We are still wrapping up plans for our Africa trip in January, but it is never too early to start planning the next trip. Am I right?

I have long been interested in the history behind the Panama Canal. It is strange how much of it has to do with rich white men in the United States as well as slavery, of all things.

We always enjoy the who, what, where series so I will of course recommend this book to get you and the kids started.

What is the Panama Canal?

It wasn’t until recently, when I watched a video about how to cross the canal, that I realized what an insane feat it was to build it in the first place.

I mean, I knew how dangerous the work was and that mosquitos ended up killing so many people. I just hadn’t realized the architectural complexities, the physics behind it.

For our trip

One of the things we plan to do while in South America is to take a river boat cruise through the Amazon in Brazil. As a big fan of Disney’s Jungle Cruise, I can’t help but geek out over this idea a bit. Although, I know the real cruise will be considerably different than a Disney ride.

Still, I wondered if we might sneak in a ride through the Panama Canal. For the sake of the experience and as a learning opportunity. I know traditional cruise ships take that route, but I don’t want to sign up for a long cruise to somewhere unless it contributes to our mission to visit South America.

This is something I will continue to visit.

Have you been through the canal or are you planning a trip? I would love to hear about it!