Saturday, 12 January, was our first trip of the tour. It was around the city and the highlight was finishing at the Panama Canal.
Victor and his huge mini bus collected us at 9am and we headed for Panama Viejo. This was the site of the 16th century ruins of the original city which was the main Spanish site for gold until it burnt down in an attack by the English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Here we climbed the 22 metre cathedral tower which was undergoing restoration and were shown around the museum.
Our next stop was Casco Viejo which was founded in 1673 using many of the bricks from the original city. This became the centre of Panama between the 17th and 19th century. It fell into disrepair in the 1930s and parts of it reminded us of a crumbling Havana. However, there is a huge amount of restoration taking place with many of the buildings being turned into hotels. We had lunch here in the Plaza Independencia with Victor who continued to provide us with lots of examples of life in Panama City.
Post lunch, we headed for the canal via Amador Causeway, where we stopped for photographs at a huge marina, past the Frank Ghery designed Bio Diversity Museum (due to open later this year) and huge US military barracks many of which are being turned into discos.
At Miraflores lock we were lucky enough to see the last ship of the day go through on its way to the Caribbean. The gap either side is 60 cm and so requires skillful navigation. A short 3D film followed which explained about the canal's development and the expansion project which will see new locks being opened in 2014. In the museum the highlight was a simulator where we stood on the bridge of a container ship as is was going through the locks. It was assisted by mini trains on either side and then once out of the lock, it was buffeted by small, sturdy tugs who helped to keep it in line to enter the next lock. It was all massively impressive and we came away with a head full of facts and figures.
Back after a long day to snoozes before a light dinner back in Beirut.
Photos may follow if we sort out the IT: we also currently have no mobile coverage.
Victor and his huge mini bus collected us at 9am and we headed for Panama Viejo. This was the site of the 16th century ruins of the original city which was the main Spanish site for gold until it burnt down in an attack by the English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Here we climbed the 22 metre cathedral tower which was undergoing restoration and were shown around the museum.
Our next stop was Casco Viejo which was founded in 1673 using many of the bricks from the original city. This became the centre of Panama between the 17th and 19th century. It fell into disrepair in the 1930s and parts of it reminded us of a crumbling Havana. However, there is a huge amount of restoration taking place with many of the buildings being turned into hotels. We had lunch here in the Plaza Independencia with Victor who continued to provide us with lots of examples of life in Panama City.
Post lunch, we headed for the canal via Amador Causeway, where we stopped for photographs at a huge marina, past the Frank Ghery designed Bio Diversity Museum (due to open later this year) and huge US military barracks many of which are being turned into discos.
At Miraflores lock we were lucky enough to see the last ship of the day go through on its way to the Caribbean. The gap either side is 60 cm and so requires skillful navigation. A short 3D film followed which explained about the canal's development and the expansion project which will see new locks being opened in 2014. In the museum the highlight was a simulator where we stood on the bridge of a container ship as is was going through the locks. It was assisted by mini trains on either side and then once out of the lock, it was buffeted by small, sturdy tugs who helped to keep it in line to enter the next lock. It was all massively impressive and we came away with a head full of facts and figures.
Back after a long day to snoozes before a light dinner back in Beirut.
Photos may follow if we sort out the IT: we also currently have no mobile coverage.
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