Blog du Wren

Coast to Coast By Train

Sometimes, when traveling, there are things that cost more than you want to spend but something tells you to just go for it. The trans-isthmus Panama Canal Railway definitely fell into this category for me. Although the cost was about 10 times what a bus to travel the same route would have been, I riding on trains. So with the coaxing help of Ms. Della, we decided to do it....and boy was it awesome!

While the route doesn't exactly parallel the canal, as one might assume from the name, it goes through jungle, over swamp, and along the canal for a stint. We saw a crocodile(/alligator?), jumping fish, wild banana and other fruit trees, and some of the coolest terrain I've seen in a long time. We were constantly running from one side of the train to the other to take it all in.

And speaking of the train, it was gorgeous. With exotic wood paneling and dark stylish lighting in the passenger cars and a dome topped viewing/cafe car, it was meant to mimic the experience of riding the trains of yore, when train travel was more than just a means of transportation. Although a picture doesn't do it justice in the least, we . But despite the lavishness, Della and I mostly outside to take all the scenery in.

When train travel combines with awesome scenery and some wicked interesting history, it makes for something really remarkable, something that's worth the extra money. Finding gems like these is a big part of what travel is all about.

Wednesday November 20 2013

File under: travel, Panama

comment?

<<Tropical Waters Trifecta

Oops We Did It Again>>

Name:
URL: (optional)
Comment:
speak yer peace