My Experience in Panama City, Panama After Studying Spanish for Four & A Half Years - Honest Opinion

[@bayouhombre9110]

I have been to PC 3 times bro and cannot find a negative thing to say. Loved every trip I took and how approachable and patient the people are. Growning up in the Louisiana heat and humidity I guess prepared me for the Panamanian weather. Also hot weather is my vibe. Glad you enjoyed it.😊

[@MikeBen]

I enjoyed it as well once I got more of a local vibe. Everyone will perceive it differently for sure though, I definitely enjoyed it. 🇵🇦 Also, I was out all day today and yesterday but I will be sure to respond to your email asap! Cuídate hermano

[@donatopirrod]

Yeah? Tell me where you will be next time, i will give you your first bad experience 😈

[@smiley32s]

I miss Panama. I can’t wait to return.

[@MikeBen]

I hope you enjoy! 🇵🇦

[@barillotmickael8371]

Been there twice this year. Panama 🇵🇦 is a safe and beautiful country ❤ 🇵🇦🇵🇦que xopa loco 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦

[@MikeBen]

De acuerdo!

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

I would still take precautions at night though! I became a ciudadano desde años

[@worldofwonder456]

I am really enjoying your storytelling and your escapades! :)

[@MikeBen]

Thank you very much and I’m glad this is entertaining/insightful. I have a trip that I just went on that I will be uploading by the end of the week along with an upcoming trip to Costa Rica god wiling 🤞🏾

[@Speechbound]

Wow, your honest insights about Panama City are super helpful! It’s great to hear how your experiences shaped your perspective on the city. Your tips on safety and the vibe there are invaluable for anyone planning a visit. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@MikeBen]

You’re welcome and thanks to you all!

[@justinewhittaker4097]

El Parque Omar es el parque central de la ciudad, es enorme y siempre tiene algun evento para niños, o jovenes adultos! Es un lugar muy concurrido y es genial para realisar reuniones y meetings

[@MikeBen]

Allí es donde fui y me gustó bastante!

[@klynnharrison5072]

Quite comprehensive! I visited last July and while my Spanish is intermediate, I found myself really speaking a lot of Spanish, as many didn't speak English, so I liked that. Also, I noticed a lot of Asians and Jamaicans as well. I enjoyed my trip, but didn't see enough and will return soon. 🙏🏾✌🏾

[@MikeBen]

I’m glad we noticed the same things and I hope you enjoy your next trip!

[@justinewhittaker4097]

Soy panameña y si, somos la ciudad ciudad con la sensación termica mas estresante que puedas imaginar 😊 unas por otras! No cambiaria a mi ciudad por ninguna!

[@MikeBen]

Fue brutal 🥵🔥pero me imagino que ustedes se acostumbran al calor

[@antheafearon1632]

@justinewhittaker4097 - I have visited Panama 4 times now to apply for my residency, which I now have. I love your country x

[@antheafearon1632]

And I am from the U.K.

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

@@MikeBen You know there is a Panama City also in Florida. Sometimes a Google search will mess me up and show me Florida, so I put Panama, Panama in the search 👀

[@laskajonesyard6546]

I'm panamanian living abroad. And you nail it! I'm glad to know that you had a good time.

[@MikeBen]

Definitely enjoyed your country! Que estés bien!

[@bernstin6846]

I understand what you mean. I have been to Panama.

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

This was super helpful! When you say you are from Atlanta, and you’ve traveled to the places you’ve been (many of which I’ve also been to), and you found it extremely hot, that’s useful context (!) Also, on the Spanish in different areas, we found a vast difference between the language in Quito, Ecuador (where we were having political conversations with the cab drivers), and the Ecuadorian coast, where we had trouble even understanding where our plane was leaving from-within the airport (!)- and whether we would be on that plane, was wild 😅 p.s. love your cultural awareness and care.

