Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Bullring that is now a shopping centre
Entering the park at the Museu Catalunya
Providing a nice solo sax tune at the Olympic Stadium
A night view of the Arenas de Barcelona
The invasion of the green Monk Parakeets. Originally from Argentina, they were brought to Spain as pets and started colonizing the city
A reflection of Cafe Del Mar from their overhead mirrors. This outdoor restaurant is located at the Maremagnum Shopping Centre at the Ferry Terminal
The use of balcony space
Office building across the street from our hotel. A combination of reflection and room occupation.
The Industrial Park located next door to our hotel – Hotel Catalunya (the tall grey/blue building)
A very busy Parc Guell
Waiting for the subway train at the Placa de Catalunya station
A school excursion to a live performance theatre
Huge bubbles at the Cathedral
Arc de Triomf at the top entrance of Parc de la Ciutadella
Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Catalunya
David Bowie and Salvador Dali…a suited combination
Shaded boulevard on Av. d’lcaria
A deserted beach
Looking back at our climb to Parc Guell
Barcelona, Spain (8) – Views from High Places
Montjuic Mountain ( Barcelona, Spain (4) – Castell de Montjuic ), Mount Tibidabo ( Barcelona, Spain (6) – Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor ) and in our hotel room were the three high points in which these photos were taken from. With a population of 1.6 million in a 100km square space, this city is huge and congested. With so many multi-family dwellings, it would be hard-pressed to find single family residences with front and back yards.
From Montjuic Mountain, located on the southeast corner of the city
We look towards the northwest point of the city and go clock-wise
Mount Tibidabo
The small green hill is Parc Guell
Barcelona, Spain (2) – Parc Guell
Sagrada Familia looms large
Barcelona, Spain (1) – La Sagrada Familia
World Trade Center and Ferry Terminal
Shipping yard to the east
From Mount Tibidabo, located on the northwest edge of the city.
The following photos are looking east. Montjuic from the previous photos is to the right.
Observatori Fabra
From our hotel, Hotel de Catalunya
Barcelona Sants, the main train station is conveniently located next to our hotel. The station provides services locally and regionally. We enjoyed watching the people coming and going, using the transport system as their daily routine.
Looking south towards Mount Montjuic, you can see the Tower at the Olympic Site
Barcelona, Spain (5) – Olympic Park
Night shot from our hotel room
Another night shot from our hotel room
Barcelona Sants at night still maintains its’ hustle and bustle
Barcelona, Spain (7) – Museu Nacional D’Art De Catalunya
Enroute from our hotel to the Olympic Site, we pass through an area that includes Font Magica de Montjuic, Placa de les Cascades and the Museu Nacional D’Art De Catalunya.
Font Magica de Montjuice (between the steps and the four pillars), Placa de les Cascades (located right behind the four pillars) and the Museu Nacional
Looking back at the entrance. Outdoor escalators makes the climb easy.
Placa de les Cascades located in front of Museu Nacional. The Olympic Park is located behind the museum.
Looking back from the top of the stairs in front of Museu Nacional. Our hotel the Hotel Torre Catalunya is the tall wide grey building on the left.
Heading around the back side of the museum
After watching the sunset at the Olympic Park, we make our way back to our hotel. In the distant, you can see Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor glowing on Mount Tibidabo.
One last look at the museum. The lights were an added bonus.
Barcelona, Spain (6) – Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
Located at the highest point on Mount Tibidabo, this church was viewable from our hotel room. Curious as to what it was, and as per our usual fascination with high places, we ventured to this area. Also known as the Temple of Tibidabo, this Catholic Church is dedicated to John Bosco. Work started in 1902 by Enric Sagnier and completed in 1961 by his son Josep Sagnier. The interesting aspect about this area was that it is also home to an amusement park, complete with a ferris wheel and roller coaster.
Interior photos are only of the lower level crypt.
The entrance to the lower level crypt. A stairway around the back of this takes you to the main chapel.
Heading back down to the village to catch the funicular, we discover the roller coaster that was not viewable from the church area
Barcelona, Spain (5) – Olympic Park
In 1992, Barcelona was host to the Summer Olympics. Built on Montjuic Mountain, it overlooks the city. The site was much smaller than what I was expecting. However, a very pleasant visit as we took the time to watch the sunset with the locals.
Olympic Stadium
Palau Sant Jordi held the indoor sporting events such as gymnastics and volleyball finals
Palau Sant Jordi (l) and the telecommunications tower (r)
Tennis Courts
Ball Diamond
…and there is the sunset
Fai Quan 