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Panama City   The capital only catapults some to skyline heights, while most are left behind.

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just a glimpse, stay tuned for more to explore  MilesAstray unfolds in retrospect. I was living these stories full time, now I'm making space to pen them down. Head over to the countries section for the latest places/stories and completed countries.​

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a glimpse

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glimpse: GENTRIFICATION | An old town, truly, by the looks of it, Casco Viejo is a living witness to Colonialism and the origins of Panama City. It might be in decay – on its deathbed really, architecturally speaking – but it’s alive with people that descended a long line. Many of them are dwellers, who’ve occupied the brittle buildings for generations informally at no charge. But their eviction is imminent, wherever it hasn’t happened yet, ever since Casco Viejo became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fame ushered in foreign investors and a swarm of tourists, so now the old town is getting a facelift to house lavish hotels, chic restaurants, boutiques and frozen yoghurt parlors. The gentrification of Casco Viejo is supposed to be in accordance with a framework of guidelines, leaving some room for locals and their culture, and supporting those being evicted. But if you ask around, if you look at the banners and demonstrations, the bottom line is that many are forced out of a place they call home, no matter how rotten, or how much better off they might be elsewhere. I’m dizzy from seeing the same pattern on repeat: yesterday’s colonialist halfheartedly disguised as today’s capitalist, still banishing those who belong.

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places / stories

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related

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photos | people

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Human Shake

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what a fine blend we are

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This collection is a blender, so watch out that you don’t end up in it one day. see more

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photos | urban

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Night Delight

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allures of the dark side

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...for the daring nocturnal creatures among us, there is a deserted, silent world waiting after hours; and like moths we flutter towards its discoveries, wherever a speck of light flecks the darkness.   see more

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photos | landscapes

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Americas

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nature's wild heart

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Raw Patagonian horizons stretching all the way to rough coastlines in Newfoundland with myriad wonders harbored in-between: from azure glaciers, altitude canyons and psychedelic lagoon-waters to ash-spewing volcanoes, jungle greens and soaring falls. see more

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photos | urban

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Central America

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rusty realms on tomorrow's verge

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yesterday’s heritage decaying gracefully while the future is arriving see more

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elsewhere

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in Central America

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