Go for the Canal…Stay for Everything Else.

That’s what the New York Times is saying about Panama. The publishing giant’s travel section listed Panama as number one out of 45 Places to Go in 2012. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones don’t disagree. They are on vacation in Panama this week with their family.

According to Forbes Magazine, Panama City is becoming an energetic, modern metropolis, with varying options for moneyed visitors because of its high luxury quotient. For this reason, Forbes, indicates that Panama should be visitors’ nest trip. “Panama possesses a laundry list of new attractions, hotspots, and luxury hotels that are making it an up and coming travel destination—with the catalyst undoubtedly being the $5.25 billion Panama Canal expansion that’s underway and scheduled for completion in 2014”.

Panama Go for the canal. Stay for everything else. It’s been 12 years since Panama regained control of its canal, and the country’s economy is booming. Cranes stalk the skyline of the capital, Panama City, where high-rises sprout one after the next and immigrants arrive daily from around the world. Among those who have landed en masse in recent years are American expatriates and investors, who have banked on Panamanian real estate by building hotels and buying retirement homes.

The U.S. Embassy and Create Invest along with musicians from the Jed Levy Quartet and 40 youth from the 'VeraneArte' program of official Office of Casco Viejo were all part of a day full of rhythm, art and education. Ambassador Phyllis Powers accompanied the children while creating works of art inspired by jazz music.