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Welcome to the Crossroads of the World.
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A beautiful setting overlooking the Panama Canal.
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Our guides acquaint us with the Canal Zone and its workings.
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First views of the
locks from our
viewing platform. |
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There is more to Panama than the Canal.
PANAMA . . . THE NATION
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Sugarcane farm . . . |
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the farmer . . . |
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pressing the cane the old-fashioned way.
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tasting . . . yum!
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| Boiling the cane water . . . |
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Fresh "horses" to run the press.
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Pouring into forms, cutting into pieces.
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Into the cane field . . .
goodbye from the cane farm.
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Lunch at the equestrian club, good food,
beautiful horses, fine horsemanship.
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El Valle, the village inside a volcanic crater.
A walk in the rainforest; a refreshing water falls.
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In town, El Valle, markets with handsome village crafts. Refreshing coconut drink.
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| Coronado Resort, with its Pacific Ocean beach and our group at the pool. |
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Our driver "Lino" up a coconut tree.
Orchid Farm - caring for and breeding thousands of these beautiful flowers. |
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Pineapples . . .
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How to cut pineapples.
How to taste pineapples . . . then relax.
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Outdoor dining in Panama City with our leaders.
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Another day ended.
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Now our day to transit the Panama Canal.
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Our small ship . . under the Bridge of the Americans on the Pacific . . .
following a large ship into first lock.
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Lock closes behind us . . .
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and fills with water lifting us 27 feet to the next lock as we continue our "cruise" to the Atlantic. |
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Along the Canal - time for lunch, view lock repairing, new canal work, dredging work.
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| "Uncle Marty" our canal host. . . |
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the RR still runs along length of the canal.
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Our upper deck and sunburned passengers.
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Happy, happy canalers.
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Back in Panama City our final day . . .
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Early morning fish market . . .local transportation . . outdoor market.
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Our visit to the Embera Indian Village. In dug-out canoes, up the Chagres River across Alajuela Lake, we approach the village.
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Under the thatched roof shelter, the village chief explains their way of life from generation to generation. Clothing, basket weaving, jewelry making, music and dance - and we are invited for lunch.
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After a walk through the village and chance to purchase local handcrafts,
we must say our goodbyes. What a visit!!
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A brief visit to Old Panama - a fascinating story, a rich culture.
Then our final dinner, outdoors by the pool, under a full moon.
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A surprise visit from a colorful and delighful dance troupe
as we say our goodbyes. Adios.
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