It has been a challenging few days. One of Santa’s bad elves visited my car last week and appropriated my camera, my computer and my passport. If you happen to see any of the above please let me know.

The Police and DIJ have been great in doing what they can. They responded to the scene very quickly and did a good late night search. Short of a stroke of luck all of the above is gone to fund Christmas for some thief and his family or his drug habit.

My priority was replacing my passport. Replacing a stolen US passport is not too difficult if you live near the consulate, I do not. I needed a copy of the police report.  That required me visiting the Personneria in the Municipal Palace in Boquete and filing a denuncia against the thieves, who are unknown. Then I waited a few days for a copy, only to return and be told to come back again later. I did and finally had the report and added it to the pile of papers including a lucky find, a copy of my birth certificate.

On Sunday I went searching for a place to get passport photos. I found Arrocha in David open and willing.  When I asked for passport photos I received exactly what I asked for, photos good for a Panamanian Passport, 2 x 1.5 inches, not the 2 x 2 needed for a US passport. If you ever need to do this ask for US Visa photos, that worked.

Today I left David on AeroPerlas to make my way to the US Embassy in Clayton. There has been a rumor the domestic airlines are not giving the jubilado discount; they gave it to me with no problem. The flight was effortless and I found myself in a taxi with a driver who knew the US Embassy was in Clayton, based upon his circuitous path I am not sure if he new where Clayton was located. Thirty minutes and $3 later we were at the gate and he was not allowed to enter. Security does not allow the common people into the gate.

A short walk and traditional Homeland Security search, without the naked scanner later, I was in the large waiting room. Number twenty in a  sea of people, most looking for Visas to the US. The clerks behind what appeared to be bullet and pepper spray proof glass. I was pleasantly surprised to be called quickly, less than ten minutes in a multitude of people. The clerk took my documents, said she would photocopy them, presented me with a bill for $135 and a request to wait till the Consul called me by name. I have no idea if he was the consul,  but he did call in about twenty minutes, apologizing for the delay. My only surprise is that I was treated with respect and concern about my ability to wait until the passport arrives. Score one point for the US embassy.

I had planned on an extended day of waiting, my return flight was not until 4pm, and I was done before 11 am. What would be the most illogical thing to do a couple of days before Christmas in Panama? Go to Albrook Mall of course. Among the mobs and the alleged sales I discovered a few things of interest. Sadly I did not have a camera, it is probably in Costa Rica by now.

I saw the newest controversial National Police Car, this Lamborghini. (not my photo)

It was confiscated from David Murcia, a Columbian drug lord who had residence in Panama, until he was returned to Columbia stripped of his assets. If you go speeding down the Interamerican Highway and see a National Police Lamborghini in the rear view mirror you should probably pull over and take a better photo.

Lunch was as big a surprise, Johnny Rocket Hamburgers is in Albrook Mall. I had a Route 66 burger with onion rings and it was excellent. It was too much too eat but never the less t was all consumed.

Wandering around in an effort to kill three hours and digest the gut bomb, I went shopping for computers and cameras. I managed to hang on to my iphone and did some great price checks of the local stores against Amazon.com. Everything I looked at from Apple Laptops, Ipads and cameras from anyone, cost more in Panama. Some things cost only about 10% more, other things 100% more than Amazon pricing. The 10% is import duties, so it is forgiven, but 100%!!!

Upon returning to David I asked about the prices and was told that in Panama prices are increased in December because people need to buy gifts. I am not sure if that is true, but I think Panama needs a bit more competition. The best prices I found were at Panafoto, on some things.

Well the old is gone now, the new is still in an Amazon warehouse, but my courier will arrive soon.