The Canal Museum shows the first collection of molas, collected before 1960, by the Spanish José Félix Llopis...

Last night (just after the rain) we decided to take our friend who was visiting from Miami to the Miraflores Locks, a few minutes away from Casco Viejo. We saw 3 Panamax crossing almost at the same time. The world´s commerce in front of us, while having a drink.

After the fall of one of the walls of Hotel Central in Casco Antiguo, it brought the attention of the community in a way on thinking that a part of our country has desappear...

Yesterday, I sneaked into San Francisco de Asis Church, as someone sent me a tip that they where providing maintenance to the tower. Fabulous! the views from there are unbelievable. Here a small show of my best pictures!

After all these ultra serious postings about the economy, Panama´s and Casco Viejo´s most recent mega projects, it is time for some silly pictures....

Physical model agency and Heineken are the hosts of the first Fashion Fest in Casco Viejo (that I know of). I have no idea of how this is going to turn out, but having the Casco flooded with chic looking people isn´t a bad idea at all!!!! So, more coming up later. For now, here are the pictures of the preparations for this afternoon...

Yesterday was a full day! showings in the morning, wine tasting early afternoon, dinner with friends... everything at walking distance, no traffic, and great food. The morning started at

Last Friday a nice article came out at La Prensa by Harry Castro. It had fantastic pictures of one of the most elegant buildings of the time: the old Sociedad Española de Beneficencia. This institution survives today, but they long moved out of Casco Viejo to Hato Pintado. However, from its beginnings, it aimed to help all people in need, from widows to orphans.

New year, new office, new adventures! Arco Properties at its own headquarters!

Last night, the Casco Antiguo community came together to celebrate the opening of Galeria Vida and Entre Pulgas. They took the opportunity to close up Calle 3era (behind Hotel Central) and have a neighborhood party with food and drinks for everyone. It was Christmas spirit all over, as right on the corner, Casa Gongora had the choir concert, singing traditional and Panamanian Christmas Carrols

Carlos Endara Andrade was the leading photographer of his time. He lived between 1865 and 1954 and is responsible for a big bunch of the pictures you know that are floating around the internet and other publications on Panama´s early days as a republic and surroundings (he did a lot on Taboga as well). His portraits provide a window to the diverse Panamanian society of the times, which in many ways are the basis of today´s society. Now, a private museum in Casco Viejo has opened its doors to show his work. A wonderful place full of inspiration, a unique window to the roots of Panama.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Unusual events, urban art everywhere. Baños Públicos at its best! my photos are good, but I think I´m going to get a video camera next time. Tried to do it over my Sony cellphone, but didn´t really work...

When you arrive into Casco Viejo you know if you belong here. Some have it tattooed in their foreheads.... or other parts! if you think I´m kidding, read this True Casco Viejo Story. Pictures won´t let me lie!

The good news: my eggplant just gave two little and beautiful "berenjenas". The bad - ugly news: somehow it just got a horrible pest!!! help!!!

Last night, the United Nations Environmental Programee inaugurated at the National Theatre in Casco Antiguo their "For the Earth" Festival. It will last a month, with several activities withing Casco Antiguo, ranging from poetry to rock concerts. Most of the activities will be held at

Santo Domingo Beach is the closest beach in Panama City and Casco Viejo´s best kept secret. While everybody in the city was trapped at home, in Casco you can walk out to the beach and enjoy!

La Casona has a new home! wonderful (and huge) Citi Bank, just at the corner of Plaza Herrera. Welcome!

Have you seen those TV shows where they take a one level house and turn it into a mansion or where they promise you to look at least ten years younger by changing your makeup, style or even surgery? I have seen some incredible human makeovers in a show that is all about plastic surgery. Well, in a way, restorations at Casco Viejo have the same incredible effects.

The best of the Casco Viejo and the French Expats gathered yesterday to celebrate France´s most important holiday. The party was at Plaza Francia (of course!). Check out photos of the celebration, along with historic photos as far as 1923 of other celebrations, including the inauguration itself of Plaza de Francia.

I had a literature teacher that used to say: taking out the obvious great masters, at the end of the day, the line between art and non art these days is very fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There used to be a clear difference between folk, handcraft and art. Today, it is all fusion, pieces dancing from one concept to the other, depending on the latest critic review. However, she said, don´t be ashamed if you feel confused. Think about this: if YOU enjoy it, it is art to you. And if the artist brings love to its work, then it is in it´s purest form.

Sometimes the world´s problems overwhealm you: politicians are doing their best to make your life worst, news of contamination, low education in the new generations, Dooms Day. But sometimes we are reminded that we do have the power to change things around. We actually excersice that power every day... That is one of the many things I like about Casco Viejo. Small projects have a huge impact... check this out and get inspired.

