The Isthmus of Darién, the center of modern day Panama, is a geographical sliding door. What is vital about its location is obvious in the development of the Panama Canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the connection of the North and South American continents within Central America. Three million years ago a geographical formation created the Isthmus, separating the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from each other, but by the narrowest of lengths. For maritime purposes, the Panama Canal being completed in 1914 meant, symbolically, the reconnection of mighty waters, but perhaps even more significant was the conquest of man over nature. This was a man-made creation that determined how, who, and what could be closed…