Palindrome City! It is easy to forget that there were many men (75000), many plans, and even more than one attempted canal. At least that's what I learned today from the Panama Canal Authority, the folks who maintain the famous waterway since the US handed it back to Panama in 1999. We also learned that they are developing a new system for reusing the water that fills the locks so that they can let bigger ships through and conserve more water. The field trip was a very nice change. We finally got to get out and see something other than the conference room and the TGIFriday in the hotel! A few of us went to a grocery store as well so that we could grab some food that we can prepare with the microwaves in the room. I am looking forward to eating less expensively, and to eat some actual local food (especially the fruit and cheese)!
The first two photos are from the "cultural event" from the first night we were here. They performed some traditional folklorico dances (Panama-style), and I was one of the people taken from the audience to participate as well! No photos, unfortunately. The second two are from the Miraflores Locks, where we had lunch and got to hear about the canal. They told us about the history as well as the new plans to make the canal available for more transport while making it more sustainable as well. I guess it remains to be seen how that will turn out. We also visited the offices of the United Nations Environment Programme, which gave me a potential lead for some research in Peru. I'll have to follow up and find out!
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