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Sep
21
How many years left for the 101-year-old Sixaola River Bridge?
Posted by Editor | September 21, 2009 | Categories: Uncategorized | Comments Off
The 101-year-old bridge that gaps the border of Costa Rica and Panama at Sixaola, Costa Rica and Changuinola, Panama is falling apart. This wooden floored bridge is such bad condition that only one truck can pass at a time. If two trucks are on the bridge at the same time, it is believed that the bridge will fall down.
The Panamanians come into Costa Rica to buy groceries, which they say are less expensive in Sixaola. The Costa Ricans go into Panama to buy clothing, shoes and appliances, which they say are less expensive in Changuinola. Many Costa Rican school children walk across the bridge daily to attend school in Panama. The Panamanians say their schools are better. Some Panamanian kids attend school in Costa Rica.
Tourists cross the bridge as part of the tourist track between Puerto Viejo and the Bocas del Toro islands in Panama. Tourists also generally remark how many things change as they cross the border. Business owners on both sides of the border wonder what will happen to their businesses if this critical tourist route were to close for an extended period.
Walking across the bridge is a lesson in faith… faith that the bridge will last until you walk back.
Everyone who works in the border zone wonders how much longer the decrepit structure will stand.
| Article and photos by Wendy Strebe. Wendy and Erich Strebe are the proprietors of Cashew Hill Jungle Cottages. Seven unique, one, two and three-bedroom, fully-equipped houses to choose from. More information at www.cashewhilllodge.co.cr |
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