Ma and I were taking a taxi back from Panama Viejo when the driver mentioned that we were passing the home of Manuel Noriego. I'd say "former" home but I think he still owns it. This taxi driver hadn't said a word until this moment which makes me wonder if he wanted to extend our little ride. And why we took this path to Oberra is not exactly clear. There was considerable traffic and I supposed he knew a short cut. Anyway, I asked him to stop and I took these photos.
The home and yard has obviously been vacant and neglected for years. I read later that some people were starting to tend the grounds in anticipation of his arrival after being released from federal prison in the U.S. Ofcourse we know that he is being extradited to France though that lastest move is being appealed. He's not coming back to Panama for a long time.
The house is actually very attractive as is the quiet neighborhood ...when visitors are absent. I noticed a older resident doing some watering of his yard and didn't raise an eyebrow to our presence. If figure visitors have been coming around since the early 1980's.
Noriega was born in Panama City but was raised in other places like Yaviza in Darien. He wrote an autobiography while in prison which I recommend only to get the other side of the story. A movie was also made about him which depicts him as one bizarre dude.
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