Day 2

We woke up at about 7:30am and took a shower with cold water, at least most of us. It was pouring rain all morning, but we went to the Panama Canal anyway. We were able to see the ships go through the canal and watched first hand how the lock system works. Then we went to see a short film on the past, present and future of the Panama Canal. Did you know that there will be another lock system completed within the next 7 to 8 years? We then went to the museum, which was 4 floors, all about the canal. Some of us bought a few things at the gift shop, like a guide book about the history of the Panama Canal and post cards.
By this time we were hungry so we went to Nicko's Cafe and ate really good desserts, coffee sandwiches and natural fruit juices. We took a ride to the three islands called the Amador Causeway (because the islands form a causeway) and stopped to watch the yachts and shop in a duty free (tax free) mini plaza.














After buying more souvenirs, we drove through an area of poverty, we saw the Mayor's house, the plaza major and the Panama cathedral. We saw the townspeople and their homemade beaded necklaces, bracelets, bags and pictures. Then by this time we were hungry again and were taken to the local mall, which is much nicer then you may think.

They amazingly had many modern stores like Calvin Klein, Levi's, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger. We ate huge steaks for less then 10 dollars, had gellato (ice cream), and one store had undergarments for 35 cents!!!!!! Then we stopped at Rey's Supermarket AGAIN because, of course as a group of mostly girls, we had more things to buy. We got home at 5pm and had a group meeting. Then we went back home and worked on our homework and assigned readings. We ended the night with a group of us trying to stay a little in shape while we are here and doing a few really cool 80's style workout videos. One student just observed and took blackmail pictures. She says pictures will come soon, but we will see.... We are still trying to put pictures up, but we will see!
*Sandy