One afternoon in Panama City, we needed to get to our Airbnb in Casco Viejo and decided to take one of the local taxis. That’s when we met him – our driver, guide and storyteller.

From the moment we got in, there was… an interesting smell. Let’s say it was definitely lived-in. A little sweaty, maybe, but nothing too dramatic. What stood out far more was how kind and welcoming he was. He knew so much about the city – its history, neighbourhoods, culture – that by the time we reached Casco Viejo, we’d already learned more than we expected.

So we asked if he’d be willing to take us around the next day, especially to the Panama Canal and beyond. He gave us a fair price, and the following morning, there he was, waiting for us. Same scent, by the way – didn’t matter that it was early – but with the same big smile and eagerness to share his country with us.

He spent hours showing us both the popular sights and the more hidden, local corners of the city. The places that don’t make it into the travel brochures, but give you a glimpse of real life.

His car might not have had air conditioning. His shirt might not have been fresh. But his heart? It was gold.

Thank you, truly.