[@MikeBen]

Thank you very much and I’m glad this helped! I also agree with your take on the Spanish varying even within a country. The dialects can range so much within these countries and I saw that in Panama as well 🇵🇦

[@panamapalace1]

Did you try the zipline in Poin, it is on ave Balboa. There is also ferry to isla taboga , 30 mins from Panama City.

[@MikeBen]

I saw those things but didn’t get a chance to do them this time. I will definitely try them when I get back out to Panama though 🇵🇦

[@ASofterSide]

“I don’t like going through anybody’s hood” 😂😂

[@MikeBen]

At all 😂, keep me away lol

[@Gavinsnana]

I’m from Minneapolis Minnesota considering retiring to Panama. I’m researching Panama City, David, and Boquete Panama. I’m planning exploratory visits those locations. Thinking the temps in David and Boquete will be more to my liking. If you have any thoughts I’d welcome them.

[@MikeBen]

I think you’ll enjoy those places. I didn’t get a chance to visit this time but I saw many retirees on my flight that mentioned that they were heading to those cities and they looked very excited. Buena suerte con todo!

[@deant007]

Thanks Mike! Cheers ✨

[@MikeBen]

De nada! A la orden!

[@dreamleemah]

I enjoyed this Panama series, I’m going to watch previous travel videos that I may have missed.

[@MikeBen]

Im glad you’ve enjoyed them, I have one more that I think will be very interesting 🇵🇦

[@Bonita-i1p]

I am a Panamanian and I live in Panama City and you are right about the hot weather. I think is because it is a cement jungle and the ozone layer is less over this city. But you do get some what used to it. We need more trees and plants. I have enjoyed your videos hermano.

[@MikeBen]

This is a good point and thank you for that insight!

[@junjun100100]

I agree , the heat/humidity was extreme. The food was the best I have experienced in all my travel to Latin countries. Natives say the city needs more trees and green spaces. My visit was this past April and it was hot. Love the city and felt very safe.

[@TheBolillo310]

Great video, would like to live near Panama City, but somewhere a little more quiet, somewhere connected to the city, but it's own place, walkable to grocery stores and parks. Any recommendations?

[@MikeBen]

I would like to have visited a place like that as well near the city. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to do much research regarding this when I was there. At least not to a point at which I could give recommendations unfortunately….

[@TheBolillo310]

@@MikeBen thanks for the reply.

[@MichaelRpdx]

I also like the hole in the wall kinds of places to eat. Are there neighborhoods. you can suggest? El lCongrejo is one that has been recommended. what doyou say? Which areas would you steer people to?

[@MikeBen]

I stayed in El Cangrejo and that is where it seemed decent but very touristy. I don't know the specific names of the neighborhoods but check out neighborhoods near the canal or neighborhoods near the airport. Again, I'm not an expert, I just know that the outskirts are better in terms of the vibe of the people.

[@vincemurry4201]

That's what I wanted to hear. Panama city here I come.

[@MikeBen]

Que lo disfrutes!

[@JerichoLaw27]

I just got back from there today. I stayed mostly in neighborhoods where the average everyday Panamanian stays so I got their warmth and hospitality right away. Yeah the heat and humidity was brutal. I’m curious, what did you think about the food?

[@MikeBen]

I really wish I would have done this from day one. How’d you like it overall? Also food wise, in Panama City I was mostly eating jamaican food or simple chicken, salad, and patacones meals. It was solid but nothing crazy food wise like Peru was. I’m not a foodie at all and Peru had me in love with their food. Panama was solid food wise. What’s your opinion on it?

