Panama City

Yesterday we toured Panama City which doesn't have a harbour deep enough for the cruise ship to dock. We were anchored out in the bay and went to shore via tender (actually the life boats that are afixed to the ship). Our tour which lasted all morning took us through the historic city (just stone ruins of the original churches, etc.), the colonial city which looked like the French quarter in New Orleans with two and three story buildings with metal grillwork balconies, and the modern city with its skyscrapers and apartments. Also went through the part that was US military before Panama won its independence 1999. Very interesting. Spent the afternoon just enjoying the cool of the ship. Last night we ate at the Bayou Cafe --one of the special restaurants on the ship. The menu was New Orleans and so was the music. Today we are at sea. A small world story--yesterday we were on tour with a couple from Gratiot, WI. They originally said "Monroe" but then admitted where they really live. We frequently say that we live near Chicago --just saves a lot of time. Off to the library and a relaxing day at sea.