The one noteworthy thing that George W. Bush had to show from his recent trip to several Latin American countries was a rather vague joint statement with Brazilian President Lula da Silva promising cooperation in the development of ethanol and other biofuel technologies. “Biofuels” are those that are grown, which are thus unlike non-renewable petroleum in that the supply is not nearly so finite as that of fossil-based fuels.

The issue takes on added significance in Panama because this country now has an agreement with Brazil by which the latter will aid the establishment of a Panamanian biofuels industry.

The Brazilians have long made large-scale use of ethanol, an alcohol that can be made from corn, sugar cane, wood chips Read more

The San Blas Islands offer two unbeatable attractions: Caribbean islands of stunning beauty and an opportunity to visit the villages of the San Blas Indians to learn about their fascinating culture and way of life. This is Caribbean beauty at its best –the 365 picturesque palm tree covered islands of the San Blas Archipelago are set in indescribably beautiful aqua waters. Here you’ll feel refreshingly “away from it all” – far from modern civilization and close to nature.

The San Blas Islands were selected as one of the top two “best cruising destinations in the world” by Cruising World and Le Monde Voyage magazines. CBS’s Survivor program chose one typically idyllic San Blas island, Sapbeinega for a “reward” party for Read more

If you have only one day free in Panama … or even just a half day… spend it crossing the Panama Canal! It will be well worth it.  Yes it is the number one tourist attraction of the tiny country, and one that has a varied and intersting history, once you scratch the surface.

Panama Canal Cruises has a quick and easy tour setup that only requires a few hours to get a chance to cross the Canal, as well as absorb a bit of history about it.

Our Panama Canal transit tour starts with an early morning pick up at your hotel in Panama City and a 15 minute drive to the Port of Balboa in the Pacific Read more

The Veneto Hotel and Casino is a new 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Via Espana, Panama’s renowned banking and financial district. The Veneto Hotel offers beautifully appointed accommodations, 4 superb restaurants, a full service SPA and a Las Vegas style casino. The casino has over 40,000 square foot of state of the art gaming space. For your recreation there is a large outdoor swimming pool, a modern urban Spa with a gymnasium offering different treatments, massages, facials, hydrotherapy and body treatment techniques that will renew your body and soul.

This hotel is owned and frequented by many Americans and Canadians. Best Poker Room, nice dealers, good rooms, fine entertainment, best sportsbook, and 24 hour a day action. Read more

Giggi Travel is a travel firm owned by George and Marty – American Expats. They are an excellent source for real estate deals, tours, gambling junkets, and golfing/fishing trips.

(Courtesy of www.thepanamareport.com)

We get a lot of questions everyday asking about Panama real estate. Which developers are trustworthy? Where is the next up-and-coming investment hotspot? How should you best invest your, say, $300,000? Because the Panama real estate market is so new, it can be extremely difficult, if not downright frustrating, to find good, reliable information. There exist a bunch of real estate information sites out there but the problem with them all, they’re trying to sell you real estate at the same time. How can you trust someone like that to be honest? more

The with two locations (el Cangrejo near the Veneto Hotel and Casine and on the Causeway) is the home of some delicious Italian style grub. Frequented by many gringos, the ambiance is sufficient, the English by the waitstaff is adequate and the service is a bit faster than in other places in Panama.

Now for the food– Very nicely priced pizzas ($4 to $5), excellent brushetta bread and outstanding Lasagna are worth the trip.

You might want to try mixed meats and cheese for an appetizer – very good. I have no idea why restaurants in the US do not do this. Try Havarti and Romano.

Expect to spend about $7 to $10 each. Make sure you make it here Read more