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| We were in
Panama last
May on election day, an exciting event in Latin America where
dictatorships and dynasties are all too common. The election of
the
previous president, elected by popular vote in 1999, was a significant
occasion in Panama's history of corrupt military governments. But
despite increased drug trafficking and illicit activities by the
Panamanian Defense Forces under General Manuel Antonio Noriega during
the 1980's, Panama has a relatively high
per capita GNP. The Panama Canal contributes a huge amount to the
economy, but unfortunately there remains a drastic income gap with the
richest 20% of the population in control of 63% of the wealth, and the
poorest 20% in control of only 1.5%. |
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The border
between Costa Rica and Panama is enough to scare even those
who don't fear heights. The rickety bridge is especially scary
when semi trucks cross and shake the barely held on boards while you're
trying to walk across. Getting to visit Bocas del Toro was well
worth it though, worth it enough to make me go back for a second
visit. I would venture to make the bold statement that Bocas is
as close to paradise as I have ever seen. |
Bocas del Toro, Panama |
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Because
Bocas del Toro is a series of islands, everything from beer to
bananas has to be brought in by boat. To get there from central
Costa Rica, we spent 8 hours on a bus, 1 hour in a Panamanian taxi, and
an hour in a water taxi. To say the least, it was a long journey
to and from. |
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Always
beaches and clear waters. The architecture (if that's what
you'd call it) was interesting to see especially since the buildings
looked so old and rundown. |
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