I find it interesting what our preconceived thoughts/images of a country or city are, or sometimes we have no idea of what to expect.  I knew Panama City, Panama would have high-rise buildings and palm trees and hot weather…

and beautiful flowers…

friendly people…

I led my group on a subway ride from our hotel a few stops to visit the Casco Viejo or old town section of Panama City.  We had to make our way another 10-15 minutes by foot through a very poor section.  These vultures tearing through a smelly garbage dump were both fascinating and repulsive.

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