The day started with a motmot eating his breakfast as we ate ours. I couldn’t see exactly what he had, but I think it was a butterfly.
After breakfast I set out for a ride. As I left the neighborhood, I came across the neighborhood cows loose in the street. They are quite shy so I got off my bike and stood by the side of the road as they walked by. We found out in the past that they will stampede away in fear if they see a cyclist riding towards them!. They didn’t seem happy to see me today but at least they managed to stay calm.
I decided to check the site where they are building the new bus terminal and the Federal Mall. They were moving dirt around for the longest time and it didn’t look like much was happening, but now things are definitely happening, and happening fast!
Of course with anything new, there are different opinions. Right now all buses go to the terminal downtown so it won’t be as convenient for many when that changes. But, downtown is crowded and congested and there is minimal parking. The new site will have a lot of space, parking, and easy access to main roads. Below is a promotional video showing what the terminal will be like when it is finished.
I couldn’t find much to share about the mall, but word is that it is being built by the same people who built Albrook Mall in Panama City, and it may be as big.
I also checked on the huge palm tree that has been doing interesting things.
I don’t know what is going to happen to the tree eventually. Since all this flowering and seeding is going on at the top where new leaves usually emerge, it could be the final stage of its life.
A couple days ago we saw a plane flying overhead. I know to most people this isn’t remarkable but here, we almost never see that. We can hear some of the flights as they land and take off at the airport, but we usually don’t see them. We don’t see contrails in the sky either. That was strange at first. I don’t think I’ve ever lived anywhere without contrails.
Last, but not least, I was sweeping and accidentally tossed this bug on its back. I rescued it on a leaf where it was kind enough to stay for a while so I could take some photos.
The Panama Adventure 
Great post. A little of everything that’s going on. Loved it. Palm is amazing and I can’t believe the progress at the mall. That’s quite an undertaking!! I also enjoyed your post about the Feria. Next year if we can remember it’s in March, we would like to go. Maybe we will see you there. Cheers,
Suzi Jensen
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If you are in this area, give me a holler and maybe we can say hi in person!
I know about the mall, like it has just sprung to life overnight.
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We think the the mall and bus terminal will be great. Our concern is the traffic. Unless they plan on adding 3 lanes in both directions with stop lights and left and right turn lanes into the mall from the Boquete Highway it will be a totally mess.
They still need to build the exit ramps for the bridge overpass on the Panamanian Highway. We heard Kentucky Fried Chicken is holding out on making way for a ramp for more compensation from the government.
Hopefully it is well planned out. But TIP!!
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love the little bug dude! TU
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Lots of great bug dudes around here 😀
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I wonder if there will be an entrance on Belisario Porras, but that isn’t an easy access through to the PanAmerican either unless they do some upgrading to the road. KFC is holding things up? I wondered why nothing has happened. It would be nice for everyone if the ramps get built. And, don’t even get me started on traffic lights. Could we please have one in front of Super Baru?? I heard over a year ago that it was in the plans, but nothing yet. They seem to work things out and do a good job, just not always on the schedule we want.
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Hola Kris,
Starting construction at the beginning of the rainly season always makes me wonder who is doing the planning? The area sits idle during the dry season when good progress would have been possible. Oh well, TIP.
The big bus terminal should help with some of the traffic congestion in David. There was a time when it was possible to find a parking place easily. Maybe the new terminal will also squelch the reoccurring rumor of a high speed train link from Panama City to David. (Darn, that was going to be my April Fool’s joke this year!)
The Albrook Mall charged a nickel to enter when it first opened; trying to keep out the beggars and panhandlers. Have to wait to see if that happens in the new mall. I don’t see how they will make money with the population of the surrounding area. Panama City is 440K+; almost 900K including the surrounding districts and then add the tourists. Chiriqui province was just over 400K in the last census, 2010. I wonder what happens to Chiriqui Mall?
jim
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Construction has been going on for a long time, and they are definitely not sitting idle during the dry season. There was all sorts of activity and a lot of progress.
It might be a good idea to have a high speed train, but I don’t think it is going to actually happen. But I agree, the new terminal should help with the downtown congestion.
Beggars and panhandlers aren’t a common sight here. There are maybe one or two that hang out downtown. I wondered how the mall will make money too, but word is people from all the surrounding areas are expected to come, and also many from Costa Rica who shop here for the lower prices. Chiriqui Mall is also under construction and looks like it will be twice as big when finished. It’s everywhere! It seems like everywhere you look there is building of both commercial spaces and houses, and they all seem to be filling up. I have heard that spaces in this new mall are already spoken for too.
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Could I say Walmart is coming to the new mall for April 1st? That could be my new rumor? 🙂
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ha! Yeah, everyone loves that idea 😀
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Thanks for taking us along on your bike ride, I found the adventure quite interesting. 🙂
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My pleasure. That’s one of the good things about biking. I can see what is going on around town.
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