Casco Antiguo Green Issue… The EcoCasco!

There is a silent neighbor in the old city, one that has been shadowed by the gorgeous historic architecture and taken for granted by most of us, but they lighten up with the first rains of March in an explosion of flowers and make our daily lives better in very subtle ways. These ignored neighbors have a memory and rhythm of their own, and they are a vital part of Casco’s identity. With all the world’s climate issues, we would like to take this opportunity to get everyone thinking about a more sustainable Casco, an example to the rest of Panama City. The seeds are already getting planted… join us! 

From Garbage to Garden Contest

Here is the challenge: design a cheap, easy to build and good looking composting system (yes, we have to look good at all times). The winner will win not only a $100, but a place in our hearts but in our balconies and terraces.  The winning design will be used in a program in Casco Viejo to help build and sustain several organic gardens that will provide both good food and awareness about recycling. The rules of the contest are very simple and it is open to everyone, either living in Casco or not.To download the info, just click here: http://www.arcoproperties.com/images/Urbanposterfinal.jpgOr go to my homepage: www.arcoproperties.com. You´ll see a big logo on the right with a butterfly… just click there! and be sure to zoom the jpg.  Also, feel free to upload it in other websites, the more the merrier!

Las Clementinas: Casco´s First Organic Garden
Clementinas is a small condo project in Casco Viejo with an organic garden at its heart. Already in the works, this wonderful spot will provide fresh vegetables to the restaurant at the commercial space below.
The building has 6 units with great views (water and plaza) and sustainable finishes such as wood floors made of reclaimed wood from Lake Gatun. Submerged for the last 100 years, it’s better than new! Conservatorio: our first nursery  
A burst of exotic tropical species are growing in our backyard.These are the plants that will help us create the organic gardens in Clementinas and hopefully find their way on to your plates soon. If we’re lucky, they’ll spread into different community gardens throughout Casco. What is incredible about all the green stuff you see here is that 99% of it is edible. Leaves, fruits, flowers!  An explosion of different flavors, from chewy to spicy… Spencer Woodard can tell you all about it, click here to go to his Blog http://anthrome.wordpress.com  
   Spread the seed…  tell a friend! 

Quintessentially Extravaganza Party in Casco Antiguo

Last night most of Panama´s socialites (or our version of it anyways) gathered in Paseo Las Bovedas, to the launch party of Quintessentially. I have to say I was pretty impressed by the organization, especially in Panama! if you don´t know them yet, check out their website: http://www.quintessentially.com/index.php?lang=PA 

It was a white linen extravaganza, so everyone had to show up in white. It was easy for me, but I know of someone that had to wear his judo pants… Well, no one noticed and I´m sure he was not the only one. The party started at the bouganvillea walk (Paseo Hurtado), with a romantic carpet of rose petals that led the way. Once at the point of Las Bóvedas there were several stands, massage from Alta Vita Spa,  a Real Estate one (of course!) strategically located in front of the Tequila (by Patron) bar where you could get sunrise tequila with or without the sunny part.

   

There was a great, relaxed, ambiance, everyone enjoyed themselves. The night was perfect, good ocean breeze. After a while we walked down to Plaza Francia. They organized a swimsuit fashion show with 14 top colombian models coming out of a Jaguar car. Quite fancy! Finally, we ended up at Las Bovedas bar which made the perfect lounge to ask for more drinks non tequila related.

Panama’s hottest secret…A new article on Casco Antiguo in a British website

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/mar/20/panama.casco?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

 

Panama’s hottest secret

If you’re looking to get ahead of the game, Panama City’s Casco Viejo is as up-and-coming as it gets, says Vicky Baker. Go now before the word is well and truly out