[@JerichoLaw27]

@@MikeBen Overall I liked it, I have a few friends who live there that I met online. So I spent the first 4 days alone and the last 3 hanging out a lot and getting shown around. I was mostly in the city but I spent a day in Colón, Playa la angosta, and Portabello. The food was decent, I tried a lot of the typical Panamanian cuisine, sancocho, ropa vieja, saos, pargo rojo frito, patacones, it was all pretty good. The mercado de mariscos was a bit underwhelming, my friends said I should have gone to El Nacional. To be honest I liked the simple street food in los puestos, salchipapas, empanadas, bolas de carne y papa, and little guayaba pastries (I ate like 20 of those). So overall like 7/10 for the food. Not bad, but I’ve definitely been more impressed by the food in Spain, Mexico and in Jamaica. A few people thought I was from there since I have a pretty high Spanish level and I learned a bit of la jerga. But based on what I wore I definitely got treated like a gringo at times. Everyone was really nice tho. I’d be interested in checking out another part of the country in the future

[@MrMrtommy]

To add on panamanian culture, I think that we tend to have like a wall towards strangers. However, once you get above that wall, people are kind and very talkative. I have made many friends that at first the interaction was cold but it loosened up later on

[@MikeBen]

I can see that, again, once I got out of the super ritzy areas a lot of people were chill. Definitely less outgoing than some other places but nice, chill, and super helpful. I should make a video discussing those reactions as well.

[@LuDimezofKush]

Your Spanish sounds good

[@MikeBen]

Thanks!

[@markmiller2455]

En estos últimos dos años, he ido a Cartagena, Colombia 2 veces... Y sí, el calor allá es el peor de toda mi vida que he vivido. Salgo del hotel y en unos 2 o 3 minutos, ya estuve empapado de sudor. 😢Así que cuando hablas del calor en Panamá, te entiendo la verdad. Lo odio pero amo Cartagena. Sin embargo, solo por el calor, no me veo volviendo allá. Y ya sabes, Colombia está justo al lado de Panamá. Tambien, hace un par de años fui a la ciudad de Panamá y también, me sorprendió bastante lo desarrollado que fue. En ese entonces, no hablaba español pero igual, fue una buena experiencia.

[@MikeBen]

Si el calor puede influir nuestras decisiones de pasar mucho tiempo en un sitio , hacia mucho calor cuando fui a Cartagena pero te lo juro que hace más en Panama. 🥵

[@kimbess7498]

Thank you for sharing. This was very insightful.

[@MikeBen]

I’m glad this helps!

[@deni9360]

Never saw/heard you before, so I wondered how you got 8.4K views… I absolutely see why. *Excellent*, clearly-spoken, educational information. You are GOOD. SOOOO true regarding the sweat that starts PROFUSELY coming out of your body within SECONDS of outdoor exposure. AND, if you value quiet, don’t stay at the Sands. You likely covered this in a video.

[@MikeBen]

Thank you very much and agreed 100!

[@MsBlueBox-te9yq]

Great review!

[@MikeBen]

I’m glad this helps!

[@saintsfanatik]

Your encounter at the restaurant waiting for seats. Isn't there a big "juega vivo" mindset--"game on"/"heads up"/"get yours or get got" mindset among a lot of Panamanians? That sometimes could come off as rude.

[@MikeBen]

There was and I’m just not like that so I didn’t really like that aspect. Outside of the city there was less of that though. Cool people there as well

[@mariaarosemena8061]

Poor you. September and October are the worstest months to come to Panama. The humidity is extreme in these months. I hope you had a good time anyway.

[@MikeBen]

Oh wow I didn’t know that the humidity was the most extreme when I went. That explains a lot 🥵🔥

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

Mike: You don’t know hot until you’ve been to Huatulco Oaxaca or Merida Yucatán! There you could fry eggs on the sidewalks jajaja. I have been to 13 Hispanic countries so I know the comparisons. Huatulco is where I spent about a year and a half and it rained twice and the tourists all leave during what I call their real summer but it literally is summer year round! Luckily the have 36 beaches close by! Some beaches you can walk to!! ❤

[@MikeBen]

I can’t even imagine that level of heat, sheesh! 🔥🥵☀️

[@norvellatastytopia1687]

Mike, which city would you consider touristic compared to Panama City? Thanks for the video.

