The first ship passed through the Panama Canal in 1914, the USA transferred ownership to the Panamanians in 1999. Today the canal is being widened to accomodate larger ships on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the canal. The wider locks are set to be completed by 2014, appropriately the century mark after the canal opened. Miraflores locks on the Pacific side is located about 25 minutes outside of Panama City. This viewing platform and … [Read more...]
Old Florida charm in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach in the Florida panhandle is one of those places that remind you of a combination of other places, a blend of kitschy charm found in Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City and Key West. It’s a place unto its own, though, and one where you’ll soon find, by dialect and design, a place apart from what you might usually think of as the Sunshine State. South Florida, more a mindset than geographical location, is arguably from the middle of … [Read more...]
Moon Panama
Moon Panama by William Friar This detailed guidebook to Panama includes sights, activities, hotels, restaurants and much more. Invariably when one thinks of Panama two words come to mind, "Panama Canal". However there is much more to see and do in this small but rich Central American country. There are several well thought out itineraries available in the beginning of the book which are cataloged by length of stay and various interests. Did … [Read more...]
Bridge of Life
This "bio" museum (Bridge of Life) at the time of our visit was under construction; it is located on the Amador Causeway (made from rocks excavated from the Panama Canal) that connects the island region of Amador to the mainland (about 20-25 minutes from Panama City. We drove past this museum a number of times during our stay here. The museum is the only Frank Gehry designed building in Latin America. It opened in late 2012. At the time of … [Read more...]
Chillin’ in Panama
Arrived in Panama (my last North American country to visit) after a very quick break between the Egypt trip- looks like the main city is booming - cranes and towering skyscrapers (some in progress) are lined up all along the shoreline. We are staying in an upscale International chain hotel but with a twist. There is large color photo that spans the length of the wall of semi nude women. Ummm yea. Panama has their own currency, the Balboa - but … [Read more...]
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Beach Hotel Set to Open, Pensacola Beach
"IT'S NOT JUST A HOTEL, IT'S A STATE OF MIND." FINS UP PENSACOLA JIMMY BUFFETT'S NEW MARGARITAVILLE BEACH HOTEL SET TO OPEN THIS SUMMER IN PENSACOLA BEACH, FL. (MAY 2010) - Pensacola Beach, FL. - Margaritaville and Little Sabine, Inc. are pleased to announce the world's first Margaritaville Beach Hotel opening this summer on the pristine white sands of Pensacola Beach, Florida. As President of Little Sabine, Inc., Marilyn Hess was … [Read more...]