All the colorful hangings across building tops in the streets? Here it is all hats!!

Learnt another interesting fact from a local – Panama hats are not from Panama. They are from Ecuador. In 1906, President Roosevelt had come to inspect the canal and wore a hat like this. That shot its popularity and the name “Panama hat”!

The old city of Panama from the 17th century. This was built after pirates destroyed the original Panama City (which is in ruins today). Very colonial Spanish structure. Reminded us of Old Town San Juan in Puerto Rico a lot.

Out of nowhere, there was a fallen tree on the road. Cars soon lined up and passengers came out to see what could be done. Do not know why, one guy had a machete in his car. He ran back, got it and started chopping off the bigger branches. In about ten minutes, we were on our way again!

Still do not know why he was carrying a machete in his car.

These are much smaller. This one hung on to the tree with two feet, grabbed my hand with two hands and kept eating the food from my palm till it finished it.

This one came on to our boat and took the banana straight from Sharmila’s hands.

This dude was chilling like he has nary a worry in the world!

Those containers are gigantic and one does not get a full understanding of the scale till one gets within twenty yards of them. Fortunately, they were cruising along at less than 10 knots (speed limit in Panama Canal). Otherwise the wake from their moving would easily have toppled us.

The pilot drove his boat like he had stolen it!!

Will take one those boats thru Panama Canal. Not exactly confidence arousing. I have seen those humongous ships in the Canal the other day!!