UP TO THE CANAL LOCKS
Tried Uber again and this time it worked. $1.59 took us over to the Albrook mall to catch the Hop on-Hop Off bus at 10:15. We got there early (after a wonderful breakfast of french toast, eggs w/cheese and a fruit smoothie!!) to check out the metro Billy told us about to see if we could get there by train to the airport tomorrow. No luck!! Betty was getting a water when I spotted the Big Bus outside the door. I grabbed my bag and dashed out but the bus took off! NOT even 10 second stop!! I was so ...... off!!!! There was a guy/guard at the door whom we had ASKED about what time the bus would be by so he KNEW we were waiting! He was absolutely NO help!! After a $10 taxi ride up to the locks (first stop by this bus) I was able to calm down!!! and BREATHE!!!
The museum (4 levels) explaining about the French attempt and then the US succeeding in building this "one of the 7 wonders of the modern world." - an amazing engineering feat through this pretty hostile jungle environment. This whole museum overlooked two rows of locks. Small train-like vehicles were running up and down on either side of the locks. Later we saw them tow a huge freighter through; watched them lower the water and come out the other end. This Miraflores Locks has been expanded in 2016 to accommodate the huge container ships.
Finally we caught up with the Hop On bus to take us down to the Casco Viejo, the old historical area of Panama. This did not have all the high rises we saw in the distance in downtown new Panama City. We decided to stay around this area and take a taxi back to Greg's when we stumbled across a wedding occurring in an hour, a 4 pm on a Friday evening. The church, Our Lady of Mercy, was beautifully decorated with white bouquets near the altar and alternating pews. We didn't know if we'd get in or not but hoped to kind of disappear into the back and watch.
The huge Cathedral was down the street so after a visit there, and a stop at a gelato shop for me (only pistachio and strawberry available but I made do!), we snuck into the church. Couples dressed mostly in long formal beautiful gowns were coming in. Everyone came in the side doors in the back until the bride appeared with her father; then they opened the large main doors! I teared up as they came down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D, the same as Kerry had done 12 years ago! The bride was gorgeous in a long strapless (but with sheer sleeves barely visible) and long veil/train off the back of her head.
It was a very simple ceremony; everyone clapped when they were pronounced. It was then followed by a quick Mass. Ave Maria (also at Kerry's wedding!) was one of the music choices. There were a few other tourists viewing in the back by the time the wedding ended. It was all very festive and delightful! They walked across the street to the reception.
A burger place was down the street for dinner, with a Corona for Betty and Caipirenea (a Brazilian lime drink I favor when in Puerto Morelos!) readied us for the taxi ride home. Only $5 including the tip (my cell phone was dead; couldn't try Uber) probably was comparable to what they would have charged. We were happy to be home!
Justin, Betty's cousin where we're headed tomorrow, emailed her that they had felt a slight earthquake that occurred up in the Andes in Manta. Someone else also warned me that when they had flown to Quito, if it's cloudy, they won't land. They had had to return to Panama! Fingers crossed!
BTW, Greg has these neat water mugs with GLASS straws. I just knocked my water on the floor and it! Grrr! He said he ordered them on the internet; great reusable item; except when they break!!
Tried Uber again and this time it worked. $1.59 took us over to the Albrook mall to catch the Hop on-Hop Off bus at 10:15. We got there early (after a wonderful breakfast of french toast, eggs w/cheese and a fruit smoothie!!) to check out the metro Billy told us about to see if we could get there by train to the airport tomorrow. No luck!! Betty was getting a water when I spotted the Big Bus outside the door. I grabbed my bag and dashed out but the bus took off! NOT even 10 second stop!! I was so ...... off!!!! There was a guy/guard at the door whom we had ASKED about what time the bus would be by so he KNEW we were waiting! He was absolutely NO help!! After a $10 taxi ride up to the locks (first stop by this bus) I was able to calm down!!! and BREATHE!!!
The museum (4 levels) explaining about the French attempt and then the US succeeding in building this "one of the 7 wonders of the modern world." - an amazing engineering feat through this pretty hostile jungle environment. This whole museum overlooked two rows of locks. Small train-like vehicles were running up and down on either side of the locks. Later we saw them tow a huge freighter through; watched them lower the water and come out the other end. This Miraflores Locks has been expanded in 2016 to accommodate the huge container ships.
Finally we caught up with the Hop On bus to take us down to the Casco Viejo, the old historical area of Panama. This did not have all the high rises we saw in the distance in downtown new Panama City. We decided to stay around this area and take a taxi back to Greg's when we stumbled across a wedding occurring in an hour, a 4 pm on a Friday evening. The church, Our Lady of Mercy, was beautifully decorated with white bouquets near the altar and alternating pews. We didn't know if we'd get in or not but hoped to kind of disappear into the back and watch.
The huge Cathedral was down the street so after a visit there, and a stop at a gelato shop for me (only pistachio and strawberry available but I made do!), we snuck into the church. Couples dressed mostly in long formal beautiful gowns were coming in. Everyone came in the side doors in the back until the bride appeared with her father; then they opened the large main doors! I teared up as they came down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D, the same as Kerry had done 12 years ago! The bride was gorgeous in a long strapless (but with sheer sleeves barely visible) and long veil/train off the back of her head.
It was a very simple ceremony; everyone clapped when they were pronounced. It was then followed by a quick Mass. Ave Maria (also at Kerry's wedding!) was one of the music choices. There were a few other tourists viewing in the back by the time the wedding ended. It was all very festive and delightful! They walked across the street to the reception.
A burger place was down the street for dinner, with a Corona for Betty and Caipirenea (a Brazilian lime drink I favor when in Puerto Morelos!) readied us for the taxi ride home. Only $5 including the tip (my cell phone was dead; couldn't try Uber) probably was comparable to what they would have charged. We were happy to be home!
Justin, Betty's cousin where we're headed tomorrow, emailed her that they had felt a slight earthquake that occurred up in the Andes in Manta. Someone else also warned me that when they had flown to Quito, if it's cloudy, they won't land. They had had to return to Panama! Fingers crossed!
BTW, Greg has these neat water mugs with GLASS straws. I just knocked my water on the floor and it! Grrr! He said he ordered them on the internet; great reusable item; except when they break!!
Rachel had the same wedding march music!!!!! Have fun! Stay sfe Margaret
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