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| On Ancon Hill with a view over the city |
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| Panama hats for sale - I thought they would suit Richard |
An exhausting day. We went for breakfast just as the Germans were leaving. Maybe going to book a sunbed. We met Juan Pablo and Manuel and set off for
Ancon Hill, a landmark on the outskirts of the city We had a good view all over the city and saw the Carter plaque commemorating the signing of the treaty to return the canal zone to Panama. The Americans built the canal after the attempt by Ferdinand de Lesseps failed. We also had a good view over the locks and the container port.
Then we went to
Casco Antiguo where we had an informative tour, saw the church of San Jose again and also the cathedral, and one couple bought panama hats. We got an icecream.
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| Our first close-up view of a boat going through the locks |
Then we drove round the new city, past Noriega's ruined house (he's in prison now) to
Panama Viejo, the old ruins from the Spanish civilisation. Then the most exciting bit was to go to the
visitors' centre of the
Miraflores lock. It was pouring with rain. We saw a film of the history of the canal, and then had a great view of the locks with two ships going through. We took lots of photos. The sun came out.
Later we took a taxi along the Amador causeway to
Isla Flamenco and had dinner at
Bucaneros. Now packing to move on tomorrow.
