This day was most enjoyable…
And…educational.

The first effort to build the Canal was in 1880 by the French…
But due to lack of money they failed to complete “The Trench”.

After Panama became independent in 1903…
They negotiated with the USA …who did agree…

To built and finish the Canal by 1914…
And till 1999 manage it in between.

Then the full operation…
Was turned over to Panama by our Nation.

The Panama Canal serves as a maritime shortcut existence
Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans distance

They employ 10.000 people and operate 24 hours a day
To serve 14.000 ships a year that travel this way.

It is an engineering marvel that deserves a lot of praise…
For the time and money it saves.

They constantly maintain and upgrade…
To satisfy the ever increasing world maritime trade .

As we sailed under the American Bridge I had a clear recollection…
Of the time I sailed with Frans from Panama City in the opposite direction.