Panama City!  Lot’s of high rise buildings! This is the view from out of my hotel room window. They call it the Central American Dubai. Yesterday we all took a bus to watch the JOIDES Resolution come through the Panama Canal from the Atlantic Ocean.  What an incredible engineering feat!

Finally cast off as the Panamanian officials allowed our departure.  On our way to the first drilling position, and everyone poured out onto the deck to watch our progression as we head for open water.  Many meetings today as everyone is sorting out their roles on the ship.  Good food! (At least so far, while we still have fresh fruit and salad).

Everyone has 12-hour shifts, and you are on opposite shifts from your roommate.  My shift is 6 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week.  My roommate is 6 pm to 6 am.  Many scientists and technicians have noon to midnight or midnight to noon.

See you on the water!