To Panama and back : $b The record of an experience

"To Panama and Back: The Record of an Experience" by Henry T. Byford is a memoir that recounts Byford's voyage to Panama in the early 1900s, primarily to attend the Pan-American Medical Congress as a physician. The narrative kicks off by highlighting how he planned his adventure with very little accurate information, since guidebooks were scarce. As he journeys from Chicago to New Orleans before setting sail, Byford entertains readers with amusing and culturally significant moments encountered on his way to Panama, reflecting on the differences between the North and South, particularly in food and hospitality, and offering witty commentary on the interesting people he meets. The story begins with the spirit of excitement, viewed with a critical assessment of societal norms and showcasing a peek into the vibrant experience of travel in the early 20th century.