This was on my “must see” list for central america. Such an amazing feat of engineering, it was just awe-inspiring to turn up to the canal at 9.30am and see three huge Northbound vessels lining up to enter the Miraflores dock. We were fortunate that we read the guide books beforehand and found out that between 9 – 11am and 3-5pm are best times for viewing. We spent nearly three hours at the canal admiring the process – the largest of the ships was charged $40KUS to enter the canal – apparently this is ten times cheaper than the alternative sailing up to 21 days to circumnavigate south America. We viewed the muesum at the visitor's centre and noted how little was mentioned about the environmental impact of the canal and their expansion plans (which were passed by majority of 77% in a referrendum). But you can appreciate the economic imperitive to allow the canal to expand – after the US reaped the benefits of their initial investment, you can't blame the Panamaericans to want to benefit as well. Well worth the visit.
After the canal we went and saw Que Paso Ayer? II (The Hangover II) for the bargain price of $3 - this was great fun being in air conditioned comfort after a few steaming hot days in San Blas. Off to David/Boquete region tomorrow to chill out in the cloud forrest before heading to Bocas del Torro for some more snorkelling/island experiences.
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