[@MikeBen]

In Panama I’d check out Bocas Del Toro, Chiriqi, Boquete, or El Valle Anton. I’ve never been but that’s what I’ve heard. If you were saying cities in general, outside of Panama I’d say Cusco Peru, Arequipa Peru, and Cartagena Colombia. I’ll be traveling a bit more this year hopefully so I’ll be sure to share more with you all

[@ertfgghhhh]

Estoy contenta verte

[@MikeBen]

Gracias y igualmente por ver tu comentario!

[@TvZae]

Oh, I have to leave another comment as I got further into the video. He’s right about the affluent areas in Georgia. I’m from California and moved to Atlanta, Sandy Springs, about 7 minutes away from the Lennox area he’s talking about, and honestly, it feels like a city in California, even the way it looks over here. Nothing about it reminds me of the South or the ‘country,’ so it definitely depends on which area you’re experiencing. No one has been rude but it’s completely different compared to areas more south where you feel the warmth and casual conversations with locals.

[@MikeBen]

Agreed Zae, nothing wrong with Sandy Springs, you’d just be confused if you go there expecting warm southern hospitality that people associate with Georgia. That’s the point I was making about those neighborhoods in Panama City, Panamanians are cool, warm people but I didn’t get that vibe until I left those touristic neighborhoods. Once I left those neighborhoods I met some of the coolest people ever 🇵🇦

[@just_matthew1826]

I'm in Panama City now...been here many times. I can't walk100 feet outside my hotel without being drenched in sweat. And yes, it's weird seeing all these Panamanians walking around with no sweat on their faces.

[@MikeBen]

Im glad I’m not the only one that experienced that. 🥵☀️🇵🇦

[@cedtv6899]

Great trip report

[@MikeBen]

Gracias

[@cmdfwoof]

Thanks for the report. In my own travels (not yet to S./Cen. Am) I also find the more moneyed an area, the more cold. Surprised to hear of asians in PC. I’m asian. Always a bit unusual to hear of emigrant asians settled in non english speaking parts of the world. Def do more of these recon missions and report back lol. I learn a lot from these.

[@MikeBen]

Im glad that I’m not the only one who has had that experience with certain neighborhoods and I was actually impressed by the number of non-stereotypical Panamanians. Many Asians, I even heard Mandarin and Cantonese quite a bit and then they’d switch to Spanish all over the city. A very unique place when it comes to diversity

[@nemesionieves8900]

That's right. Panamá is the most diverse country in the world. Here you can see Europeans, Asians, afro, Indians, ameridians, Arabics, etc and all them in beetwin. And all of them are panamanians from, first, second, third or every generation. 👉👀🇵🇦♥️

[@MrMrtommy]

As a matter of fact we have one of, if not, the best chinese cusine in latam. Many chinese migrated here for the construction of the canal and their culture is part of panamanian culture too. It has gone so far, that having dim sum is traditional in the city

[@jahipalmer8782]

Estoy contento que disfrutaste tu viaje. A donde viajes la proxima?

[@MikeBen]

A Texas, Costa Rica, y DR tal vez

[@danilopompey754]

@@MikeBen, hombre, lo siento, pero ha sido un vídeo aburrido, las imágenes eran basura y has narrado por encima, pero nada de lo que has dicho ha reforzado o desvirtuado las imágenes. Wow...... E ir a Panamá y ni siquiera mencionar a Panamá Viejo es trágico. ¿No tienes ninguna afinidad por tu pueblo negro? De todas formas, sigo respetando tu buena fe porque, al fin y al cabo, has escrito un libro y has aprendido español a toda velocidad, lo cual requiere dedicación, pero gurú de viajes a países españoles no eres. QED

[@MikeBen]

@@danilopompey754 Thanks for watching

[@TvZae]

I can relate a little bit to this, regarding your body not use to the environment . When I was in the DR, I was in a gym del barrio y no tenía AC claro, sólo ventiladores. Sudé tanto, nunca había sudado tanto así en mi vida, and everyone was just normal I was actually embarrassed.. it was almost like I just got out the pool 😂

[@MikeBen]

That’s exactly how it was lol

[@truestory923]

Hey just a note, the audio is super quiet. I've got my phone on Max and it's still difficult to hear. I know you've done your best. It's not criticism as much as awareness

[@MikeBen]

Thank you for letting me know, I need to figure out what’s going on with that smh, my apologies

[@teejaip]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else had an issue. I was listening with my buds but only get audio in my left ear.

