Pint Sized Perplexity - A Photo Essay

Despite its diminutive size –600 miles long by 100 miles wide— Panama packs a punch. Tropical beaches, mountain terrain, and dense jungle; the country ties it all together with a twist of culture and logic all its own.

'Light Up Your Christmas Tree'

Asserting One's Independence 
During the month of November, Panama celebrates two independence days: one from Spain and the other from Colombia.

'Southbound ?'

End of the Road – Yaviza, Darien, Panama

The infamous Darien Gap. The mighty Pan American Highway, stretching form Alaska all the way to the southern tip of Chile suffers a single break in its otherwise unbroken ribbon of black asphalt. Without warning, the highway abruptly ends in the eastern town of Yaviza – terminating at the Chucunaque River and leaving only jungle beyond. Roads do not resume until deep into Colombian territory. 

'More Miles to the Gallon'

License and Registration  

Putting it lightly, traffic laws are lax on the isthmus. Bicycle owners however are required to obtain a license plate to operate their pedal powered pushcarts in Panama.

'Something About an Albatross'

A Drop in the Bucket

In a single month this year, 39 inches of rain fell in the Caribbean Province of Bocas del Toro.

Panama is practically surrounded by water and yet, more than 50% of all Panamanians – close to 90% of all indigenous communities – lack access to clean, reliable drinking water.

Going, Going, Gone.....

Deep, Deep Right Field. 

While Yankee Stadium with its 'short porch' in right field can be considered a home run hitter's dream, the Bocas Town community baseball field could qualify for an air traffic controller's nightmare. Right field extends to become an international landing strip.