Forts & Locks

Mmmm buffet breakfast….don’t get used to this kids. It is the last one for a while!

Today it was time to leave the rainforest and see some of the countryside.

We happily shared the road with all sorts of interesting users – from Panama’s version of the Navy Seals to coulourful busses

First stop was Fuerte Santiago in Portobelo

Then a little wander around the town of Portobelo

Inglesia de San Felipe with its Cristo Negro

Fuerte San Jeronimo

Then back in the car to drive to the viewing center for the Gatun Locks. This was incredible! The viewing platform was feet away from the locks and we’d managed to time if perfectly (all timed of course – check out the name of the ship – “Spirit of Sydney”!).

Then we checked out the new lock that is building close by

Like there is a place for the boats to wait, so too there is a place for the kids to wait (for the parents)

Then we headed back to Albrook to our new hotel to be near the airport for our 6:30am departure (ouch!) in the morning.
A western dinner in the mall (where we saw a Gorilla and a Koala – who’d have expected that!).

A quick swim (of course – there is always time for a swim in this weather). Check out the amazing view from the roof!

and then off to bed – good night 🙂