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PANAMA
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA CANAL AND THE WAY TO SAN BLAS ISLANDS (Jan 2007)   photos

Panama´s history has always been shaped by it´s strategic position.  It enjoys high standards of living and is, unfortunately, as expensive as Costa Rica.
I was excited about 2 places in Panama - San Blas islands and The Darien Gap.  Both places are inhabited by Kuna people.  Darien Gap is a mountainous region covered by thick jungle between Panama and Colombia.  All roads end there, and I was tempted to cross on foot.  However, after considering all dangers and costs I decided to get to Colombia by boat.  I just got scared, I admit.

Panama City

It´s very modern and it reminded me of New York skyline, especially looking at it across the bay.  The main attraction in the area is the Panama Canal.  I was impressed by the size of the locks and the ships going through it.  I was stuck in the city waiting for Colombian visa, and it was not easy to get it.  They require a ticket in and also out of the country!  Fortunately I printed one form Expedia before paying and they didn´t notice.  So I´m getting ready to cross into Colombia by boat, and a new chapter will start when I get to the next continent.