Before heading to Nicaragua and after a nice surf session under tropical rain, I did a bit of tourism and loved it!
The canal is just incredible to watch in operation (check out the video)
The city is as modern as it gets, until you get to the ghettos or the old town: huge contrasts
As usual, here is the movie:
Check out the live webcam of the canal here Canal live cameras
Facts & figures:
20,000 French workers & 6000 Americans died building the canal, from yellow fever mainly
14000 ships per year on average go through the canal, 4% of world trade
Works 24/7
Average toll is USD54,000 and depends on the type of vessel, size and type of cargo carried
Only under Panama’s control since 2000, previously owned by Colombia, then France, then the US
Started building in 1881 by the French, completed in 1914 by the US,
82km long, between Atlantic & Pacific oceans
The original gates are 790 tonnes each and are still in use today after 99 years
The French effort went bankrupt and abandoned in 1890
The canal shortened a ships voyage by 20,900kms, avoiding ships traveling around South America
Far out, how good are your movie skills getting!!
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Hi Ben, I am following your adventures in amazement. It is just fantastic and I am enjoying it immensely. Bets regards, Mark Lennox
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Thanks Mark! I hope all is well in Melbourne. Cheers
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The Sun is shinning for the first time in ages. Always good sign. Enjoy you day…regards Mark
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great shots bro.
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Merci ma poule! Tu restes combien de temps au Brazil?
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You’ll be at Cannes soon, loving your vids Ben!
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digne d’un reportage pour Thalassa! ( te souviens tu au moins de cette émission?)
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