• Vicky Baker
• guardian.co.uk,
• Friday March 21 2008
• Article history

About this article

Close This article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Friday March 21 2008. It was last updated at 11:00 on March 25 2008.<!–[if !vml]–><!–[endif]–>Open to the skies: Casco Viejo, Panama City. Photograph: Vicky BakerBy the time travellers hear about the hip new part of town in a foreign city, it’s usually too late. We might think we’re cutting edge as we sip a cocktail in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg, Buenos Aires’ Palermo or Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, but the locals will have long been bemoaning the inflated prices and reminiscing about the good old days.If you’re looking to get ahead of the game, Panama City’s Casco Viejo is as up-and-coming as it gets. Situated in the city’s far west, with a waterside location looking across to the imposing downtown skyscrapers, it’s a ramshackle maze of dimly lit residential streets and tumbledown colonial buildings. Sometimes compared with the French Quarter of New Orleans, there’s a faded romance to its townhouses, with their wrought-iron balconies and long, wood shutters. Although intimidating at first glance (and locals will advise you to avoid the so-called zona rojas – red light districts – such as neighboring Chorrillo), the area becomes endlessly beguiling on closer inspection. An occasional art deco edifice catches you by surprise. As does seeing the sky in places you shouldn’t; the hollow insides of many buildings enabling you to look right through them.A slum during the 1980s Noriega dictatorship, the area has been touted as ripe for regeneration for years. Although work began in the 90s, a wavering national economy meant it got off the ground in fits and starts. Now, as the country experiences its biggest-ever boom, project Casco Viejo – or Casco Antiguo, as the area is officially, though less commonly known – is accelerating an astounding pace. “Under construction” signs can be found at every turn and the streets echo to the sound of hammering, day and night. <!–[if !vml]–><!–[endif]–>A street in Casco Viejo It’s the regeneration’s faltering beginnings that make such an unusual picture today. Casco Viejo has become a strange hybrid where suddenly, out of the ruins, you find a perfectly renovated plaza, or an ice-cream shop that with a vintage scoop collection and pretentious flavours (basil, rosemary, Earl Grey tea) that wouldn’t look out of place in Islington (neither, at £3.80 for two scoops, would its prices). Inevitably, real-estate opportunists spotted the potential here long ago. Buildings that could have been snapped up for $70,000 (£35,265) a few years ago are now going for $700,000 (£352,656). But, as the predominantly foreign investors move in, what about the current residents? “Where else can the poor have sea views like here?” says Eugenio, a former cargo-boat chef, looking towards the Panamanian Gulf. “This building where I live is worth $600,000 (£302,274) to a developer now,” he adds, tapping the peeling paint. Unfortunately for him, he’s not the owner. Every person that passes by may wave or shout his name, but, like many residents, he is likely to be forced out soon. “I’m expecting to move,” he says. “I just don’t know when or where.”Eugenio’s future may be unsure, but Casco Viejo’s is sealed. Next year the five-star Hotel Casco Antiguo will open its doors, and a new breed of tourist will soon be walking its brick-lined streets. Those looking to understand where it’s coming from and where it’s going to should catch it now. For better or worse, Casco Viejo is certainly one to watch.

Getting there

STA travel has return flights to Panama from London Gatwick with Delta Airlines from £645 including taxes. Tel: 0871 230 8512 

Performing Arts Festival… get your tickets now!

April 3rd to 11th, 2008

Be prepared for daring contemporary theatre and dance from artists from United States, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico.. Shows will be at the National Theatre, at the Anita Villalaz Theatre (at Las Bovedas) and on Casco Antiguo´s biggest scenario: its streets and plazas.

Tickets for individual events will range between $5 to $20, of course outdoors events are free, mainly supported by tickets proceeds.

This is the list of the theatre companies performing: Teatro La Zaranda (Spain), Teatro Timbre 4 (Argentina), Teatro La Luna (Cuba), Teatro Complot (Uruguay). Contemporary Dance Companies: Lola Lince (Mexico), L´Explose (Colombia), Milvia Martinez and Analida Galindo (Panama).

Also, during this Festival, the Anita Villalaz Theatre and the bohemian spot La Casona will have their own happenings with …

Click here for the full story and where to get your tickets:

[http://cts.vresp.com/c/?ArcoProperties/2c1f885a6d/TEST/bfb259a87a]

Casco Antiguo party nights

Saturday night at Casco Antiguo is fun. Fridays you may hit or miss, Sundays are quite “tranquilo”, but Saturdays are great.  Last night we went to have a bite to eat at Plaza Bolivar and on our way we heard Platea booming with music live. After dinner we went to Plaza Herrera to visit “Raffa” at our favorite (and only) heavy metal bar and it was packed with a fantastic rock band live. A sign with “Welcome” written in six different languages gave away the young international crowd that was at the place having fun side by side with locals.

Next door, at the former Pension Herrera, there was another party spot, this time latin salsa. Outside their doors a woman was cooking “carne en palito” (a classic Panamanian grab & go for carnivals and parties in general) and other life-saving-after-many-beers food. She knows her market well.

Then you continue walking …. (full article here: http://www.arcoproperties.com/blogs/main/default.aspx  )

Art, Women and Casco Antiguo

Apparently there was a “Women´s Day” last week. I wonder if there is a “Man´s Day” at some point other than Father´s Day, since there is ceirtainly a “Children´s Day” (at least in Panama) on top of other holidays. The good part of actually getting a day named with a theme (other than selling more of the corresponding merchandise) is that some people actually takes the time to think seriously about it and create true awareness about the issue.

