UNESCO - Archaeological Site Of Panamá Viejo And Historic District Of Panamá

Two great additions to my collection come from Panama - muchas gracias Blanca!

The whs site comprises two parts of Panama City, the old ruins and the historical district. Here we have cathedrals from both parts. 

Founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedrarías Dávila, Panamá Viejo is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was laid out on a rectilinear grid and marks the transference from Europe of the idea of a planned town. Abandoned in the mid-17th century, it was replaced by a ‘new town’ (the ‘Historic District’), which has also preserved its original street plan, its architecture and an unusual mixture of Spanish, French and early American styles.

17th century was devastating for the original Panama City - it was attacked several times by pirates and indigenous people from Darién; in 1620 an earthquake damaged many buildings in the city; in 1644 the Great Fire destroyed 83 religious buildings, including the cathedral.

Embera Woman, Panama

Every now and then I look for swaps on official postcrossing site, browsing the countries in search of people who are open to private swaps...the score so far hasn't been the greatest, people often disappear or are overwhelmed with all the requests. Not this time though! Muchas gracias to Cesar Augusto, who has chosen this portrait of a woman from the river Chagres area in eastern Panama belonging to Emberá people (also known in the historical literature as the Chocó or Katío).

Wonderful! :))

 

On a sadder note, the scanner at work is dying a slow death...I have a feeling I contributed to that with my at times incessant scanning of postcards :/ Why oh why now when I was about to do the last batch before I go home for the winter?! Time to shop for a scanner I guess...

 

Golden Frog, Panama

Last week was good for introduction to the Central America - i have received my 1st (and for the next few years only, op. pis.) written & stamped card from Panama, thanks to Christina xD

As i love native animals, this card showing Panamian Golden Frog was a wonderful surprise. But i was sorry to read that this species is critically endangered, due to the chytrid fungus, habitat loss, pollution and collection for illegal pet trade (sometimes i feel like we humans really dont deserve to live on this magnificent planet). Christina also wrote about the myth that when this frog dies, it turns into gold and brings good luck to those who see it :)

Complete with a wonderful stamp showing Panama City.