[@funshinebear4822]

​@@teejaip Same for me

[@FelipeKaxis]

Great video bro! Come to Brazil! Lol

[@MikeBen]

Felipe!!! Me encantaría!

[@papi7672]

I lived in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida and it gets hotter and humid like Panama, brother. You don't want to venture outside. I ain't lying.

[@MikeBen]

We all perceive weather differently of course. My family is from Savannah, I spent summers down there every year from when I was a baby to a teenager. Panama was much more humid in my opinion. Cada quien con el suyo. I’ve never been to Louisiana or Texas so I can’t speak to those places. All are hot for sure

[@lexxon11]

Me encanta estas tipo videos

[@MikeBen]

Gracias! Cuando viaje la próxima vez subiré más así

[@PAnon-sama]

I think the city does have some interesting things to do and visit like El Cerro Ancón, Panama Viejo, and some lesser-known museums. Those are cool and the story is really interesting, but you have to know about them and it is not as rich of a cultural experience as some cities known for their museums. The really cool things to do are outside the city. Going to the beach, Taboga, Bocas del Toro, Kuna Yala... going to mountain towns like Valle de Antón, Boquete, Volcán, La Laguna de La Yeguada, Cerro Azul. I wouldn't skip visiting Azuero: Parita, Chitré, Las Tablas, Las Minas... Yeah. There is a lot to do, but I think Panama is not as tourist-friendly or tourist-oriented as it could or should be.

[@MikeBen]

I definitely agree with the outside towns being touristy. My point wasn’t that it isn’t touristic because it very much is, it just may not be super exciting for someone who is like me and has interests like mine. Outside of the capital it is much better for my personal style of travel is all. I’m just a random guy from Georgia so my opinion shouldn’t have a ton of weight, just sharing my honest personal experience in the capital. Que todos vayan a Panama 🇵🇦

[@PAnon-sama]

@@MikeBen No, yeah. I thought that your assessment was fair and very accurate.

[@teejaip]

You're the first person I've encountered that says Panamanians dont speak. When I walk into any place, I'm always greeted with a smile and "Buen dia". From Panama City to Penonome, to Las Tablas to Bocas. Maybe because I'm an older woman. The fellas offer their seats on the metro and service in the stores, restaurants and fondas is excellent. I've lived in Atlanta since 1994 and have been transitioning for early retirement to Panama for the past two years.

[@teejaip]

Also, I LOVE IT when I walk in a place and they start speaking to me in Spanish. Hence, I look like them and blend in, and as a black woman, this is life goals! There's no "minority" struggle here. My spanish is limited but everyone works with me. They guide me and help me speak in Spanish, and a lot of times, they love being able to practice their English on me. I hope you give it another try because the people here truly are fun and welcoming.

[@MikeBen]

Panamanians outside of the super touristic areas were super chill, helpful, and nice. They were a little reserved but they spoke. I legit head nodded, fist bumped, and greeted so many Panamanians (even strangers) but this was outside of the super touristy areas. To your point Penonome isn’t touristy and I’m sure they were super nice and open. My point was that in bougie neighborhoods in any country people tend to be less warm and that held true in Panama. I will say, have you been to any other Spanish speaking countries? If so you will notice that the warmth is a bit different and elevated in places like Colombia for example. Panamanians and Colombians would agree with this in the aggregate. Either way all of our experiences are different so I’m glad you are enjoying Panama!