Yesterday I passed by Casa Gongora in Casco Antiguo, right at the corner between Central Avenue and Fourth Street, because they had an art exhibition celebrating Women´s Day. I found out the event was about much more, including music concerts (Bolero and Jazz), poetry reading, painting exhibitions and TV shows. All of this organized by the Municipality. The exhibition is called Art and Women: Political and Social Participation.

I took some pictures of the paintings of Marta Sanchez, Marta Noemi Noriega and others. There where several artists invited, the exhibition will be there until March 28th.

Here is the calendar of events, if you happen to stroll by Casa Gongora:

March 19th: Jazz Quartet

Black Heritage

, 8 p.m.
Until March 28th: painting exhibition
March 28: Bolero night with Yomira John 8 p.m.
TV Show: March 13th (I guess it´s too late now!) with Rosa M. Britton
March 27th: Poetry Readings and Event Closing 7 p.m.

Hope you enjoy the paintings! here are my favorites. If you like my postings on Casco and would love to learn more, don´t forget to download my Casco Antiguo Handbook at: http://www.arcoproperties.com

Marta Noriega´s spiders

Pregnant Angel

Graffiti… Graffiato… Graphein… Ancient Urban Art Hits Casco Viejo

Graffiti art draws attention. This is a plain fact. Passing by a street, suddenly, a well done (or badly done) graffiti is on the wall and you can´t help but see it. For some (if it is a well done graffiti) and only for a micro second, a smile curves the very corner of their lips. For them, there is something about that wild expression of street rebelion that appeals to their skin. Maybe something they already thought about and never dared to speak and are glad someone else took the chance to “scream” about it visually on a public surface.

For others, is an attempt to public and private property, and specially if the graffiti is badly done, a monument to bad taste that should be wiped out, properly cleaned by those vandals.

And this reaction is exactly the point of Graffiti.  This word comes from the Italian word Graffiato. Some track it back to the Greeks, Graphein, which means to write. But I like Graffiato better, as it means “scratched”. To produce works of art by scratching a design into a surface. That scratch produces another one in our own sensibilities, makes us think for a moment, meditate about it.

What very few know, myself included until read in Wikipedia, is that the Romans used graffiti on walls and monuments all throughout the Empire. Because many were preserved by the eruption of the Vesuvius they help us understand how was the  the real roman citizens lived (not at the high level of their governants or the history gloriously passed on books) but down to the street level. What was it like. There were graffitis of all sorts, from magic spells to famous literary quotes. From Political slogans and caricatures to the address of brothels.

But apparently they weren´t the only ones scratching their walls, in America, the Mayans also did their share in Tikal. There are examples in many other cultures and places like the Vikings all the way down to Constantinople.

Why? because in the words of Terrace Lindall “People who are oppressed or suppressed need an outlet, so they write on walls – It´s free…”.  On the same token, she points out ” However, people also have a right to protect their property. it is a human dilemma.”

Today, everyone associates Graffiti with hip hop culture. But this was only after the 60´s. Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat used this technique and brought it to the formal art world, where it hasn´t left ever since. After all, art and well done anti-stablishment understand each other very well!  The art has evolved and depending – of course – of the artist it might still “scratch” our surface with an interesting/controversial subject or not. Some graffiti are purely abstract, a use of their technique per se. Or maybe just to force us out of our real world for a second and look into some wild vision of their own imaginarium.

In the heavily regulated external skin of Casco Viejo there is little space for this rebelious behavior. But inside it… surprises may pop up! check the artists out at: Ripo + Above :  http://southcentraltour.wordpress.com.

 Ps. the WachoStyle piece is by Cisco…

       

Shopping at Avenida Central… the Real Panamanian Experience

I just got the last issue of THE VISITOR/ EL VISITANTE ( http://www.thevisitorpanama.com/) and to my great suprise it features Avenida Central, one of my favorite places in Casco Antiguo. The issue is printed, they take a few days to upload the article to their website, so here it is… hot from the press.

Section: Shopping with Patra Kastanopoulos

I wronged you! Avenida Central

All I actually knew about the pedestrian mall on Avenida Central was “Don´t take anything valuable there!”. So I avoided going. I´m ashamed, embarrassed, and am making amends. The day I visited I was enchanted with the extensive array of interesting shops and stores, the helful and amenable people who worked in them, and the mellow, mostly Panamanian shoppers, who filled the area. Never did I feel anything but joy as I trod this unique section that is the “real” Panama City. One can see and feel the culture with all one´s senses. Intriguing aromas waft into the nostrils, vivid colors hit the retina, music floods the ears, fabrics for sale are beckoning to be touched and taste sensations are available to explode upon the tongue. And then, there are the bargains!

