So I had to turn in a headshot of my self for my Berlin trip...... The only problem was that I had no photos of just me and my head. Well, I did have a few but I had sunglasses on in ALL of THEM! So I figured this would be a great time to get the tripod out and take some self portraits. Here are a few, in front of the Christmas Tree. Jake and Gizmo steeped in for a few pics at the end!

While in Panama we could not get away with missing the Panama Canal. So after a wonderful time in Porto Bello we made our way to the Gatun Locks. When we first got there all I could think about was that I had to go to the bathroom, so I took off running. Once I had finished my business, and my panic had subsided I began to take in the Lock's.

We all read about the Canal De' Panama in grade school, and the politics that followed. It was very amazing to be there, what once seemed like a world away was right in front of me. During our visit I used my wide angel lens, due to the massive size of the Gatun Locks. I feel like I did the best I could with this industrial image and loads of tourist around.

And here we are the all so famous Panama Canal!!!! I feel special no that I can say I have been to the Panama Canal.

The Panama flag.

It is crazy to think that boats from all over the world pass threw these locks.

I love the colors in this photo over all this place was very dark other than the boats that passed threw.

I like how you can see the clouds threw the sun reflector, this is taken from a place over looking the locks.

This is the track system used to guide the boats threw so they do not hit the walls

Jake watching a boat leaving, after its amazing pass threw the locks. It is unreal how these huge boats pass threw what seems to be a small space , just inches from touching the sides. They are planning to make a new locks system down the road. It will be over 3 times as big as the largest boat ever! Talk about planning for the future. This very lock was once be wider than the largest boat, but not any more. As time went by boats grew in to this original lock of the Panama canal. Now it is time to expand even more, and they are not going to miss out on the opportunity to think of the future. The sad part is that mother nature will take a hit from this new lock

We got to see two boats pass threw the locks this was one of them. Of course what else would it be?

Men on one of the boats passing threw, watching us watch them.

The Muslim mosque right next to the segregated Arabs, and Jewish communities. This was very strange, being from America this kind of thing is illegal to do.

Grave Yard :)

Over all we LOVED Panama and would go back anytime, so far I have been to seven countries and I am still in my twenties. Next Stop BERLIN, Germany for a summer grad school photo story program. Then the Hubby and I are off to Peru to hike the Inca Trail! Can't wait to go! I LIVE for traveling the world. Nothing better then unfamiliar cultures, and places along with documenting the experiences.

This is the first of two Panama blogs. Porto Bello was by far my favorite stop on the trip, bright colors, smiling children, amazing views, and beautiful historical buildings. We were able to go see the town of Porto Bello, and the all so famous, Black Jesus, in their local church. Then we were able to go see the pirate fort, along with it's amazing sea side view. I wish I had more time to stay and photograph this place but maybe someday I will make it back. I was also able to get a lot more people photos in Panama. I love to be able to photograph people of different cultures in their own elements capturing a moment of their lives forever.

Me enjoying some H2O in town... this was the first night before my H1N1 kicked in... the start of my fever, hence my shinny glow. As some of you might not know my last 3 days on this trip were spent with the flu and the toilet... ugh

Hello from PANAMA!

Everyone waiting for the bus to come.

Puppy!

Schools out!

This boy had a pet Monkey... it was cute, but I did not touch it.

Lazy dog, and an elderly lady trying t stay out of the hot Panama sun.

This little girl was very cute, and was very interested in us. My large camera can make me stick out even more than my blond hair.

Boy watching all us strange people walking around his small sea side town.

Little girl fast asleep while her mom worked their small souvenir stand.

Our guide with the pet monkey!

It seems like there is a park like this one in the center of almost all the towns.

The kids got out of school during our visit.

The church in the background is where the very well know Black Jesus statue lives.

Part of the old pirate fort in town

All the benches in their park had tile art on them, very cool. Everywhere we went was full of color, I was in photography heaven.

The old school confessional, very cool.

There he is, the famous Black Jesus statue! This was avery beautiful church full of history.

This is my favorite photo from the entire trip, all the colors and candle light glow! So amazing, religion has created some of the most beautiful moments around the world.

The church was open to the elements.

Taking a break to read the paper.

Just " hanging around" in Panama.

It was National month, this means everyone is to show their Panama pride. Therefor everywhere we went the Panama flag and colors were displayed loud and proud.

Almost every house had bird cages hanging out side.

You can find beauty in everything, as long as you take the time to look.

A park right in the center of the city.

Downtown by the Panama port.

I hope you enjoyed these photos, because I know I enjoyed taking them!

Thanks,

LHM!