Panama
Panama is one of the countries that make up Central America. Being almost the connecting bridge between Northern and Southern America, it weathers the waters of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is interesting to note that while the Panama Canal brings in numerous visitors on a yearly basis, Panama is still known for the worst kind of income disparity in the world. While a map of Panama will reveal the rich Panama real estate market that is geared toward those who can afford gated mansions with swimming pools, and sunny atriums, the majority of the Panama residents are not able to enjoy this kind of lifestyle. Instead, they are forced to subsist in abject poverty, which sometimes gives rise to crime while at other times it provides the basis for disease that suddenly may affect large portions of the countryside and its residents.

As you visit Panama – perhaps you have come to celebrate Christmas in Panama – make certain that you understand Panama the country instead of looking for Panama the tourist resort. Sure, the flights to Panama will drop you off at an airport that proudly flies the Panama flag, and you will most likely receive a complimentary Panama map which features some of the highlights of the country, probably a bit about the Panama Canal history, and suggestions for great places to enjoy the rich Panama food. Yet you must realize that the Panama City beach rentals and the many bars and resorts vying for your business are not actually the face and fell of the country proper, but simply gated communities that keep out the poor and cater to the well to do.

Probably the most authentic way to get to know the country is to visit the Panama Canal independently, stay at a local hotel, learn about the Panama Canal construction, and partake of the wonderful Christmas traditions in Panama by meeting and greeting the citizens and not hiding behind the gates of a resort. Granted, there is nothing wrong with a wonderful resort vacation and in many ways this kind of vacation is safer than simply doing it on your own, but if you are looking for an authentic vacation, you will not be able to rely on the resort. Similarly, if you want to experience the adventure of Panama – and why else would you want to visit this amazing country in the first place – you need to go where the adventure may be found, the open spaces, the less traveled roads, and the restaurants that may not necessarily been on your glossy visitors’ map.