December 2015
We were on a Panama Canal cruise that started from Ft. Lauderdale and ended in Valparaiso, Chile. We stopped in Colon, which was not a very attractive port, then we embarked on the journey through the Panama Canal.
Unlike the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal was constructed through the jungle and over mountains. Consequently, the scenery is more interesting and locks are required to step over the mountains. Our ship was of a class called “Panamax,” ie the largest ship that will fit through the locks. subsequent to our transit a parallel canal has opened that can accommodate even larger ships.
As you emerge into the Pacific, you can see the skyscrapers of Panama City in the distance as well as the somewhat garish Museum of Biodiversity designed by Frank Gehry, whose wife is Panamanian.
Small Wide World 