The Prosaic Traveller

Panama City, Panama (3) – Parque Natural Metropolitano

We wanted to experience a natural setting of Central America without having to get involved in a tour group that would take us out of the city. Parque Natural Metropolitano was a great solution. Located on the northwest edge of the city, it is just over a kilometre from our hotel. We would normally walk to this destination but with temperatures hovering in the high 30s, we opted to take the bus. It was a good decision, the cool bus ride prepared us for the many hiking trails we walked. The longest trail took us to the summit where we captured nice views of the city.

The following pictures depicts the thick greenery that exists and gave us shade.

A suspended leaf

Narrow, natural pathways

Part of the trail consisted of a wide roadway

Tree Farm

At The Summit

Looking towards the eastern edge of the city

Moving clock-wise, just north of city central

City central, behind all those tall buildings is the Pacific Ocean (and our hotel)

Continuing clock-wise, looking south

Behind the white building in the center is Casco Viejo and to the right is the entrance to the Panama Canal. You can see all the ships that had passed through or waiting to go through

A comparison of the thick jungle and a modernized city

Tags: central america, metropolitan natural park, panama canal, panama city panama

Panama City, Panama (2) – Miraflores Visitor Center

Miraflores Visitor Center is filled with detailed information on the creation and development of the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks. Unfortunately, due to the lighting and glass covered displays, most of the photos would have contained too many unwanted reflections. Therefore, I refrained from taking any in these areas.

However, the top floor of the center had a wonderful exhibit on insects that can be found in Central America. With low lighting, I was able to capture close up views of this vast living kingdom.

Cicada Mania

The Rhinoceros Beetle are the among the largest in the world and can reach 15 cm (6 in) in length.

Green Katydid Bush Cricket

Topside of the Owl Butterfly

Underside of the Owl Butterfly

Tags: blue butterfly, central america bugs, central america insects, cicada, cricket, miraflores, miraflores locks, miraflores visitor center, owl butterfly, panama, panama canal, Panama City, rhinoceros beetle

Panama City, Panama (1) – The Canal and Miraflores Locks

The decision to visit Panama City was due to our childhood fascination of the Panama Canal. Naturally, it is the first post of our adventure in this Central American city.

Stretching about 80 KM in a north/south direction, Panama City sits on the Pacific side on the south. The Miraflores Locks is located about 15 kms north of the city by Camino de Cruces National Park. On planning this trip, it looked like the only way to get to the Locks was by Uber, Taxi or Tour Group. However, with Rod’s smart planning, we were able to use the public system ($1.60 return each) and got there with no issues.

I don’t know why, but I thought there would be a line-up of ships waiting to go through the locks. However, it was about a two hour wait before we were to witness the slow procedure. Good thing there was an excellent museum and restaurant that allowed us to pass the time in comfort and out of the +35C degree heat.

Looking to the north

Looking at the center of the Locks. You can see the different heights of the water.

Looking south. Panama City is located to the left of this photo.

Eastern coastline. The Locks are located to the left of this photo.

A huge neo-Panamax ship passes through a third wider lock. This expanded canal was created to allow transit of larger ships that carry more cargo.

We finally get to see the procedure of a ship passing through.

You’ll notice the change in water level from the previous photo.

The captain does not navigate through this. It was run by two railed vehicles on both sides. You can see the tethered ropes guiding it through.

The precious cargo

Heading south. Who knows where the destination would be.

It was about 30 minutes from the first photo to the last photo

Tags: canal ships, miraflores, miraflores locks, panama, panama canal, Panama City, ships

Alberta/Saskatchewan Canada (1) – Highway 16, the Yellowhead

Road conditions on our recent return from Edmonton was fraught with icy patches brought on by thick fog. Looking at the landscape, you see all the frost clinging onto trees and whatever they can cling onto.

The photos starts off outside of Edmonton, Albert and ends outside of Saskatoon, Sask. I had taken these with my iPhone since my trusty Nikon was tucked inside a camera bag inside a gym bag located at the very back of the car.

Tags: Alberta, edmonton, frost, frosty trees, grain bins, refinery, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, tanker cars, train sign, yellowhead highway

Saskatoon, SK Canada (11) – The Halloween Pumpkin Patch

On November 1st, the public is invited to bring their carved pumpkins to Rotary Park to be part of a wonderful evening display. I was amazed at some of the intricate carvings that were created. It was gorgeous night and the event was appreciated by all. Kudos to the Nutana Community Association for their efforts.

Tags: carved pumpkin, halloween, halloween pumpkin, nutana association, pumpkin, rotary park, Saskatoon

Madrid, Spain (8) – Parc de Retiro

Because the return flights from the same destination are less expensive, we arrived and departed from Madrid. I felt it fitting that the Parc de Retiro be my last post of our Spain Adventure. The park is located just behind our hotel and it was the first thing we visited when we arrived and the last thing we visited when we departed.

This huge 125 hectares park has more than 15,000 trees with the Bald Cypress, one of the oldest trees at around 400 years old. A favourite for locals to participate in sports, especially running and soccer. The park is also home to architectural beauties such as Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velazquez which are currently used for exhibitions.

Our first visit

After we had our jet lag snooze, we arrived at the Park when the sun was setting. It was a short visit but enough to keep ourselves awake to get in sync with Madrid time.

On the south edge of the park, this pedway runs width-wise from one side of the park to the other. Due to the small rise in this stretch, we found many runners making use of this challenge. Our hotel is located just to the left of the bottom of the path.

Being February, the leafless trees still looked beautiful

Fuente del Angel Caido

The Sports area includes soccer field, tennis courts and basket ball courts

Our last visit

We start at the northwest corner of the park and wander through to the south end

The entrance at Calle de Alcala

Palacio de Velazquez

Estanque Grande del Retiro

We join the locals to watch the setting sun

Monument Alfonso XII

Palacio de Cristal

Heading back to our hotel to pack for home

Good-bye Madrid. Good-bye Spain.

Tags: bald cypress, Madrid, madrid park, madrid sunset, monument alfonso XII, palace of velazquez, parc de retiro, soccer, Spain

Barcelona, Spain (9) – Compilation

My last post of Barcelona is a compilation of photos that did not fit in any of my Barcelona posts. They depict various sights during our four day visit.