[@keiram.2287]

Back in the days it was more about family parties and street parties. Thats how I grew up back in the 80s and 90s and it was sooo much fun. cara with loud music by the beach areas... those were rhe days!!! Panama was its not really a tourist place as the Canal has been our main source of income, so we didn't really put a lot of effort in tourist. If you want to do that you have to go to another part of the country but still it's not compared to other countries. Thanks for visiting.

[@MikeBen]

Thanks for the insight and thanks for having me! 🇵🇦

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

Now they have parts of town like China Town in San Francisco California. In five minutes of walking in some places you can pass 10 people all from other countries. There are Jews, Japanese, Korean, Germans, and many more! They usually have their own sections of town which is great because they have their own foods, restaurants and food stores close to them. I like it that way so if you want something like German food just ask the taxi driver to take you to that part of town! 😊

[@gladysab4267]

Your Spanish is good….thanks for the video

[@MikeBen]

Thank you and I’m glad this helps 🙏🏾

[@osoperezoso2608]

This happened to me as well when I first visited Panamá to visit my family. A lot of Panamá City is as you said, it's mostly tourists and people not from Panamá OR upscale Panamanians. Once you leave...as I've said before, it's a completely different story. Especially as you head towards Costa Rica.

[@MikeBen]

Agreed 100%, I wish I would have explored the outskirts earlier. If I go back that will be the plan! 🇵🇦

[@guillermogouldburn763]

@@osoperezoso2608 Panama City is mostly Panamanians. The confusion arises because most visitors think all the white people they see in the city are foreigners or tourists. Muy equivocado! Take a look at our current mayor, Mayer Mizrachi. If a visitor came across him on the street, he would automatically assume he's a foreigner. And when they see all the Asians that speak Spanish, they can't make sense o it. Panamanians come in all colors and shades, my friend. That said, there is a Mestizo majority.

[@osoperezoso2608]

@@guillermogouldburn763 That's a pretty interesting data point. My cousins tell me all of the time that the city is mostly tourists. I know there are many there that are native, yes. My family is from David/Chiriqui.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Off topic: which you think is nicer, Cinta Costera or Atlanta Beltline?

[@MikeBen]

Cinta Costera easily in my opinion

[@justinewhittaker4097]

Veo que nadie te hablo de la vida nocturna en Panamá.... Si hay muchisimo por hacer! 😅literalmente siempre hay un evento, hay muchisimas discotecas, salones de baile, conciertos random, karaokes, restaurantes, fiesta en jates, somos la unica ciudad con un bosque tropical dentro de la ciudad donde puedes hacer hiking y ver diferentes animales, tambien esta taboga que es una isla muy famosa cerca de ls ciudad tambien con micha vida silvestre! Te falto ver algún blog o algo que te diera ideas por que el canal no es solo para los barcos, hay pueblos indígenas eh hislas de monos dentro de el canal!

[@MikeBen]

Si tiene razón! La próxima vez tengo que salir de los barrios turísticos a explorar esas cosas más. El país tiene mucho que ofrecer 🇵🇦

[@MarcTsawwassen]

Regarding the heat and humidity. I am not a geneticist but I suspect epigenetic changes occur - and can take place over a relative short period of time, measured in years, where the individual handles heat better. And it seems even more likely that transgenerational epigenetic inheritance... the offspring of people.... would have the ability to successfully thermoregulate. (Become more efficient at sweating basically which is actually pretty fascinating - improved vasodilation and metabolic changes)

[@MikeBen]

This is very plausible in my opinion. Makes complete sense.

[@rkpinkham1]

Where can I go in PC for a good hole in the wall restaurant in a local but safe neighborhood ? Going to PC next week

[@MikeBen]

So I had so many people flake on me in PC that I couldn’t tell you with confidence. My two local guides ended up flaking so I couldn’t explore those safe, hole in the wall areas like I do in most countries. I will ask around though and if I get any good spots I’ll come back to this comment and send you what they tell me

[@12barsoul]

Gracias por compartir, claramente es una ciudad muy desarrollada. Parece que sería un buen lugar para visitar si le gusta el calor. Pude entender al menos 50% de su español, que era neutral o para mi como el de Puerto Rico o República Dominicana. Aceras decentes son esenciales para gente que tiene problemas de movilidad, tiene niños, equipaje o les gusta correr para las calles. Fue agradable escuchar que no había muchos delitos callejeros o "Knuckleheads". He notado que muchos parques en Latinoamérica son pequeños y llena de gente. A veces es difícil de encontrar espacio para sentarse y relajarse tranquilamente.

