Jodi - I grew up in Panama, on the Atlantic side. We came back when I was 18 and to this day I still miss the place. As you are exiting the Gatun Locks, up on the hill is a lighthouse. We lived in the house sitting in front of that lighthouse... if either are still there, I would love it if you could take a picture.

Good Morning everyone., thanks for replying. gneegirl, it wasn't spring where I was, the temps were 85 to 96 and the highest humidity I remember was 91. I doubt I would have gone if I had known the temps there. I'm glad I didn't know, it was a wonderful trip. I will post more pictures when I get them edited. I hang my favorite travel photos so I can see them everyday and remember where I've been. I put the pins on my world map yesterday, I thought I had gone to 6 new countries, but it was 8.

I've had several and its nothing to fear. There's some discomfort during the numbing process with the needle, but after it takes effect, you don't feel any pain. It is a 2 step process. For the first session, the root of the tooth is cleaned out and a temporary plug installed. An impression may be taken if a restorative crown is needed. The dentist sent me home with a prescription for a narcotic pain killer in case I needed it. However, in my case, the area stayed numb for a couple of hours and after that, I did not need any more pain management. In a week or two after the dentist is sure there is no infection in the tooth, he'll remove part of the temporary plug and install the permanent filling. If a crown is to be fitted, he may install a post on which to secure the crown. In many cases, the second session can be done without numbing since there will be no nerves in the tooth. The cost varies considerable depending on what is needed. The lowest cost is for a simple root canal and no work on the tooth, The next level up is if a crown has to be installed and the metal chosen for it (gold alloy is the most expensive). The 3rd cost level is when a ceramic crown (with post) is installed. I recently had this type since the entire top of my tooth broke off at the gum line. I mentioned that it was a 2 step process, but it can be more if the bone socket is infected around the tooth. The dentist will take measures to insure the infection is cleared up before proceeding (after the first step). This can take 2 to 3 weeks and the tooth is opened each time, inspected, and packed with medicine until the infection is gone.

Thanks for your travelogue, it'[s one thing to read description from a travel agency and from somebody who is a traveler. I really enjoyed it and look forward to your fall cruise. In the meantime, please visit here once in a while, we get lonely here.