The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of the must-see 7 wonders of the world, and if you are an avid history lover, then this is most definitely for you. The construction of the 50-mile canal of the Panama isthmus began in 1904 by the United States of America and was opened on 15 August 1914, when the oversight of the infamous canal was transferred from the United States to Panama in 1999. In 1994, the canal was recognized as the 7th wonder of the modern world by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This canal is used as a gateway for many, so much so that the canal hosted its 1millionth ship passing in September 2010.

The Canal has 3 locks which are the 3 chambered Gatun Locks, the one chambered Pedro Miguel Locks and the two-chambered Mira Flores Locks. Each of the locks is able to accommodate 2 transit lanes. The canal lifts ships 85 feet to the canal's main elevation and the drops it down and it takes the ships about eight to ten hours for a complete journey through the canal. At the canal, you have a first-hand opportunity to see the ships passing through which is so awesome to see.

     The Goethals: Statue for the 3 Locks of the Panama Canal (Gatun, Mira Flores and Pedro Miguel)
                                                         
To witness the sight of the ships coming through the canal is truly a wonderful sight as can be seen in this video below and if one ever has to opportunity to visit then I suggest that one seizes it, as it demonstrates the true craftsmanship of the many workers who would have slaved in order to make the canal possible. To see this process, on can go to this link to view it: Panama Canal Time Lapse

After watching all of the ships pass through, you can then visit the gift shop on the ground floor of the building to get little tokens to remember the day or for your loved ones. But if you and your friends want to be extra cool, then you can take a picture with a green screen and show it off which would look like this:

But ladies and gentlemen, that is all for now. So, until next time, keep cool, stay safe and be awesome!!!!