[@MikeBen]

Gracias por compartir tu experiencia también.

[@MyMemories07]

Hey Mike, odd? you said people don't wear shorts in Panama City? in your videos, tons of people walking around in shorts, inside Malls and outdoors, men and women and kids. 😅

[@MikeBen]

People definitely wore shorts out there

[@christophermichael5764]

My old home! 😁

[@MikeBen]

I hope the video helped you travel back 🇵🇦

[@reneesanchezmiranda8588]

Que bien hablas hermano. Bienvenido y acá a la orden.

[@MikeBen]

Gracias por la bienvenida!

[@nidiaaviles9497]

I am Panamanian, I live in Panama City and everywhere you will find super friendly people and not so friendly people. I think it has nothing to do with money but with excuse. In tourist places there are super friendly people. And with respect to the heat, we all sweat and I don't know why you felt embarrassed. Here we are used to seeing people who look like they just came out of the shower because of the heat. As a Panamanian, some of your comments about our city are a little uncomfortable.😊

[@MikeBen]

Not intended to offend at all with this perspective. Just sharing my honest opinion, overall Panama was a solid trip and a solid country 🇵🇦

[@blackzilian83]

the human body need 3 to 6 months to aclimate and adapt , if yure not from south florida you will sweat in panama

[@MikeBen]

Very true

[@CanaryKin]

You said you don’t like stay at the usual tourist places. Can you tell us why still looking for it?

[@MikeBen]

1.) you don’t get the true local experience so it feels like you’re not even traveling at times 2.) normal neighborhoods tend to have nicer more humble people and that’s something that I need to be around anywhere that I go. 3.) way more expensive unnecessarily 4.) I don’t learn as much about the true culture or the everyday person in a country by staying in the super touristy areas. There are times where I look for a super touristy experience but that would most likely be at a beach town or something like that versus just visiting a major city

[@keiram.2287]

I have leaved in the US for about 25 years... I have only encountered nice behavior when I lived in VA... the rest of the other states, ppl almost hit the door on my face 😅😅 sooo rude... Anyway, Panama is super nicer compared to decades ago. El "juega vivo" was stronger. 😅

[@MikeBen]

I definitely understand what you mean by rude people. I think I’m just spoiled here in Georgia, if I even pass someone in a store they greet me with a smile and a “how you doing?”. It all depends on where we choose to live. As I ventured into more local neighborhoods I found the people to be warmer.

[@TylerCherry-p7p]

Podemos hacer el resumen en español?

[@MikeBen]

Si quieren puedo have otro video así en español

[@TylerCherry-p7p]

@@MikeBen Perfecto, gracias por responder!

[@Tre-m4g]

¿es verdad que muchos Panamanians se parece a nosotros?(afro Americano)

[@MikeBen]

No tanto la verdad, se nota la diferencia. En Colombia me pareció que si. Aun así algunos en Panama si pero no tanto como pensarías al menos en la ciudad

[@JrHablandoEspanol]

I just recently posted my one month Spanish journey if you have a second, I’d appreciate if you take a look and analyze it and give me some feedback where you see fit! Other than that great video!

[@MikeBen]

Jr, I went to your channel and I could only see your flight attendant video. Is that the one where you’re speaking Spanish? I skimmed through it and didn’t see any parts where you were speaking Spanish. I’d love to help, if I just missed it in that video let me know(I was on a time crunch) and if not let me know how I can find it. I’d love to help!

