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For my birthday, I wanted one thing.
A new stamp in my passport.
Well…actually…two things.
A new stamp in my passport and a check on my bucket list.
Jumping on a flight to Panama, I was excited that I was able to give myself these two outstanding presents.
After a late night arrival and a sliver of sleep, we were up early and in a cab bound for the Panama Canal. Having always desired to visit the Canal, I was extremely excited to be headed to the Visitor’s Center at Miraflores.
Once our entrance fee was paid, we were directed upstairs to the upper observation terrace. As we exited the doors onto the pavilion, luck would have it that a ship was passing through the locks!
Crowds were gathered along the rail and securing a place for optimum viewing was challenging. Nevertheless, we were able to watch the mules guiding the Atacama Queen through the lock while deckhands waved to everyone on land. As the gates opened and more than 26 million gallons of the waters filled the space, the ship rose upward. As the waters leveled, the ship moved from one lock to the other. Amazingly, the gates seemed infinitely small compared to the huge ship towering above them.
After the final lock, the Atacama Queen sailed off under the Centennial Bridge and into Lake Miraflores for the next phase of its journey.
As the crowd dispersed, another ship was passing through one of the distant locks, however, we hung around waiting for the next ship to pass through the main lock. Sadly, that ship never came.
So, off we went to explore other parts of the Visitor Center. On the ground floor, we watched a film on the construction of this immense undertaking. Multiple showings are presented throughout the day in both Spanish and English and it is a great way to start your exploration of the Canal.
Moving on, we made our way through each of the exhibition halls.
The History Hall offered background information on the technological innovations and sanitary initiatives in conjunction with the construction of the Canal. The hall also pays tribute to the hundreds of men and women who made this achievement possible.
The Hall of Water: Source of Life highlights the importance of water, the conservation of the environment and biodiversity, protection of the Canal Watershed and the commitment to the sustainable management of resources.
Operation of the Canal is spotlighted in The Canal in Action. Here you can experience what it is like to guide a boat through a lock culvert in one of the navigation simulators. Canal improvement, modernization and maintenance projects are also the focus of this exhibit.
Information on the importance of the Canal to world trade is the center of the information presented in The Canal in the World. Descriptions of the trade routes served by the Canal and its main users, the vessels that transit the waterway and the commodities they carry and the future competitiveness of the Canal and how the Republic of Panama will benefit can be learned about here.
After our tour of the exhibition halls was complete, we stepped out on the two lower observation terraces for a more intimate look at the now-empty lock and the picturesque, white-washed building resting on the other side of the canal. On the second floor, we discovered stadium seating…seating I wish we had known about as the Atacama passed through earlier. Looking off into the distance, we scoured the horizon, hoping for another freighter or even a cruise ship.
Finally, we acknowledged that it could be hours before another ship graced us with its presence. That’s how it goes at the Panama Canal…no set schedule.
All in all, were thankful that we arrived when we did, and were able to experience the Panama Canal operating as it was intended.
Though not wrapped up in a bow, I have to say…the Panama Canal was a pretty spectacular birthday present!
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Miraflores Visitor Center
- http://www.pancanal.com/eng/acp/cvm/
- Address: Miraflores, Panama City, Panama
- Hours: 0900 to 1630, daily.
- Admission: Non-resident Adults, $15.00, Non-resident Children (ages 6-12), $10.00. Nationals and Resident Adults, $3.00, Nationals and Resident Seniors, $1.50, Nationals and Resident Students and Children (ages 6-12), $2.00.
- Getting There: From the city center, cab fare is approximately $10-$12.
Riding the metro late in the afternoon, I eyed the many young people, dressed up for the Saturday night. Disembarking at the Porto Genova stop, we all made our way down to the main canal. Being a beautiful sunny day, there were masses of people spilling out from the scores of bars, restaurants and cafes that line the canal. Happy hour was underway and specials were advertised throughout the area, most offering drinks and accompanying appetizer buffets.
Tourists crowded on the the many bridges that span the canals, all clamoring to get that perfect selfie and other artwork was abound with countless galleries and signs pointing to courtyards showcasing local artists work. Design showrooms and temporary outdoor photography and art exhibits can be found throughout the area.
