Check in from Panama

[nyeti]

I made it in tact, in spite of the retards working airport security. I only got into a couple of huge blow-outs with these idiots (command of the English language seems to be a forgotten art at the airport), on top of sheer incompetance with their equipment. Panama has literally been destroyed since the Americans left the Canal Zone. What was once a beautiful, impecibly kept, example of the American spirit and American know how, has been turned into a third world country in record time. I have had an interesting trip so far. I have been to slums that rival anywhere in the third world, to homes that are like world class resorts. I have taken a bunch of knife photos for my next magazine article. I didn't get my Strider AL in time for the trip, so I am carrying my DB with me instead. I have a Talonite SLCC concealed in my GPS case that has made me feel far more comfortable in some of the places my relatives have been taking me. A special Emerson Commander is doing EDC folder duty. I am staying with relatives who live here, so we are often taking "short cuts" and alternative routes to places that the tourists would never see. I'll be headed out to some jungle areas tomorrow, so the MT-L will get the nod tomorrow. It is truely a strange and amazing country. My mother was born and raised in the Canal Zone, and the reason I am here is unfortunately to bring her remains "home". For any members who were in the military down here, or were trained here, you would not believe what has happened to the bases. All the property has been sold off, and it is weird seeing formally immaculate Air Force hangers turned into filthy auto shops. Once manicured lawned Administration buildings are now dilapitated buildings housing technical schools. Many have roofs that just caved in after fires, and are just left to crumble. The Canal itself seems to be barely functioning. The rumors of the Chinese trying to rest control of this place are true. They have developed huge port operations on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides. On a good note, much of the jungle landscape is gorgeous. Beautiful birds and plants abound, and there are many really cool "critters". I have been eating great local cuisine as well. I probably won't be back on-line till I return to the United States, so I'll check back in upon my return.

 

[tom mayo]

Went there when I was a kid....there were a lot of slums back then, but you are right, the US military took good care of their sites... Very interesting place....I think Mick was down there for a short while.......thanks for the report

 

[Lewis]

I was there for 2 weeks in 1996 on an Army Nat. Guard deployment and really enjoyed the country. There was feeling then when the US left, things would go downhill quick. Sorry to see that it happened.