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Published: December 4th 2006
The Canal
Some weirdo got in the way of the picture...We are now in Panama City and it only took us from 6am to 9pm yesterday to get here. First we had to take a water taxi to the mainland, and then waited for about 5 hours since there was a mudslide and the bus was held up. Then there was the 9 hour bus ride. Fun!!! We were the only tourists on the bus and so far, the only ones in the city of panama. It might just be where we have decided to locate ourselves, not typical tourist locations. Today we went to a street market and looked around at alot of art and crafts made by the Kuna Natives. They are very colorful people, the women still dress in their traditional attire equipted with jewelry, colorful dresses, and face paint. The city is very busy and loud, but we were able to make it out and over to the canal. On the way to the canal, we took the local transit bus, that is basically an old U.S. school bus. It was packed full with about 3 to 4 people per seat and the isle was packed from front to back with people standing, Lucas being one of
Leaving the locks on the way to the pacific
There is a series of 2 locks at this location. Each one drops or raises the ship 27ft. 60 million gallons of water is pumped in and out of the locks. This ship is passing through the final lock and is at sea level. them. It was very hot and we stuck out like a sore thumb. We went to the Mariflores locks and watched as a couple ships sailed through with just 2 ft of clearance on either side. The largest ships that pass through pay over 200,000 dollars for transit. They would have to pay around 2.5 million to make the journey around south america if the canal was not there. There are some fun facts for you, we have many more. Besides all the propoganda, the Canal was very cool. Now that we are away from the rastas, we are back to trying to get by speaking spanish and being totally confused. Tomorrow we are leaving this chaotic place and retreating to the highlands to a small town called Santa Fe just North of Santiago. It should be alittle cooler there they have lots of great coffee and orchids. Bye Bye for now.
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Drea
non-member comment
Cute pics
I agree, your pictures are really good and the explanations you give are great too! Good job guys. Oh and Lindsay, check you email I sent you a message. I've turned domestic, I, Andrea Bleifus, didn't ask for clothes or my usual money for Christmas. This year I asked for a vacuum. A Vacuum you say? Yes I, am turning into a domesticated house wife who asks for praticle things for Christmas. What has become of me? Next year who knows, maybe I'll ask for a mixer. So kids, what do you two want for Christmas? Well i must go, the real world starts soon. Missing you lots and lots. --andrea