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Aliens Eat Inside of Casco Viejo Hotel
By The Boss on Mar 16, 2008 | In Expat, Business | 1 feedback »
It was a beautiful building. Historic. Panama's independence was partly plotted there when Dr. Amador couldn't receive his co-conspirators at his house any more. He stood on the balcony addressing thousands op Panamanians when independence was declared.
Decades later, the hotel closed. Panamanians aren't interested in conserving old things. They're not particularly fond of antiques. You don't see a lot of classic cars. Things have to be new, shiny and look expensive in this country. Hotel Central did not, and was left for a decade to deteriorate in the hands of speculators. Finally a Spanish group bought it to turn it into a high-end hotel. Great for the area.
And now - as if this happened overnight - they are surprised that the Spaniards took out the entire interior. Only the outer walls are left. Right or wrong, this shows an incomprehensible lack of oversight on the part of the authorities. Where were they? This building is only a stone-throw away from the Presidential Palace for Christ's sake. The truth: Nobody cares, and they were glad to get rid of the structure. If it gets a new and shiny and expensive looking interior, so much the better. Leave anything old of value with these banana benders and they'll just screw it up.
