SATA's Panama Fam Trip (May 2008)

By Laurelee Graham, Alluring Americas

What an interesting country. As you can imagine, their history is intimately tied to ours, with the Panama Canal being such a huge part of their history and economic development.

Located on the Isthmus of Panama between Colombia and Costa Rica, this is a great alternative for those a bit weary of traveling outside the US or for first timers. The paper currency is US Dollars, and the coin Panamanian Balboas. We took an abbreviated 3 night four day voyage that is normally 8 days 7 nights in length.

Panama separated from Columbia in 1903 and the canal started construction shortly thereafter by the French. After a few years and much political intrigue, the US took over and finished the Canal and oversaw its operation from the opening of the Canal in 1915 until 1999, when the US turned the Canal over to the Panamanian Government. Panama is one of the only places in the world where ex president Jimmy Carter, nice as he is, is hailed as a National Hero. He signed the treaties for the 20 year turnover of the Canal over to the Panamanian government.

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