The Fiesta Starts Here!
By The Panama Gringo | July 21, 2008
El Fiesta Casino located behind
The bar has a good variety of drinks, and is 
relatively inexpensive, especially for a larger casino bar. Throughout the place there are TVs for those who prefer to kick back and enjoy a drink in front of the big screen. There are different games and promotions throughout the week, and oftentimes there is an entertainment show as well, starting at about 8:30.
At the back of the Fiesta Casino you will find a cool little restaurant that serves some awesome ceviche, as well as a pretty tasty Mexican sampler platter. If you are traveling outside
Topics: Places to drink, Places to stay, Roulette, Poker, Panama Nightlife, Adults Only | No Comments »
Good retirement deals
By The Panama Gringo | July 19, 2008
Topics: Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Grand Bay Tower Condo
By The Panama Gringo | July 12, 2008
view of the ocean and the
Appliances are included, along with 3 plasma TV’s, 3 split a/c units, and ceiling fans. High quality light fixtures and window treatments are already in place. This is the highest “06” model condo in the
For additional photos and information, please see the attached file. Contact Sloan Wilson for more information. Tel: 415/786-7856 or sloanwilson@hotmail.com.
Topics: Places to stay | 1 Comment »
Family Fun in Panama
By The Panama Gringo | July 7, 2008
With so many gringos coming down to
Thankfully, Wildland Adventures realizes that not everyone can keep up with the standard back-packer pace and has created a wonderful introduction to the rain forest that the whole family can enjoy. In the islands of Bo
cas del Toro, kids can snorkel over vibrantly colored fish and amazing coral formations. The hiking through the jungle to the native communities opens up worlds to young minds.
Best of all, Wildland Adventures understands that families need time to relax, kick back and enjoy their time together. So, if you have been doing business in
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Prime Properties in Casco Viejo
By The Panama Gringo | July 4, 2008
The bohemian-Spanish architecture, combined with its cobblestone streets dotted with sidewalk cafes and stylish bistros are what have drawn so many to Casco Viejo. With its beautiful courtyards and rich history, what better place is there to settle than in this growing subarb of Panama City. 
Due to its close proximity, it makes a great place to base yourself out of if you plan on doing any business in Panama City, and at the same time is an excellent place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
Interested? Check out these two properties for sale, or call Sloan Wilson directly at 415–786–7856. Make sure and tell him the Panama Gringo sent you.
Las Bovedas #1A
Las Bovedas #3D
Topics: Places to stay, Must Do or See in Panama | 2 Comments »
Thoughts about investing in Panama by the Gringo
By The Panama Gringo | June 29, 2008
In recent years 
The stable government is pushing the economy, and sees its future in the way of foreign investment. Tourism investments receive certain tax exemptions from import duties and residents pay no tax on foreign earned income. To encourage buying property, foreigners are given the same rights and protection as citizens over land. Add to that the fact that the US Dollar is the legal currency and English is widely spoken, and the landscape is prime for continued growth.
The caveat is you must be careful. Get a good attorney, build banking relationships and avoid “middle men” who tend to increase the price of a potential real estate or investment through a string of deals. Use your common sense to build a team of advisors you can trust – this ain’t exactly Kansas Dorothy!
Topics: Uncategorized, Panama News, Panama Rumors, Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Having a Pampered Day in PC
By The Panama Gringo | June 29, 2008
It may seem a little self-indulgent, but spending a day at one of 
The biggest bonus about being pampered in
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Empanadas: The Real Deal
By The Panama Gringo | June 29, 2008
Every once in a while I get a craving for a good empanada… the kind that is getting hard to find in 
• 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 3/4 pounds ground beef
• 5 pickled cherry peppers ( hot or mild), chopped
• 1 Tablespoon of the brine from the cherry pepper jar
• 1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1/4 cup mashed potatoes
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
Directions:
• Heat a large skillet to medium high, fry the onions and garlic in the olive oil until they start to brown
• Add the beef and pork to the onion/garlic mix. Cook until the meat is fairly well done
• Drain the grease from the pan, then turn the heat to low
• Stir in the cherry peppers, tomato paste, mashed potatoes and pickling brine. Mix until the all ingredients stick together.
• Turn the heat off. Salt and pepper to taste, then add the cayenne in accordingly. Make sure to completely stir in the spices.
