Well - I can see the mistake I made here. Because of slightly mad flight arrangements, I'm only in Panama City for a night. And I already love it.

Excellent colonial architecture in Casco Viejo, plenty of eating and drinking options, social problems and on-street religious processions with requisite drums, trumpets and relics.

However, I've already wandered into an 'interesting' area that I really shouldn't have been in, but my how those speakeasies look inviting.

On the colonial bit. I reckon in ten years time this will be one of the jewels in Latin America's crown. You'd be tempted to say, grab a bit while you can, but this can only end one way for the vast majority of the current inhabitants. Very badly. The removals will be of Highland Clearance proportions. Hmm. Best do up the vacant bits, let the residents have jobs and leave them where they are. That's it. Dilemma solved, Panamanians.