Matchstick Monkey chills while taking in the scene at the Canal entrance
What a French con! - somewhere near the start of the difficult Culebra Cut through the American cordillera the French started to run out of money to finance the build - so a rumour was “issued” that this hill [Gold Hill] contained much gold so new investors would be double rich ‘Gold' and ‘Canal' revenues for ever. The hill had no gold and the French public were conned into more investment! or so the story goes.
Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end of the Canal
Culture shock - new Panama CityOld city very elegant however many pretty tree planted squares with european style cafés - where we relaxed and calmed down after the drama of the Canal Transit.