.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/the-hottest-spot-in-panama/ [...]
Hi Omar,
After spending the last year in Chiriqui with only one quick shopping trip back to PC, I’m going to play tourist there in 8 days. A family member is coming, for the first time, from the US great lakes region to escape the snow and cold. We are doing local tours of Lake Gatun, Casco Viejo, an Embera Village and the Miraflores Locks. I thought the Cinta Costera was just basically a big traffic problem to avoid when in the city. If that isn’t the case, I’d welcome any insider suggestions before we get there. Thanks !
Hello Charlotte:
Your vacation schedule sounds great and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay in Panama. Regarding the Cinta Costa, I would suggest you visit it after 6:00 p.m. when families start to walk and enjoy the coolness of the evening. It’s really nice to intermingle with the people and enjoy the atmosphere of the large green areas beside de Panama Bay. The area is well lighted and you can stretch your legs to your heart’s content. The view of Panama’s modern skyline by night is another wonderful experience. If I were you, I would include the Cinta Costera in my schedule.
My two cents on the subject. Thank you for dropping by and leaving a message.
Regards,
Omar.-