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Amador (Panama City)
Panama City is home to nearly 1 million people. The place name comes from an indigenous language - Panama means “abundant fish”. One writer likens the diverse society to a sanocho pot, rather than a traditional melting pot. Like the local dish, each ingredient contributes flavor to the stew, but each retains its own distinct identity. The “ingredients” in the Panamanian culture sanocho are surprisingly varied. The main group is known as criollo (people of Panamanian birth who trace their lineage to Spain). Mestizo (“mixed”) refers to a Spanish-indigenous tribal ethnic blend, whose members often refer to themselves as “English”. Afro-Antillians, North-American ex-pats, Indians, Koreans, and seven indigenous tribes are presented. There is even a sizeable Chinese-Panamanian community, many of whom descend from Panama Canal workers. Jewish refugees escaping the wrath of the Spanish Inquisition began to arrive during colonial times, and eventually, a large community was established. In 1876 the Sephardic synagogue, Kol Shearith Israel, was founded in Panama City. Both the city and Peninsula de Azuero are known for lively Carnival celebrations, using the capital’s polite, well-dressed citizens are always friendly.
The first known inhabitants were the Cuevas and the Cocle people. Even though much of the indigenous population was lost to disease and conquest in the early colonial years, Panamanian tribes have since regained strength and numbers - the Spaniards were never able to subjugate them. It is not uncommon to see traditionally dressed native people among the cars and skyscrapers of Panama City. After Vasco Nunez de Balboa sighted the Pacific Ocean (later named by his Portuguese successor, Magellan), the search was on to find a navigable route between the 2 oceans. At first, lacking a waterway, conquistadors crossed the isthmus overland. Gold from Spanish incursions into Inca nation was carried along the reverse route - overland from the Pacific port of Panama City back to the Caribbean port of Nombre de Dios, and then to Spain.
The modern yacht and marina complex at Fuerte Amador was built a few years ago to accommodate large passenger ships and small private yachts transiting the Panama Canal. Sometimes it is necessary to wait for a clearing in the schedule for ships waiting to enter the Canal Zone.
The Palm lined Amador Causeway links mainland Panama City to the 4 small islands that comprise the Amador compound. A bicycle/jogging path lines the causeway so outdoor observers can enjoy excellent views of the city skyline while exercising. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates offices at Amador and the Marine Exhibition Center is open afternoons, Tuesday to Friday and all day on weekends. Educational films and marine exhibits are set up to encourage visitors to touch the animals. The rest of the complex is a comfortable open mall with shops, restaurants and handicraft centers.
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