Wednesday 13 August 2008

Panama City, Panama

Home of the Panama Canal and a popular 'flag of convenience', Panama once housed Col. Manuel Noriega, the shah of Iran and guests of 'Survivor: Pearl Islands.' What a legacy. The city is an interesting mix of classic colonial architecture and modern, gleaming skyscrappers.

The country is small but the history fascinating. After decades of unrest, Jimmy Carter authorized the return of the US Canal Zone in 1999. Meanwhile, the goofball Noriega took power, declaring war on the US in 1989, and prompting a swift US invasion. He is still in the clinker in Florida.