Fishing Boats in Panama

Snapshot of a small fishing boat docked at the British Pier in Panama City, getting ready for a fishing excursion. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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Out To Sea

Snapshot of a picturesque pair of humble fishermen on their way to a fishing trip on the Bay of Panama in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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A Visit to a Seafood Market

Panama is a narrow Isthmus located in Central America bathed by two of the largest oceans of the world, (e.g., Atlantic and Pacific Ocean).  The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in world commerce through which merchandise from every corner of the world changes hands.  We have a saying in Panama, “Panamá, puente del mundo corazón del universo.” (Panama, bridge of the world, heart of the universe).

Even though we have extensive coastlines on both sides of the isthmus, Panama is not considered a country with a close relation with the sea.  According to CIA-The World Factbook, Panama enjoys 1,547 miles of coastline.  By coastline I mean the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea.  In a certain manner, the country has a tradition of hands-off attitude, as far as maritime-related activities is concerned.  Fishing is scarce amongst its population, and the consumption of seafood is not widespread.  In contrast, Portugal, Spain, Norway, and Greece (just to name a few) are countries with strong ties to the sea.

Most Panamanian eat seafood during Easter week.  It’s a religious tradition.  The rest of the year, seafood is consumed with moderation.  The preferred source of protein is chicken and meat; specially chicken which has a lower price.  At home we eat a lot of chicken and some meat.

Last month my wife and I went to the seafood market to take a look at its overall condition and the range of prices.  It was a rainy day, but that didn’t keep some customers away from the market.  Before, I continue, let me add that this building was a donation from Japan to Panama during the Guillermo Endara’s administration.  Having said that, let me share with you a gallery of pictures taken during my visit to the Panama seafood market located at the Cinta Costera adjacent to the Panama Bay.

 

Photograph of the Panama Seafood Market Building facing the Panama Bay. Photograph was taken from my car while I waited for a red light to change. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

 

 

Photograph of the entrance of the seafood market. This building is located at the gates of Panama’s Old Shell, also known in Spanish as Casco Viejo. The black spots on the roof are buzzards.  Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A closer look at the buzzards guarding the building. The seafood market is managed by the Municipality of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photograph of a neon sign with jumping fish adhered to the main entrance of the seafood market. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Picture of one of the lateral entrances of the building. This is where one of the cafeterias is located. Notice how wet the ground looks like. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Picture of a metal door at the seafood market with nice pale blue fishes appropriate for the place. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A closer shot of the fishes decorating the metal door. These fishes were seen all around the building. They’re cute. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

I invite you to visit Lingua Franca tomorrow for more pictures of this picturesque seafood market in Panama City, Panama.  Good Day.

 

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Photograph of the Day: Bait

(Credit: Pixdaus.com)

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Photograph of the Day: Fishermen of Sri Lanka

(Credit: Steve McCurry @Pixdaus.com)

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A Fishing Trip From La Boca

At the entrance of the Panama Canal you will find a modest fishing cooperative that provides fishing or sightseeing tours at affordable prices.  Several weeks ago, when I was there, I saw a group of about four persons getting ready for a fishing trip to the Panama Bay.  They charge approximately $60.00 for  a tour to the lovely bay.

I plan to hire a small fishing boat to shoot pictures of Panama City’s skyline from the bay.  In my mind, I have taken about 2oo photographs.  I just can’t wait for this tour.  They provide you with safety life jackets and have a good record regarding accidents, so that is a relieve for me and my wife.  She’s too young to be a widow (smile).

Below are several photographs of a departing fishing tour,  just to acquaint you with life in Panama.  Here we go.

Photograph of several persons getting ready for a fishing trip to Panama Bay. You can see the fishing net at the front of the boat. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)

Notice how calm the waters are early in the morning. I'm afraid of choppy waters, plus it's difficult to hold the camera steady. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)

The fishing party has been properly accommodated and the boat is ready to go. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)

The boat is leaving the fishing post and the party is probably thinking of the fishes they will bring back when the day is over. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)

One of the many advantages of living in Panama is its intense marine life.  You can go swimming at the beach, sailing near the coastal waters, fishing, snorkeling, driving a jet ski, and other fun aquatic activities.  If you are a person who loves outdoor activities, you will adore Panama.  Good Day.

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Photograph of the Day: Fishing

(Credit: Pixdaus.com)

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Photograph of the Day: The English Wharf

Photograph of the English Wharf located at El Terraplén beside the seafood market in Panama City, Panama. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

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Accidental Snapshots of Amador’s Causeway

While  I was strolling through the Amador’s Causeway early last Sunday, I accidentally encountered a couple of sights that caught my immediate attention.  Since I was prepared with my new birthday camera, I decided to take advantage of the situation and froze the scenes in electronic pixels.  This is what I saw.  Here we go.

1.  Naked Dark Tree With Birds in Black

Dark Inclining Tree With Birds in Black

This was the only tree growing on the Causeway and it had not leaves.  Not a single one.  However, it was able to attract only black birds.  That reminded me of the Will Smith’s film, “Men in Black”. In this case it was “Birds in Black”.  The darkness of the main characters blended in nicely with the blueness of the city’s skyline  in the background.

2.  Fisherman and His Catch

A grim fisherman shows the catch of the day.

During my morning walk at the Causeway I saw a man on the side of the Causeway very concentrated in fishing.  His graceful movements and the way he handled the fishing rod indicated it was going to be a good fishing day.  Upon my return, I asked him how many fished he had caught.

He looked at me with a grim face and stretched his left arm.   There was only a small  black fish—about four inches long—wiggling in his hand.  Later that day, when he gathers his family to share the day’s catch, there will be more elbows on the table than fish.

3.  The Blue Flight

A small plane crosses a huge blue sphere up above.

When I heard the sound of the engines of an airplane above me, I thought it would be nice if I could capture it floating in  the huge blue sphere.  The plane was so small, it was almost invisible in the viewfinder of my camera.  Let’s see if you can locate it in the photograph.  I you do, it’s yours.  

4.  Flags Waving in the Wind

Photograph of the "Plaza de la Unidad Iberoamericana" at the entrance of the Amador's Causeway.

At the entrance of the Causeway there is a small square called, “The Ibero-American Unity Plaza.” It’s a symbolic name meaning the solidarity of the Latin-American countries together with Spain and Portugal.  People in Panama call this place, “Plaza de las Banderas” (Flag’s Plaza).  Somewhere within this collection of flags waving in the wind, I saw the Panama flag.  I couldn’t find it in the photograph though.  The first flag is from Argentina, that I know for sure.

That’s it guys.  Several curious scenes that caught my eye during a refreshing and exciting day at Amador’s Causeway one bright and breezy Sunday morning.  Good Day.

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Photograph: No Fishing

Oops! The bird can't read.

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