Panama City (Photo Cred: Lindsay Amanda)

For many, crossing the Panama Canal is on the bucket list. Its historical importance and ingenious engineering has designated it as one of the wonders of the world. It not only honors the development of the modern age, but also gives tribute to the many lives that were lost during the time of its construction.

Panama Canal Locomotive

The crossing began early in the morning around 5 am local time. I must admit that I was still in recovery mode from the excitement of the day before in Costa Rica and slept through the most anticipated and reportedly the most impressive first lock. I enjoyed a relaxing day in the canal and laid by the pool drifting in and out of sleep while peacefully cruising down the passage. I did spend a considerable amount of time admiring the incredibly lush vegetation that lined the Panamanian shores. I was surprised by how murky the brown water was, an earthy compliment to the trees that surrounded it.

We traveled under the Bridge of the Americas that connects Central and South Americas by transit and sailed across the continental divide. I was able to experience the third lock on our way to the pacific side, which I later viewed from an all encompassing perspective when I took a land excursion of the Gatun Lake and Locks. I did get the reminder that the world is in constant change when I found that the three original locks will eventually be replaced by two new designs. Knowing that the originals have an expiration date in my lifetime gives a special significance to the experience.

Once we cleared the canal we ported off shore near the small town of Fuerte Amador on Flamenco Island. It is only 30 miles away from Panama City, which we could see clearly from where we anchored. It was an awesome view and reminded me very much of the skyline of Chicago. I explored the small town with my ship friends, now newlyweds, but not much was going on in the local retirement community. We all regret not taking a taxi into the city, but we all could imagine how exciting it looked at night with the lights glittering from across the bay.

Panama Sloth

The excursion the next day brought us, as mentioned, to Gatun Lake and Locks. Driving through the countryside I saw the familiar fertile landscape that is so characteristic of the region. Although I loved it, it did make me sad to see the amount of trash and litter left along the sides of the roads and highways, I could not help but think that my own country would not allow such pollution to occur. The lake is actually man made, and the islands that sprung from the water were simply hilltops that previously stood tall above the ground below. We rode along the coast of the lake and although I have yet to see a monkey, I did get a glimpse of three sloths hanging idly in the trees which I was really excited for.

In reflection, I really did find this time special. I may have taken it for granted slightly as a simple path that was guiding me to my destination, but I truly appreciate the memory in full. I thank the Panamanian people for their hospitality and can say that despite living in some of the more impoverished areas, the happiness that shines on the people’s faces are inspiring and uniquely memorable.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Spotted Frog in Costa Rica

Christopher Columbus proved that richness does not necessarily translate to consumer goods and monetary gains. He named the land “rich coast” upon an assumption that the fine gold and jade that the native people were wearing as proof of natural wealth, when in fact those materials came from outside the country’s borders. Oftentimes interpretation is completely dependent on personal perception and the willingness to explore beyond the given trail.

Zip Lining Costa Rica

For me, Costa Rica’s wealth is found in its beautiful abundance of vibrant colors. Although I traditionally do not categorize myself as an average tourist because of my passion for immersion, sometimes the cliche activities are necessary and turn out to be some of the most amazing adventures. In this case, I gained a new perspective of the canopy by zip lining through the treetops. While gearing up we could hear the famed howler monkey proclaiming his territory and even found two frogs that were radiating with color. One was as red as a burning flame and the other black and green speckled like the shadowed tropical grounds of its home.

I was excitedly anticipating zip lining as I heard that there is no better place than Costa Rica to do so. I know completely understand the truth in the statements. This particular course offered us twelve tree house type platforms to leap from, and we dove down 11 double cables. It took about an hour to complete the course. I was surprised by how safe I felt while falling down the lines and I actually had mid-air moments where I could take in the full view of the jungle around me. Although I didn’t spot any monkeys I felt in communion with my long tailed friends as I flew alongside their branches. I could not have asked for better views of the canopy from both above and within.

Local Catholic Church

Facts are given in mass quantities on tours. I learned that the country is mostly made up of my fellow Roman Catholics, but it was not until I stumbled upon a beautiful church did the meaning really settle in. The exterior was not impressive, geometric hard stone edges lacking any complementary accent. I slowly found my way in the dark sanctuary where stained glass windows let in rays of light through its mosaics from floor to ceiling. It was a hidden gem that I’d bet good money none of my fellow shipmates laid eyes on. It was in this quiet moment that I took the time to thank God for bringing me on the trip just before venturing out to file away a few more snapshots.

I weaved in and out of the streets and central marketplace admiring the graffiti-art type murals that covered the walls, and the bold bright paints that gave each new facade a different character. I feel in love with this withered turquoise house that I assumed reflected years of history beaten by tropical storms. I just stopped and sat there with a bright gold flower in the forefront of my view that radiated rustic elegance in a humble world. I people watched in the market, vendors selling local produce and families sitting along the sidewalks chatting. As I walked closer to the port, the main street had a featured art collection that was eerie and delicate at the same time. Looking up to the sky hung black and white dresses that seemed to be worn by ghosts who idly sat on high swings.