[@JrHablandoEspanol]

@@MikeBen nah I did not realize KZbin had it private for the first 24 hours, but it should be up now. My apologies.🙏🏽

[@josepotes5589]

Definitely we are not like other latinos, however I have been to Europe and USA and people are not the coolest, sweetest as you describe. People leave in their own world so I dont understand what you are talking about....

[@MikeBen]

Remember I said that Panamanians were super cool outside of the touristy/bougie zones just like everywhere in the world

[@ertfgghhhh]

Dalo a nosotros derecha, Ben!!!

[@MikeBen]

Les voy a decir la verdad!

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Who are the people wearing shorts in the video? I think Panama City does not fit your idea of what a Latino city should look like. Once I read that your favorite South American city is Arequipa, I understood that immediately. You were not looking forward to a piece of Miami in Central America. You were expecting "charming pueblo."

[@hilariowilson5570]

Panamá is a surprise to many, with the expectation of a pleasant “third world village” with a Starbucks and McDonald, but the surprise once they get there. I’ve seen faces on planes flying over the city, about to descend at Tocumen, the surprise at the skyline. I gave up trying to explain what our country is and isn’t, just let them see for themselves. I always state, Panama City, is safer than Oakland or downtown LA any day of the week. People are shot,stabbed and robbed on the LA metro system every day of the week. He seems shocked we aren’t all criminals, que vaina! Saludos!

[@guillermogouldburn763]

​@hilariowilson5570 Don't forget the expectation of horse-drawn carriages and chickens in the central plaza 😂 They just love that.

[@MikeBen]

Wasn’t expecting anything, just making a comparison. Everyone around the world knows that Panama is super developed, I was just emphasizing that

[@hilariowilson5570]

@@guillermogouldburn763 the metro, its cleanliness and safety is another shocker. Wait until the metro extension is completed beneath the canal, there may be a few getting heart attacks. As Torrijos once said, “we may not be as smart as we want to be, but we are not as dumb as you think”. Nuevamente saludos y buena semana!

[@guillermogouldburn763]

@@hilariowilson5570 Saludos!

[@jeanleguillou-j8c]

Hi Bro..Please make the same video in Liberia , a new-old land of freedom since 1822, ( bought by America `s new republic only for yours to live in peace together ), without Caucasians or indians...Just africans...( may be some middle east fellows ...diamond,...gold...and some others " jobs"...) Nice country welcomed for native origins....Curiously not so many african-americans want to return to their roots...Even Angela Davis at his time....of glory....or Malcom X....or Martin Luther King....But i am not sure if you know that Liberia still exists as a free country free of Caucasians...Don`t you?...Forget Panama it`s full of Caucasian gringos....We are waiting to see what really is this country of freedom managed by yours bro`s since 1822...

[@MikeBen]

Thank you for the recommendation. I love the history of Liberia and I’d love to visit when the time is right 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@marlinbenjamin4161]

🫡🫡

[@MikeBen]

🙏🏾

[@santiagogracia4754]

Esto es falso, Managua, San Pedro Sula, y la mayoria de otras ciudades que tienen las 4 estaciones son muchisimo mas calientes que Panamá .

[@MikeBen]

De San Miguelito se refiere? No se, cómo mencione, nada más estoy compartiendo lo que muchos Panameños me dijeron. Puede que no sea verdad, nada más estoy avisando a los demás lo que me dijeron

[@paulwalther5237]

That's interesting they aren't sweating much. Asians don't sweat as much as I do either. If you research online like I eventually did, you find out there's some genetic differences. I wonder if they have the same sweat genes as Asians. I live in Arizona so I'm used to the heat but it's just embarrassing when you're the only one sweating.

[@MikeBen]

Agreed it was super embarrassing, a lot of stares but it may be genetic or the body may adapt over time, according to the Panamanians that I met.

[@em4001]

They may just be acclimated to the heat since they live there

[@d-tech5338]

@@MikeBen you do get used to it. I'm from the Netherlands originally but have come to find 28C days to be chilly.