International Mankini Challenge

Having left Colombia for Panama, the obvious choice for the debut of the International Mankini Challenge in Central America was The Panama Canal. I’m pretty sure if you asked anyone to name anything else of note in Panama they’d struggle (don’t get me wrong, it’s a very pretty country).

While this may have been an easy choice, it is not a easy location to Mankini. Consider the fact that the Panama Canal is the biggest industry in the country (and therefore has a large workforce to avoid) with 14,400 vessels having passed through it in 2008 alone. Also consider that there’s not a lot else to see or do in Panama City and so tourists gravitate towards this one sight (meaning it’s always busy). Finally, think about the fact that Panamanian culture prefers you to cover up rather than…umm…uncover (so avoiding security is key as this may test their sense of humour)?

So the strategy was simple, get to the Miraflores Lock before opening so as to be the first person up on the viewing platform thus ensuring I could get some clean shots (i.e. without others in the background) of the canal and the Mankini. This would also minimise the risk of offending anyone or running into any children (I always try and minimise the risk of kids seeing me doing this).

The results you can see for yourself. Success! Whilst they may not be the most picturesque in the gallery, they have achieved what they needed to. Proof I wore the Mankini at the Panama Canal. What they don’t show is the rush to get my clothes back on as a huge tour group emptied from the lift onto the viewing deck where we were, or the workmen who spotted us!

But then it wouldn’t be a challenge if it was easy though hey?

See the photos here