I’ve always marveled at the pictures of the Bridge of The Americas that crosses over the Panama Canal and I guess divides Central America from South America. However, we don’t feel ready to declare that we made it to South America quite yet. I did have a sensation when, without warning we found us ascending to the Bridge of the Americas’ entrance. What a sight to look down and actually see where the Panama Canal leads out to the Pacific Ocean. The sensation was an absolute thrill.
These bridge pictures we taken later as we crossed the thing multiple times trying to find the Mira Flora locks or by getting misdirected by an over enthusiastic traffic cop. This is looking towards the Canal.
An empty car hauler heading to the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it will bring back more Asian imports?
Part of the Panama Cityscape
After finally finding the BMW dealership we checked on a tire and getting the motorcycles serviced. No tire and come back Monday. We met Luis, the mechanic who was really helpful with getting us started on the shipping process. A local BMW rider, Juan Carlos was also very helpful including recommending a place to stay. I can’t say we were overwhelmed with the rest of the dealership’s treatment of us. We were mostly ignored and had to seek out assistance to buy some parts. Paying almost $25 USD for a $5.00 headlight bulb further dampened our enthusiasm for the place.
As we were looking for the BMW dealership we passed Panama Bikes. I recalled the owner, while running a Harley Chopper shop, rides a 1200 Adventure. We stopped in and talked to him. He had a tire but did not want to part with it on Saturday afternoon so we left. Maybe it was because it was late in the business day on Saturday but we certainly didn’t feel any desire to hang around and were not encouraged. We were genuinely interested in his business but it didn't seem to matter. He did ask us to put a note in an “Advrider” note book. We did and then unceremoniously departed.
Our hotel was clean but a little pricy for what we got. It did have the all important place to park.
We met a couple from Germany traveling from Texas to Argentina in a tricked out CJ. Dirk and his lovely wife Lieve both ride GSs and have traveled extensively on them. This time they decided to try something different. You can follow their travels at http://www.latinotrails.com/ .
I know some have been disappointed or underwhelmed with seeing the actual canal. I was impressed. Had it been built in the last 20 years I would not be moved either. I was moved when I thought about when it was built, the level of thought that was put into the design and the enduring image of American ingenuity. We watched a couple of ships go through the process and headed back to the city.
The officials at the Canal announced proudly that they had secured all of the financing to build the new canal. I didn't know it was a definite project but I guess time wwill tell. The plan is to build it just beyond the little hill with the building on the summit. The new Canel will handle the modern super tankers that now have to make the long trip around the continent.
On the way out of the Canal area we passed some of the old houses where the US workers lived while building the Canal. These were described in David McCoullough's excellent book on the Canal.
On the way back to the city we went out to Amar a series of small islands connected to the mainland by a treelined causeway. The area is full of restaurants and tourist shops. It was a fun area with great views of the downtown skyline, anchored yachts, cargo and cruise ships. We found a nice restaurant to have diner and enjoy the views.
It was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Next.....getting us and the Motos to South America.
An empty car hauler heading to the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it will bring back more Asian imports?Our hotel was clean but a little pricy for what we got. It did have the all important place to park.
We met a couple from Germany traveling from Texas to Argentina in a tricked out CJ. Dirk and his lovely wife Lieve both ride GSs and have traveled extensively on them. This time they decided to try something different. You can follow their travels at http://www.latinotrails.com/ .
Of course we could not miss a trip out to the Canal. It was the highlight of our visit to Panama.
I know some have been disappointed or underwhelmed with seeing the actual canal. I was impressed. Had it been built in the last 20 years I would not be moved either. I was moved when I thought about when it was built, the level of thought that was put into the design and the enduring image of American ingenuity. We watched a couple of ships go through the process and headed back to the city.
The officials at the Canal announced proudly that they had secured all of the financing to build the new canal. I didn't know it was a definite project but I guess time wwill tell. The plan is to build it just beyond the little hill with the building on the summit. The new Canel will handle the modern super tankers that now have to make the long trip around the continent.
On the way out of the Canal area we passed some of the old houses where the US workers lived while building the Canal. These were described in David McCoullough's excellent book on the Canal.
On the way back to the city we went out to Amar a series of small islands connected to the mainland by a treelined causeway. The area is full of restaurants and tourist shops. It was a fun area with great views of the downtown skyline, anchored yachts, cargo and cruise ships. We found a nice restaurant to have diner and enjoy the views.
It was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Next.....getting us and the Motos to South America.
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