Beyond the Canal: Views from Panama

Culinary Journeys, Cultural Gems, and Corporate Travel Funding. Where to Eat, What to See, and the Key Tactics for a Fully-Funded Trip.

This blog post is WELL overdue, but sometimes life gets in the way lol. I got back from my Panama trip over 11 months ago, and I would go again any day. Visiting Panama was the best trip I’ve had since visiting Prague in 2019.

Panama was never on my wishlist—for no particular reason—but I had the opportunity to go because my boss offered to fund my travel and accommodations. So take it from me, having a remote job that you love that also supports your travel dream is my ultimate “you’ve made it” symbol.

Okay, but how did I do it?

I go into depth about getting your employer to fund your travel in this blog post, but I will touch on it a bit below.

If you have a job that you love but you want to travel more on someone else’s dime,  get your employer to fund work-related travel. For me, I wanted to attend the Museum Association of the Caribbean (MAC) Conference in Panama in 2024. It was a week filled with learning, cultural exploration, and developing global connections that have reshaped my perspective on museum work in the Caribbean and beyond. Also, it helps my company by creating international relationships.

For now, let’s get back into visiting Panama.

From the moment I arrived in Panama, I was struck by the vibrant blend of cultures and the deep historical roots visible throughout the city. As the host of the MAC Conference, Panama City offered a colourful backdrop where contemporary urban life meets rich colonial history. I took the opportunity to explore several local museums that beautifully captured this narrative.

My first stop was the Biomuseo, an architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry that uses both internal and external spaces to tell a story. Walking through its galleries, I learned about the geological formation of the Isthmus of Panama and its massive influence on global biodiversity. The interactive exhibits made it easy to understand the intricate ecological web that binds North and South America.

I also recommend the Museo Afroantillano de Panama. Before visiting Panama, I was unaware of the large Afro-community that has been there for generations. During this trip, I learned that many members of the African-descended community in Panama came from other Caribbean countries to support the construction of the Panama Canal and improve their economic status. 

Next, I visited the Panama Canal Museum, located in the heart of Casco Viejo. This museum provided a deep dive into the history of one of the world’s most important waterways. I moved through exhibits detailing the canal’s construction and its lasting economic and cultural impacts. 

Earlier that week, I also had the pleasure of watching a ship go through the canal. Seeing the canal in person added more value to visiting the Panama Canal Museum after the fact. If you’re interested in watching a ship travel through the canal, you can plan your visit around this chart. There are multiple canals, but I recommend the Agua Clara Lock Visitor Center. It is on the other side of the country, but you can make a day out of it by visiting Colón and specifically, the Royal Customs House of Portobelo and the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory, and the warm beaches in the area. The Agua Clara Lock Visitor Center has trails and provides a more peaceful experience. 

The Royal Customs House of Portobelo and the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portobelo was built by the Spanish in 1630 and was a significant port in the history of slavery. This museum focuses on resistance, resilience, and the survival of the Afro-descendant community. 

Did you know that the average transit for a ship is approximately 8 to 10 hours from one ocean to the other? 

Global Networking and Exchange of Ideas

One of the highlights of the conference was connecting with museum professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond. I attended panels and workshops that focused on everything from decolonizing museum spaces to innovative community engagement strategies. It was inspiring to hear from freelancers, curators, directors, and heritage professionals who are redefining the way stories are told in their communities.

I also had the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions that focused on archival work and community memory projects. These conversations sparked new ideas for my own projects back in Canada, particularly around community-based archiving and the preservation of Caribbean histories in the diaspora.

I will say that I was surprised by the number of Americans who were present at the event.

Culinary Exploration: A Taste of Panama

Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Panama did not disappoint. I explored local markets and dined at some of the best spots in Panama City. Here are a few restaurants that I enjoyed and would recommend:

• Delicias Eni – the fish was so fresh and delicious. This restaurant is right by the ports, so it is not fancy, but I would go again because of the service, quality of food and the amount of food. It is close to the Pacific lookout, so you can walk off the food by exploring the path and viewing the Pacific Ocean.
• Kaandela Restaurant – This was a high-end restaurant in the Casco Viejo neighbourhood of Panama. The cocktails and the food were excellent! I would definitely go again, and I recommend it to everyone. There is also a lot of shopping in the area. I would recommend the boutique SOLSONA.

Reflecting on the Experience

Attending the MAC Conference in Panama provided me with professional development opportunities through the lens of history, culture, and community. The connections I made and the stories I heard are now part of my own narrative as I continue my work in heritage. This trip solidified my belief in the power of museums as spaces of learning, memory, and community empowerment.

I left Panama with a deeper appreciation for the Caribbean’s cultural legacy and a renewed commitment to community-based memory work. I look forward to continuing these conversations with my peers and contributing to projects that amplify Caribbean stories on a global stage.

Attending conferences is a great way to travel, learn, and network. It allows you to mix pleasure and business, which is only pleasant if you love the work you are doing. 

Months later, I still speak to some of the folks I met at the conference, and we are working on partnering together to elevate both of our careers.

Other Places You Should Visit

• Castillo de Son Lorenzo Real de Charges (Heritage Site)
• Shelter Bay Marina (for lunch)
• Before I leave you, here is a list of other museums in Panama.

If you’re still not convinced about visiting Panama, look into The Panama Stopover by Copa Airlines. It allows you to stay in Panama as a stopover on a flight to other Latin American countries at no extra airfare cost. Thank me later 🙂