Michael Innis

11/27/2023 @ 6:55 AM over the Front RAnge

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The first time I went through the Canal was aboard Cloud 9. This time was much easier but quite enjoyable. Built in 1914, this interoceanic waterway uses a system of locks with two lanes that operates as water elevators and raises the ships 26 meters from sea level to the level of Gatun Lake. After crossing through the Continental Divide, it lowers the ships to sea level on the other side of the Isthmus. Large ships are guided through the locks by using electric cars called “Mules”.

Construction for the expansion of the Canal is evident everywhere and is slated for completion this year. The new Panama Canal locks will be 427 meters long and 55 meters wide, the size of four football fields. After reaching ocean level on the pacific side we sailed under the Bridge of the Americas and anchored in the bay near Fuerte Amador (Panama City)

 

We shared a taxi with another cruise couple. Our combined goals included sight seeing, and buying a Panama hat, Cuban cigars and colorful belts. Our Taxi driver, Antonio, explained that Panama City consists of two parts: Panama Viejo (Old Panama), founded in 1519, and one of the most important trade routes in the Americas; and modern day Panama City with its displays of architectural styles which reflect the cultural diversity of the country. He also mentioned that Panama Architecture serves as a repository for off-shore money because Panama has favorable banking laws.

Old Town was resplendent with historic buildings and elaborate churches. Statues honoring Simon Bolivar (the rooster) were omnipresent. We saw the square where the Spanish surrendered, the building where Noriega was captured by American troops, and a church with a gold-leafed alter and a pirate laden history.

We toured the modern city seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Theater. Finally we walked along La Bovedas – the sea wall of the Spanish Fort on the point of the peninsula which housed infamous dungeons, currently art galleries restaurants and artisan stalls.

Its was very hot and humid and after five hours of touring we gladly returned to the ship sporting new Panama hats.

We borded the MS Amsterdam the afternoon of January 5th and settled into our home for the next four months – a large stateroom with an ocean view. The Captain hosted a Bon Voyage Sailaway Fest to celebrate the beginning of the 2016 Grand World Voyage. The party included complimentary drinks, gourmet snacks and live music. The Lido Deck, where the swimming pool is located, was festooned with decorative flags.

Thus began three days of teaching duplicate bridge and directing games. The lessons include one hour of beginning bridge and one hour of intermediate to advanced bridge. There are 40-45 participants for the lectures and 15 tables of bridge each day. Quite a challange to setup and play 7-8 rounds in two hours time.