Panama City

November 9th Our ship was bunkered outside of the city overnight, not sure why as we had time to go ashore if the ship had docked that afternoon. Possibly the need to use tenders to go ashore was the reason. On this morning we hired a taxi to take us into the city. After Miriam negotiated the rate down to $20, we all agreed to have him give us the city tour for $25/person. He first took us through the barros where people live without paying rent, moving out when there are problems and into any other vacant apartment. Next stop was to see the church which had a beautiful gold laden altar. Henry Morgan the privateer looted Panama City in 1671 but was fooled by a priest who had painted over the altar with black paint. Morgan had heard about a gold altar but was convinced by the priest that this was not the place. We next stopped at the former residence of Noriega before he was deposed by an American invasion. Our driver dropped us off so we could tour an emerald shop and viewin the city square and a cathedral where a funeral was being held for a former president. Organized protestors were also demonstrated for more jobs near the current president's residence. Then we drove by the high rent district where hugh sky scaper are being built, doesn't seem like there is an economic slow down with hundreds of workers. Next was a drive through the canal zone where the Americans lived before turning the area over to the Columbians in 1999.