18 Jan Art in Casco Viejo, Panama

I love art and Casco Viejo is certainly filled with lots of it. The whimsical little fish you see on the header were made by Kuna ladies, members of an indigenous community on San Blas Islands which are off the coast of Panama City. They are also the people who are famous for their colorful sewn handicraft called molas.

But graffiti is probably my favorite type of art. I hit the jackpot here.

As we rounded a corner in the center of Casco Viejo, the old part of Panama City, I caught a sliver of graffiti painted inside a walled courtyard. Near the entrance were two young artsy-looking guys so I asked permission to come in and see the entire display.

Right off they sensed my love of this type of art, so they gave me directions to see more of it. Just a few blocks away was a hard top fútbol court adjacent to the YMCA where 4 or 5 little boys played soccer and rode their bikes (see below). Around all four sides of the court was painted some of the most wonderful pieces of art – a link is included, just click to watch.

Click on the slide show to see the rest: Panama Graffiti

I can’t get over the friendliness of the people here in Panama. No, I really mean it. Yesterday morning, after asking our hotel clerk where to find a bus, she walked us down the block to the travel agent and negotiated with the woman until she felt we were satisfied! Also, while struggling with a map in a coffee shop, a young woman turned and asked if we needed any help. She has since emailed us and told us to call on her if we have any questions at all about her country. The waiters, people on the street, vendors – they’ve all gone out of their way to make us feel at home here. I so love this country!