Costa Rica Street Art

I had a few more hours in Puerto Limon to experience the local grounds. I simply strolled around the small town taking in its atmosphere and culture. There was a great park with a huge pink and white gazebo in the middle, and palm trees lined every walkway. Each isle led to the ocean where relics of buildings stood along a rocky black beach. A group of young people were drumming freely on the sidewalk making soulful background music for passerby’s. One can judge a place well by its main streets. This is where people come together in a central familiar place, where celebrations are held and commerce commences. All of these are wonderful to see, but its in the side streets where one really feels the pulse of everyday life.

Looking at the town superficially, you could argue that the country is quite poor by its run down houses and scattered abandoned buildings. But the most memorable aspect of the country that I will hold in my mind is the pulsating colors that made these seemingly withered structures truly wealthy. I could feel the spirit of Costa Rica in every fiber as I finished the day with a beer on a local street corner listening to the beat of Puerto Limon’s young musicians cruise on by.

Santa Marta, Colombia

One of my favorite parts of traveling abroad is simply taking in the culture of the land. My trip to Colombia was an adventure that revolved around the country’s people. I have experienced various standards of living on a fair spectrum, from the shanties of the third world to the wealth and prosperity of some of the top nations, including my own. Santa Marta falls in the mid to low range, but has a unique beauty that any traveler can appreciate.

Homes and Train Tracks

We set off in the morning with the intent on visiting Tayrona National Park. Excitement brewed for a day of hiking and exploring in hopes to capture snapshots of the famed wildlife and scenic views. We drove past a substantial cluster of impoverished homes, some made of scrap metal and sheets, while others had worn down concrete walls. There were piles of trash along the road and men riding in carts pulled by donkeys for transit. A young man in a soccer shirt casually stood in the window of a home with a bicycle  a few feet over resting against the colorful deteriorating walls of a neighboring house. Some may feel sorrow looking at this sight but for me there was an odd beauty to it. Although this may be seemingly unlivable to most, I admire these people that continue to build their lives and raise their families among what some may call rubble.

We drove through the city to reach the highway to take us to the park, yet were halted and were refused to advance any further. The guide informed us that there was a protest in the city and that the road was blocked with people and police force brought in to manage the crowd. I never was able to uncover the reason for the conflict, but gathered a minimal explanation that the people living in the Colombian hills outside of the main city called upon the mayor for not addressing expressed concerns. The politics are much different, just as the lifestyle is from my own, but the experience and perspective is valued.

Colombian Dancer Performing

Reroute and adapt. We took an immersion lesson by driving into the heart of the city where out our windows we saw a somewhat familiar view of vendors of all kinds selling their goods on the streets. In a general sense of comparison it reminded me slightly of the border town of Tijuana, Mexico, mixed with the familiar Los Angeles fashion district. We passed by a soccer stadium with a large commemorative statue that clearly showed the passion that lives in the hearts of fans that follow the popular sport. We were able to make a quick stop in a commercial square where the Basilica Santa Marta stood proudly with its bright white facade nearly shining against the colors of the surrounding buildings. The interior was very traditional with white marble and carved statues standing tall which gave me a comfortable, peaceful feeling. Outside the architecture of a few structures seemed to be influenced by its European roots which gave the city a blended personality that nearly transported my memories back to my time in Spain.

We traveled on through the hills, down to a resort area that served as our consolation for missing the original excursion destination. The mountains seemed to be made of emeralds for as far as you could see and I found it particularly fascinating to see cacti spurting up from the ground. I never imagined I would find a plant that I have only seen in arid climates nestled in such a tropical setting. They covered the slopes for as far as the vista reached.

We spent the remainder of our time at the Irotama Hotel where we watched a folkloric show featuring traditional dancers and musicians.Whether it was fabricated or true to the country’s culture, the women’s costumes were bright and full, and the steps themselves were smooth and elegant. There were a few startled faces among the older onlookers when the women did hand stands as they straddled the guys who drummed on their buts, but of course I just sat back, laughed and enjoyed the show. Walking around the grounds, mom enjoyed the pool while I sat on a lounge chair noticing how unreal the experience turned out to be. I felt like I was being sheltered by a popular time share in our local Hawaiian Islands, not in an exotic land that I would most likely never return to again.

Walking in Colombian Waters

We took moments to walk along the beach and dipped our feet into the warm murky water of the coast. I was surprised by the zero percent clarity, with the small waves that crashed on the shore resembling thick mud crashing to the ground, and the freight ships that littered the horizon gave it a very serious demeanor. We weren’t permitted to explore past the hotel boundaries, but of course the rebel that I am, I had to try. I casually walked toward town, hoping that I could sneak past without any guards stopping me. It soon became clear that there was no passing the invisible line when I came face-to-face with a fully armed man equipped with what looked to be a pretty heavy duty gun that I would only know to compare to an AK-47. You didn’t need to know the native language to get the hint.

Driving back to the ship, the guide pointed out a few significant landmarks and spoke of the strong military presence that seemed to be a constant in the port city. Although it was a scenic drive through the hillsides, I couldn’t help but feel constricted in some way during the experience. Colombia has its own charm that is unique to its strong willed residents. This particular portion of the trip reminds me that plans may change, roads may be detoured by when you open your eyes, the benefits of adapting can serve as a powerful point of view.