2014 marks the 100th year anniversary of the Panama Canal. Known as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal is 80 km long stretching through the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It took more than 75,000 workers over ten years to complete. Finally, on August 15th, 1914, the SS Ancon officially inaugurated the Panama Canal.
Currently around 14,000 vessels pass through the canal each year and since it opened over 1 million ships have made the journey through the canal.
Ships passing through pay according to their weight. The average fee is around US$30,000. The most expensive ship to pass through was the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship, which paid US$ 376,000 in 2010. This fee has since been surpassed. The cheapest fare was US$0.36 paid by Rich Halliburton in 1928 when he swam through the canal!
Panama took over full operation, administration and maintenance of the canal on December 31st 1999 and they are currently working on a US$5.25 billion expansion project.
You can visit the Miraflores Locks visitor’s centre (admission $15) which has a four-story museum, viewing platforms and a movie theatre showing a 3-D movie about the locks.
A few of the gorgeous temples and shrines found in Kyoto, Japan
Recently I spent a week at Smuggler’s Cove in St. Lucia where my best friend got married. After performing my maid of honour duties, I got a chance to see some of what this beautiful island has to offer. From sailing and snorkelling to shopping and sulphur spring mud baths- this island has something for everyone!
On September 11, 2006, I found myself in NYC standing at ground zero on a grey, gloomy day, listening to memories of survivors and those who had lost loved ones. An emotion filled day I will never forget.
Exploring the stunning architecture of Belem, Portugal. From the incredibly ornate detailing found throughout the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Padrao dos Descobrimentos– the Monument of the Discoveries built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, to the Moorish influence found in the Torre to Belem, Belem is definitely worth a visit. After a long day of exploring the areas historical buildings, be sure to stop at Pasteis de Belem for one of their famous Portuguese tarts!
Exploring Cascais, Portugal, a beautiful beach resort area of gorgeous old mansions and former fishermen’s houses surrounding a bay covered with sandy beaches.
Tales of a Travel Addict 
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