You will need about 2 double pies worth of dough to use up all the filling. Place the dough on one side of the crust, folding it back over itself before crimping it shut with a fork. Then, brush the outside with a beaten egg yolk, and bake on a greased cookie sheet in a 350° F oven for a half hour or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Topics: Places to eat, Must Do or See in Panama | 2 Comments »
Through the Panama Canal
By The Panama Gringo | June 13, 2008
The 
From aboard the yacht your bilingual guide will draw your attention to the amount of work that went into creating the locks and the amount of care that goes into maintaining them. Some amazing opportunities for photographs arise throughout the journey, which ends in the Flamenco Marina overlooking the
Address: Via Porras y Calle Belén, No. 106
Telephone: 507-226-8917
Website: www.pmatours.net
If you are interested in a personal tour of the canal via land – call Carlos – www.panamacarlos.com
Topics: Must Do or See in Panama | 1 Comment »
Horseracing Panama Style
By The Panama Gringo | June 11, 2008
Panamanians love to gamble, especially on the horse races. From Panama City just head out east on Vía José Agustín Arango, to Juan Díaz Apdo.I in Zona 9A where you will find Hipodromo Stadium. Entrance is free and races are held on Thursdays starting at 5 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 pm onward. In the Salon Presidencial, which is on the second floor, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or something to drink at the bar that overlooks the track.
http://www.hipodromo.com/mercadeo/eventos/calendario_rpc.html
A taxi ride from town costs fewer than 5 US dollars and the bus ride is even cheaper, at less than 1 dollar. You can find out if there are any special events going on by calling (507) 217 6060, or visiting the website at www.hipodromo.com
Topics: Places to eat, Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Navigating the Buses
By The Panama Gringo | June 4, 2008
The Albrook Bus Terminal serves as the main bus terminal in Panama City and the base for over 10 bus lines that provide service not only to in the interior, but internationally as well. It is a central hub of activity in Panama, always bustling with people. Despite the amount of traffic, both human and motor, it is easy to navigate, even for those who are Spanish-challenged. 
The size and quality of the bus often depends on the destination, the line, and the price. Some buses are as nice as your standard Greyhounds, while other mini buses manage to scuttle their way along the highway, depositing passengers at every imaginable location.
If you have some time to kill before your ride, explore the terminal. It doubles as a mall with high quality shops, and is home to a Dairy Queen and two bars. If you are looking for some family fun, try the bowling alley or the movie theater. Most importantly: be bold! If you don’t know what you need, ask. Panamanians are friendly, and will point you in the right direction.
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Panama’s Garden of Eden
By The Panama Gringo | June 3, 2008
The mountain country town of El Valle de Anton is one of the most picturesque places in all of 
The Park Eden Bed and Breakfast is a family run B&B, just a short walk or a quick taxi ride from the center of town. Its eight rooms are warm and welcoming, as are its owners. Wandering the lush gardens that nearly fill the 2 acre property one quickly sees how the B&B got its name.
Guests enjoy hearty breakfasts and warm conversation. They have the opportunity to relax in one of the hammocks, or take a walk around the property enjoying the numerous bird species that roam the area. This quiet little home away from home is the perfect romantic getaway for those looking for a more secluded atmosphere.
Rates run around $100 to $125 but the Gringo’s sources tell him the money is well spent.
Topics: Places to eat, Places to stay, Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Fruit Drinks Stand in Panama City
By The Panama Gringo | February 6, 2008
The next time you are in Panama City, treat yourself to the wonderful juice and frozen juice based drinks at one of the local stands in the City.
They are usually drive through window-based and the fruits are just INCREDIBLE.
The Panama Gringo was feeling a little too tired when he sampled a frozen fruit punch on his last trip from a little too many carnivale activities the night before to get an actual address – just ask any cabbie – they will know.
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Panama Bay is beginning to be filled in for road expansion of Balboa Ave
By The Panama Gringo | February 6, 2008
The expansion of Avenue Balboa is underway with the proceeds of the canal expansion being used to fill in some of the low tide parts of Panama Bay.
The plan is to widen Avenue Balboa to relieve some of the crushing traffic flow and to install a beautiful public park.
Panama is definitely a country in expansion mode and although the government is struggling to keep up with the rapid growth, they are doing a decent job with planning and implementation of public works. Every time I come back to the States from Panama, I have an even deeper respect for this wonderful central American country.
Here is a link to a map that fully describes the expansion.
