Transiting The Panama Canal From The Atlantic
The Panama Canal is an artificial 82-kilometre waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, cutting across the Isthmus of Panama, and is a conduit for maritime trade.
January 9, 2014
Panama City, Panama
``Did you have a good time going through the Panama Canal today, ` the entertainer asked.
A few people in the audience responded dryly. They didn't sound convincing at all; making me feel like I was in Zombie land. They also didn't even clapped hard enough which was very easy even for older people. Which reminded me, one comedian said, ``The longer the day of the cruise, the older the passengers.``
Anyway, today was our second time to cross the Panama canal in just about ten days. This was the reverse which was transiting from the Atlantic side to the Pacific side. (north to south) I didn't get up to see the whole dramatic entrance to the Gatun Lock but we were awakened by the narration of the transit, on the loud speakers. From our cabin location which is very closed to the bow, we could hear every word on the microphone including the annoying hum when she did not turn off her microphone!
I had a 9:00 am watercolor class and after I finished that and a quick breakfast, I managed to look outside and get some photographs. I noticed one place in particular was surrounded by high chain link fence with razor wire. There were sentries too, and it made me wonder how it could be a place for the pilots, or any workers. I took several shots and moved around to obtain excellent views of the surrounding jungle. Some twenty or so souls were at the bow taking pictures and gawking all around at the view. A few frigate birds were circling around above us. Crews were busy offering and serving refreshments, such as lemonade, iced water and wet towelettes.
At 12:25 pm we were at the Gamboa locks and then right after that the Pedro Miguel Locks by approximately 1:35 pm. There were several freighters around us waiting for their queue to go through the canal. Not very far away, we could see the M.S. Zaandam with the passengers on tender boats for their day tours. Alongside us on the starboard (right) side was a smaller passenger ship Amedea. We could talk to some of the passengers who are on their balcony. We could smell their blue cheese on crackers and they could also possibly smell our sweat.
When I met Bert after lunch he asked me, `Did you know that Noriega is now imprisoned here,`` he asked. `No, but I noticed a place that looked like it might be a prison because it had sentries and razor wire all around. I thought that the canal was only a maritime shortcut to save time and cost in transporting all kinds of goods. I didn't know they had prison cells too!` I replied.
``Noriega, the notorious former Panamanian dictator was imprisoned here after the French released him following his jail term served there. His time served in France, followed 23 years incarcerated in the USA.
The tour boat you see, used to be owned by the Mafia boss Al Capone, `` commented Patricia Holmes, our Panama Canal Narrator. She didn't explain why Al Capone would choose a tour boat in the Panama Canal.
Through out our day transiting the canal, we had the live commentary which could be heard all over the Ship. Panamanian dishes were featured for lunch with matching Seco Colada and Chichita Panama drinks. The Terrace Grill was decorated and made us felt like we were in Central America. There was a fruit stand with crews serving fresh cut papaya, star fruit, pineapple and water melon. Another stand served fresh chilled coconut. There was a Panamanian market where people could buy t-shirts and souvenir items. Lunch of course was geared toward Panamanian and Central American dishes.
Before 3:00 pm. we entered the Miraflores locks and just then, we had our first experience of pouring rain on this cruise. To some, it was a welcome treat after the oppressing heat of the day. I stood near the ships railing listening to the pelting of rain on the wooden railings. Others took to it badly when they couldn't take photographs. Then I heard the unmistakable shriek of a woman who had slipped on the steel, deck because of her slippery, rhinestone decorated, flip flops.
From our port (left) side, we could see the new gate locks that had been delivered from Italy. We also noticed the dry excavation and dredging for the construction of the two new locks. The newer one will be longer and wider than the current one, and it will allow the passage of mega ships with larger dimensions. It will be 427 meters long, and 55 meters wide, which is the size of four football fields. At the moment, the canal is supported by a workforce of 10,000 men and women. It has an annual transit of 14,000 vessels but once the expansion project starts to operate, it will double the waterway capacity.
We must have been at the La Fontaine dining room having our tea when we got out of the last lock. We were again at the La Fontaine dining room for our early dinner when we glimpsed a beautiful sunset in Panama. By this time, we were on our way to the southern hemisphere, and we can`t wait to get there.
Overall, with rain or sun shine, transiting the Panama Canal was an experience to remember!!
Comment
I am so much enjoying reading your blog...what a wonderful trip for the both of you!! Look forward to reading more. It sounds like the trip of a lifetime! From Kathy Perfetti, on Jan 12, 2014 at 06:01 a.m.
Ahoy! You have given us the best of the best. Love your travel blog and updates. Most people hardly get to transit the Panama Canal once, but you have done it twice, in less than 2 weeks! WOW! Your memory bank must be exploding. All well here, love to you both. xoxo From Patsy, on Jan 12, 2014 at 03:09 p. m.