A wonderful vacation on Europe gave me a refreshing view of what life and lifestyle is in the old continent. There is so much to learn! Starting to get my thoughts organized...

A wonderful vacation on Europe gave me a refreshing view of what life and lifestyle is in the old continent. There is so much to learn! Starting to get my thoughts organized...

One of these days, the headline in La Prensa might read, “Tram Service in Casco Antiguo Returns”.

Almost a month ago we launched an Urban Composting Contest aimed to provide the comunity of Casco Antiguo with a system to not only recycle their organic trash but also to be able to grow food that would balance their diet and ultimately even sell to restaurants. The results so far are interesting...

It almost sounds like the title of an experimental movie! but well, I had so many little pictures and happenings this weekend and upcoming week I couldn´t just "cluster" them in a theme. First, of course, the tomatoes...

Every year, around September, a group of artists present their work at the Contemporary Art Museum. This year, several "Casco Addicts" are competing: film directors Abner Benhaim and Enrique Castro Ríos. Other years have had photographer Rachelle Mozman, who is also a Casco resident

For those who wondered what was the last plant, here is the answer:

Just another day in my office and suddenly... tarataraaaraaa.... carnival music and people singing: the classic signs of a religious procesion in Casco Viejo. I know most people feel a serious ceremony should be more appropiate, but so far I haven´t seen any procession here that is not filled with music, ballons and flowers.

Thomas was one of our first tenants in Casa Padrós, at the back of the ex music Conservatorio building, in Plaza Herrera. Originally from Holland, Thomas has travelled all around and spent quite some time in Panama all the way from Bocas del Toro to Casco Antiguo taking fantastic pictures. We´ll be featuring some of his work in my blog

These graffitti pictures were done also by Cisco and Above. I didn´t realize they went into the Santa Familia building, which we are turning into a huge nursery for our urban agriculture project in Casco Antiguo.

Earth Day in Casco Antiguo! a unique celebration...

Panama History: Only for Casco Antiguo fans: nine historic pictures to test your knowledge on this beautiful and timeless town.

For me, Santa Ana is a great place, full of life. Shops opening to the street, people everywhere, vegetable markets on the sidewalks and the great park full of people doing nothing or discussing politics, which is pretty much the same. I just came back from shopping and took these pictures. Enjoy!

I was walking by Plaza Herrera, and pum!

Our friend Mary sent us this interesting article. I smiled at the phrase "the secret is out" since it´s been out for a while now, but a good word out is always welcomed!

Apparently there was a "Women´s Day" last week. At the same time I wonder if there is a "Man´s Day" at some point other than Father´s Day, since there is ceirtainly a "Children´s Day" (at least in Panama) on top of other holidays. The good part of actually getting a day named with a theme (other than selling more of the corresponding merchandise) is that some people actually takes the time to think seriously about it and create true awareness about the issue.

Last Tuesday was the first Panama Edition of Slideluck Postshow Panama. For those who didn´t read my prior posting, this event had a great concept: basically everyone could show up with something cooked by themselves to share with others while a super art slideshow played at Arco Chato

Attention surfers! we actually have a surf wave in Casco. Only for the most adventurous ones... not for the faint of heart...

I think these pictures speak for themselves.... For those who didn´t make it, don´t be too jealous, this could be you, just don´t forget to plan for next year!!!!!

Last night I was sitting in a beautifully restored 300 year old church listening to sacred and Christmas music and I thought to myself: I am so lucky. Only a handful of places around the world can provide you with such a wonderful experience. See some pictures of San Felipe Neri, Casco Antiguo´s oldest church.

Green Panama: Here is an exciting project on the move: transforming Casco Antiguo into an organic garden. Our friend and organic specialist Spencer is already working on it, and I have to say it´s fascinating.

Panama Art. Known as La Reformada back in 1917 - 21, this building was the masterpiece of Arquitect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer. The first "skycraper" of Panama (5 floors!) When the area decayed, it became the home of a dangerous gang. Today, with the area clear and hopefully a renovation plan coming up, La Casona proposes an interesting art show about the testimonials left on the walls by the gang on how their lives and hopes where. Don´t miss it!

Finally, Hotel Central at the heart of Casco Antiguo has started restoration. The site looks like a war zone right now, but just like plastic surgery, it always looks bad before looking really good. Hotels are the key to Casco Antiguo. They create a center of gravity that the neighborhood needs in order to develop commercial life and reinforce value. Now imagine this: not only one but four sites are about to develop within the next 5 years. Can´t think of a better place or time to invest or live in the Casco!

For many, the Casco is love at first sight. Everyone has his or her own first memory, or a turning point where they decided to live, work or invest here… Don’t be shy! Take a moment and post your story! For me, early memories of the Casco are profoundly linked with my family and my childhood. I hope you enjoy the opening of this blog! Patrizia