Canal Transit Day 3

We awoke to the sweltering heat and ventured out into the city around noon with our taxi driver, and new friend, Luis.  We explored the Zona Libre and got a nice meal at Cafe Iguana. Afterwards, a lady at a souvenir shop gave me some free souvenirs of Panama including a large antique photo of the canal.  She was delighted to hear that my parents used to live in Colon and I was certainly proud to tell her about it.  Luis made a point to take us up to the old Fort Gulick and as we approached the School of the Americas he turned and quietly commented, "te sientes el frio .... el terror?"  We both enjoyed discussing all the changes that have happened over time.  The beautiful marble floors of the School of the Americas are now part a 5 star hotel ... one with quite a history.  On the drive back to the ship Luis gave me a CD of traditional Panamanian music that he wanted me to share with my Dad, and as we left and said goodbye, he gave me a brand new souvenir hat of Panama that he wanted me to have.  Too bad I left my camera on the ship and didn't get any pictures of Fort Gulick, next time Dad.  We'll be leaving the dock soon and making our way up to Lake Gatun in a few hours.