Merchandise of every genre is plentiful at a cost to fit small budgets. People really buy here, not just browse like in many upscale malls. Everyone seemed to be toting several sacks of purchases and I mused about which items rested within. Produce? there are multiple stands selling fresh fruits and veggies. Yard goods= I´m not clever enough to sew on a button straight, but for thsoe who are gifted in seamstressing there exists a wonderland of every conceivable fabric available at very low cost. i saw bolts of cloth bearing signs for lenghts at under $1.00. Perfume shops are everywhere, but beware, some of the recognizable brands are actually fakes. Jewelry stores are also in abundance and I smiled when I saw the sign HAWAII, my former home, identifying one of them.

At the 3.story El Machetazo I discovered a huge, vinyl, zippered, carry bag for only $1.98. What I liked about it was that the design was a tasteful Scotch plaid as opposed to similar bags displaying Winnie the Pooh or Barbie. (Or worse!).

The American Outleat features gently used clothing at rock bottom prices. I gravitated to it like I was being beamed there by radar.

Army Force combines camping equipment, …

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Succesful Food and Art Show in Casco Viejo: Slideluck Potshow

Last Tuesday was the first Panama Edition of Slideluck Postshow Panama. For those who didn´t read my prior posting, this event had a great concept: basically everyone could show up with something cooked by themselves to share with others while a super slideshow of different Panamanian and international artists played. Sounds wacky, but it was great. We had a fantastic crowd and no less than 20 artists from Brazil to Panama showing spectacular stuff, mainly photography and painting.

Of course, I was not one of the artists, since I´m not the best photographer in the world. Actually, my camera decided not to work, so I´m posting one that Casey kindly sent us.

The good news is that the event was so sucessful that they´ll work now on a second edition! Slideluck Potshow will soon upload all the info and pictures of the event in their website: http://slideluckpotshow.com/panama.php 

Casco Viejo´s Full Business Directory

Casco Viejo Business Directory:

What to do? Restaurants, bars, theatres Ego & Narciso: One beside the other at Plaza Bolivar. Wonderful Peruvian tapas at Ego and very good italian food at Narciso. You can order from both, no problem! the owner is thinking on opening a third one in the same plaza… so coming soon!  262-2045

CasaBlanca: casual dinning at Plaza Bolivar. 212-0040

Platea & Scena: Scena is a nice formal restaurant above Platea which is our favorite jazz bar. They also have live music most nights, ranging from salsa to rock. Located on Calle 1era, in front of the old Club Union.  228-4011

Casuale: great mix of Argentinian food in two ambiances: formal and lounge. Location: Calle 1era… at the side of Arco Properties!   228-1017

Buzios: Brazilian inspired, meditarrenean food. Relaxed ambiance, outside seating, ocean view. Location: Calle 1era, at the side of the French Embassy. 228-9045

Grandclement: the best icecreams in Panama. French owned & run, wonderful new flavours! Location: Central Avenue and 4th street. 228-0737

Manolo Caracol and Caracol Verde: Two restaurants, one beside the other. Spanish tapas and salads. Location: Avenida Central and 3rd street. 228-0109

Mostaza: italian food with a cozy feeling. You will feel at home, either sitting outside or inside. Location: 3rd street and Avenida A. 228-3341

Super Gourmet: great gourmet sandwiches and food to grab & run. Location: Avenida A and 6th street.

La Casona de Brujas: our favorite bohemian bar. Location: Plaza Herrera.

Baños Públicos: at the corner of Plaza Herrera, if you are lucky, they open on Fridays and Saturdays. Heavy Metal, local bands. Please remember to pay for the beer; they don’t tend to charge people.

Café René: Tapas restaurant, informal. Location: Plaza Catedral, at the side of the church. 262-3487

Caffe per Due: Very nice pizzas, thin crust. Email: caffeperdue@gmail.com or 6512-9311/ 6496-4878Las Bóvedas Restaurant: because it’s set up at two of the vaults of Plaza Francia, its interesting to see the interior. Sometimes they have live music. Location: Plaza Francia. 228-8058

Casa Portugal: good meats and bacalao. Central Avenue and 3rd street. 228-8569. They have free wireless internet.

Cedro´s: Local food. All about patacones, arroz con pollo and ropa vieja! Location; Central Avenue, at a side of Hotel Central. 262-1275

The National Theatre: to check out what´s going on: 262-3525

 Real Estate and Development:

 

Arco Properties: A full brokerage specialized only in Casco Viejo. We live for this stuff; we actually live in the stuff. Contact us: (507) 211-2548. clara@arcoproperties.com or Patrizia@arcoproperties.com .  Location: Calle 1era and A Avenue.

Conservatorio S.A.: Socially responsible, Casco style, Casco based developer. For each luxury building they build one low income housing project so that the local community stays authentic.  Website: www.conservatoriosa.com

Where to Stay? Hotels, hostels and short term rentals

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