Big Guy on the Block

THE Canal--and a lot more.

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February 13th 2006
Today is the day I planned this trip for. Today I "do" the Panama Canal. We climbed the stairs to the Miraflores Locks building shortly after it opened at 9 AM. We went directly to the viewing platform and did what all tourists do--gape at the big Panamax (meaning the maximum size for the Panama canal) ships as they barely squeeze into the lock. Since the operators need to have a good view of ... read more

Central America Caribbean » Panama

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With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal ... ... read more