Lately I’ve been reading The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
1. The French Government attempted to construct the canal first (in fact, it was a commercial enterprise and the government never got directly involved).
2. The French were defeated by diseases (while deadly tropical diseases were a contributing factor, this was not one of the main reasons for their defeat).
In any case, this 600 page book is a fascinating account of the story that was only possible after years of research through the archives in France, America, Colombia and Panama. It is a tale of egos, greed, power, politics, science, culture clashes and the unforgiving jungle of Panama. It is well worth a read if you have an interest in Panama, or simply like history!
Here’s an excellent new video of the Panama Canal. It really gives you a good feel for how the canal works.
Last weekend we had some friends from Costa Rica visiting us and we took them to Panama City for a day. Of course they wanted to see the Panama Canal and as luck would have it, a cruise ship was pulling into the Miraflores locks just as we were arriving.
Lots of people waving at us.
Notice how tight it is, I don’t think there was a foot left on either side!
Then we took them to the Amador Causeway and to historic Casco Viejo where we saw the sun set over the Bridge of the Americas.
As we were returning to the car, we met this beautiful woman and her girl wearing polleras, the traditional dress of Panama. They graciously posed for us. Sorry for the crappy flash picture.
Polleras
