We proudly present KARE Panamá!
9. September 2016
You are so beautiful, Panama!
We would like to introduce to a City that won our hearts instantly: Panama City, or Casco Viejo, to be precises – which means Old City. This is where the historic part of Panama is located, whose structures are in major parts trackable back to the 19th century. Its origins are located way more back, but after some pirate attacks in the 17th century, apart from some murals not much is left. Since 1997 the Old City is UNESCO heritage. We think: this title is well deserved!
On our relaxing walk through the streets we immediately fall in love with the charming, renovated building, and cannot decide on what to take pictures of first. The facades in colonial style are splendidly decorated and the windows have the typical round arches. What a fantastic picture!
We have arranged to meet Paolo, KARE Panama’s shop manager. Unfortunately there are no house numbers, that is why it takes us some minutes to find the ice cream parlor called La Michoacana located in Av. B. – but in Panama time is running a bit slower, so Paolo is not angry at us when we arrive a little late. And that gelato is delicious! Paolo explains that this is one of the best places to eat ice cream – 100% natural and homemade.
La Michoacana is originally from Mexico and kind of an ice-cream-branch, consisting of a network of regional family-run businesses. The key to success! Refreshed and relaxed we continue our walk: around the corner at Calle 8a Este there is a flea market we are heading to.
By the way: we don’t consider ourselves souvenir-hunters, but in Via Veneto, at lovely lady Flory Saltzman’s, we can admire handicraft made by various indigenous people, and they are even ready to be bought: Handmade baskets, traditional necklaces – called “Chaquiras”- und the famous “Molas”: the detail-heavy embroideries on rectangular pieces of fabric, which are produced to ornate cushions, bags and items of clothing. The lady even has her own little online shop where you can order the beautiful pieces to be shipped to your home! https://www.florymola.com/
On our way back we grab a bite to eat. Paolo recommends “Carimañolas”: Fried manioc made from yucca roots is being filled with meat, cheese and boiled eggs. Yummy finger food for on the go!
Apropos on the go: Panama’s infrastructure is very well developed, you can go everywhere by bus. If you don’t feel like staying in the city, you could take the bus to go to Santa Catalina and walk to a dreamlike sandy beach from there. Pure nature and almost deserted!
Our next destination is Paolo’s KARE Shop. We are inspired: on two levels you can admire designer furniture. Paolo himself loves to include natural elements in his interior styles: Natural colors such as beige or khaki and wooden furniture with unique texture are the key pieces for his furnishing dream. Don’t miss the glamorous factor! Paolo combines a down-to-earth style with golden accessories. An exciting contrast and absolute eye catcher! Out personal highlight: The Banana Vase! Smiles guaranteed.
- Coat Rack Bush | 2. Pendant Lamp Pipe Milk Eight | 3. Vase Banana | 4. Dresser Hunters Lodge | 5. Cushion Leaf and Casareccie | 6. Glasses Gobi | 7. Bowl Network Gold | 8. Corner Sofa My Desire Khaki R | 9. Carpet Gobi Desert | 10. Table Wild Jungle | 11. Stool Jungle
Paolos must-sees for Panama:
- Free city tours by Casco Viejo: on Fridays and Saturdays, start at Plaza Catedral at 10am, 10.30am and 11am. cascoantiguo.gob.pa
- Restaurant Diablicos Panama: original food with folkloristic live music: http://panamadiablicos.com/
- Tántalo Hotel: every room in this unique boutique hotel has been designed by a different artist from Canada. Don’t miss the roof-top bar! http://tantalohotel.com/
