Onward Peregrinos

315 pages, illustrated

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A fascinating and memorable way to learn about a unique time and place in history. The Panama Canal Zone as the Americans who lived there knew it, will never be the same.

Delight in adventure, romance, and humor, while gaining new insights into this tropical land. Learn what made Americans go there, why they stayed and what they did after leaving.

A brief glimpse into Chapter Three follows....

As the ship traversed the Panama Canal days later, Glover pointed out the marvels of the locks to Maria. "A man would have plenty of opportunities for work here," he said with feeling.

They honeymooned for a few days in the Carribean before taking another boat to Key West. Glover, anticipation on his face, hurried Maria up to the top deck and scanned the horizon for his first glimpse of the United States. Suddenly he gestured, "There! You see land? That is the United States, my home." He turned to her, "Our home." She was happy to see him so joyous, and wondered why he had ever left his country when he obviously loved it so much.

They left the boat and took a taxi to the train station. The train sped northwards towards Jacksonville, Florida and the weather turned colder. Maria shivered a little in the cold compartment and said, "I wish I had brought my mountain clothes."

"As soon as we arrive in Jacksonville I'll buy you a new winter coat," he assured her. Their sleeping compartment had bunk beds, but that night Glover slept with her, "To keep my baby warm," he said.

At seven the next morning they went to the dining car for breakfast. Maria was wearing her only sweater. "Hace frio en Florida en Noviembre," she said, wrapping her sweater around her shoulders.

"Yes, it's cold," he answered, surprised at how well they were communicating without knowing each other's language. He knew frio meant cold, and many words like Noviembre sounded the same.

Reviews from readers

"A Pilgrims Progress of one family caught in two cultures"

"To say that you touched my heart strings would be an insufficient expression! The writing style was excellent, and the story told even better"

"I have finished reading Myrna's book and enjoyed it totally; in fact I found it inspirational. It is a graphic portrayal of the indomitable spirit of two beautiful women."

"It is hard to believe that one woman could be so brave and adventurous and accomplish so much in one lifetime, but I have a hunch that most, if not all, of Niza's adventures in the book were true."

"The historical aspects of Onward Peregrinos makes Myrna Ericksen's book a worthwhile addition to the libraries of even non-zonies. Read it!!"

"It is a wonderful legacy. You have described the customs of South and Central American so well that I think it would make great required reading for a geography/social studies curriculum."