Topics: Panama News | 1 Comment »
Great Find - Cristal Blu Spa and Salon
By The Panama Gringo | February 1, 2008
If you thought the days of a GREAT $45 one hour massage were over, you have got to check out Cristal Blue Spa and Salon on Pomodoro Street and Veneto – very close to the gringo central hangout of the Veneto Hotel.
Ask for Rosa – she is skilled with an ability to find just the right pressure to deliver a high quality, full 60 minute massage that will leave you relaxed and revitalized for the rest of the day.
Many other services are available. The place is s very clean and professional and they maintain a soft warm healing environment.
Please note– No English spoken so practice your Spanish.
Update: Just went on May 2, 2008 and was charged $31.50 plus tip (don’t be cheap now) for a very good one hour relaxing massage.
Topics: Uncategorized, Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Carlos Aleman - Your man in Panama !!!
By The Panama Gringo | January 25, 2008
Topics: Must Do or See in Panama | 6 Comments »
lastminute.com - Panama City - Carnival in Panama
By The Panama Gringo | January 25, 2008
Women dressed up in ‘man-tumblers’, water-cannons and fat fish being buried in little coffins? It can only be the annual madness and extravagance that is… Carnavaaaal!
The most famous carnival in Panama takes place in Las Tablas, though the one in Panama City is not very far behind in terms of sheer exuberance and festive spirit. Carnival (the way it is celebrated in Panama) features certain unique elements: one is the tradition of the mojaderas, or culecos, a morning ritual where overheating celebrants are hosed down with water from passing trucks, to the shouts of ‘Agua, agua, agua!’ (’Water, water, water!’). So for an excuse to get soaking wet in public and romp around like there’s no tomorrow, you know where to head.
lastminute.com - Panama City - Carnival in Panama.
Topics: Must Do or See in Panama | No Comments »
Cool video view of canal
By The Panama Gringo | January 6, 2008
Topics: Must Do or See in Panama | 2 Comments »
2 Bedroom - 2 Bathroom - Fully furnished Apt for rent in Panama City (Punta Pacifica) - Rent by the week or month
By The Panama Gringo | January 4, 2008
The Panama Gringo has an apartment for rent on the 22nd floor of a one year old building in the Punta Pacifica area of Panama City. Great location – in the middle of nearly everything.
Here is what is included:
- 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx 950 sq feet condo.
- 42 inch plasma TV with over 250 channels (including English CNN, FOX and ESPN, BBC and others)
- Broadband wireless and wired connectivity
- Voip phone that can be used to call US for free (with a US phone number for incoming phone call from the states)
- Fully furnished – two couches, 2 brand new beds, all linen (2 sets) and towels
- Washer/Dryer/Refrig/Microwave/Stove
- Air conditioning in each bedroom plus master air conditioner in living room
- Small balcony with fan
- One secure parking space on the first floor
- Full time security with controlled access
- Workout facility, nice pool,
- Fantastic view of city at night
- Cleaning supplies and equipment
- View of bay from Kitchen
- Weekly maid service
- Walk to laundry, 24 hour supermarket, restaurants etc.
- One pick up and drop off at airport is included in monthly rental by Panama Gringo’s favorite guide and driver www.panamacarlos.com
- Cell phone for your use while in Panama (usage cards are available at many locations for as little as $5)
‘ target=_blank>For more images of this apt, please follow this link
Panama
Payment and Terms:
- Weekly $500 (paid in advance via Paypal or check)
- Monthly $1400 (paid in advance – 1 month limit on stay – via Paypal or Check)
For more information, please cont the Panama Gringo at gringo@thepanamagringo.com or by calling Carlos Aleman (the apartment caretaker) at 281-668-7813 (direct from US)
Topics: Gringo Owned Businesses, Must Do or See in Panama | 3 Comments »
BRAND NEW : Panama Medical Vacations
By The Panama Gringo | December 27, 2007
With today’s rising medical and health care costs, ever wondered where it will stop and how long can you, your company or your HMO can keep pace? You are not alone, the ranks are filling. Everyone wants the best when it comes to their own personal health care, but few can afford the skyrocketing costs.
Would you be willing to trade quality for price when it comes to your Health Care? Me neither. Good news is that in
Imagine old fashioned bedside manner by Doctors who care, personalized service by hospital staff in a world renown accredited state of the art medical facility. And best of all at prices your parents could appreciate.
Let Panama Medical Vacations show you options you never dreamed possible at www.panamamedicalvacations.com Why pay more than you have to?
Topics: Panama News, Gringo Owned Businesses | 3 Comments »