Watch Where You Are Walking!

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Watch Where You Are Walking!

December 28th, 2008 | Panama - Travel Tips | No Comments »

On a recent trip to Panama City, the Gringo nearly twisted his ankle. So very quick tip for all you explorers – look where you are going, Lawsuits against the government and property owners are very hard to win in Panama, therefore many of the streets and sidewalks have obstacles that you would not normally have to watch out for in the United States and Canada.

Here you can see what I almost walked into in a section of town called Obarrio – the banking district. Uneven sidewalks, uncovered holes, and cracks are everywhere — but it truly is part of the charm of the city.

Just pay attention to where you are going – including looking down. Also – Read more

GiGGi Travel Agency Brings Excitement to Panama Vacations

December 24th, 2008 | Panama - Business, Panama - Travel Tips | No Comments »

Panama boasts of an abundance of beautiful scenery and wildlife which is perfect for the adventures of ecotourism. Panama City is also one of the most developed and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. The best way to experience everything Panama has to offer is to use an experienced guide who will cater a vacation plan to your exact wishes.

GiGGi Travel is an established Travel Agency with over 5 years of experience operating in Panama. They offer packages to a number of exotic locations with flight, hotel and transport included, as well as all types of tours. A long list of satisfied customers, the Panama Gringo included, will vouch for GiGGi as being one of Read more

Report on Panama as 2008 Draws to a Close

December 23rd, 2008 | Panama - Business, Panama - Family Friendly, Panama - Gringo Owned Business, Panama - Must See or Do, Panama - Places to Eat, Panama - Relocation | 2 Comments »

This commentary was prepared for the Members section of Retirement Wave. Due to requests that this be available to the general public, it also is being presented here.

(Posted October 26, 2008) A note to some readers: I will frequently use the word “billion” below. I am well aware that it is used differently or not at all in some countries and languages (Spanish, for example). When I use it, I am referring to 1,000,000,000 or what many of you call a “thousand million” (mil millones in Spanish).

About that Freight Train…

On February 3rd of this year, I Read more

Will the City Build a Public Tramway to Amador?

December 22nd, 2008 | Panama - News | No Comments »

Trolley cars used to be the norm in Panama City, but have long since been replaced by other means of transportation until now. Plans for a tramway system that runs from Casco Viejo to Amador and the Frank Gehry Biodiversity Museum have been completed and a budget is currently in the works.

The five and a half mile line is estimated to cost about $35 million, and a ride on the tram may cost just $2. This would ease the struggles of many residents, visitors, and workers to find parking in some of these areas, and offer quick, efficient transportation.

The proposed line would start in the Plaza Cinco de Mayo and travel down Central Ave and into San Felipe. Read more

The Diablo Rojo – The Fastest Way through Panama City!

December 16th, 2008 | Panama - Adults Only, Panama - Travel Tips | 1 Comment »

Okay, so taking the Diablo Rojo is probably not the fastest way through Panama City not even close! It is, however, probably the cheapest, at just 25 cents a ride.

Think youre brave? Then take a ride on the Diablo Rojo for you Gringos out there, thats Spanish for Red Devil. A word to the wise keep an eye, and a hand, on your wallet. Pick-pocketers on these buses are notorious, and Gringos are always seen as an easy target.

To get a taste of the real Panama, take a ride on one of these guys! Follow the link to see photos of Panama Citys famous Diablo Rojo!

Have Dental Issues? Go to Pacific Health Center in Panama City

December 15th, 2008 | Panama - Business, Panama - Gringo Favorite | 3 Comments »

A personal report directly from the Panama Gringo

Last week, the Gringo traveled to Panama City from Houston on a mission. After several difficult dental implant surgeries in the United States, I was determined to find a better way. Honestly, I was just sick and tired of dealing with a dentist treating 3 to 5 patients at the same time, feeling rushed and like I was on an assembly line even though I was spending over $3,000 an implant. I immediately thought about Panama because of the quality health care providers I had met on my previous trips. Personally being in the medical business my entire adult life, it is easy to tell the difference from people who practice medicine Read more

Comfortable, fashionable Hotel in Panama City

December 12th, 2008 | Panama - Places to Eat, Panama - Places to Stay | No Comments »

The Hotel DeVille may be small in size, but it is great in service, as its brochure boldly states. Trust this Gringo, the Hotel Deville lives up to its claims. It is centrally located in the financial heart of Panama, and provides the personalized attention, security and technology that you would hope to find in any hotel.

All of the rooms at Hotel Deville are Suites; 23 junior suites, 4 luxury suites, 4 grand suites, and 4 grand luxury suites. Rooms start at 260 and go up to 450 for the grand luxury suites. All rooms have telephone service and internet access, cable TV, a VCR and movies on request, butler and concierge services and more. Read more

World Class Traveler's Magazine – Panama Q Magazine

December 4th, 2008 | Panama - Business, Panama - Travel Tips | 1 Comment »

One of my favorite reads regarding the country of Panama is Panama Q magazine. Each issue of the magazine features something great about the country of Panama; an inside look at its people, its most interesting places, and its great culture.

Panama Q also hits on topics that are of interest to investors and expats such as finance, medical tourism, and real estate investment and development. They report on new businesses, growth and expansion of current companies, and Panama’s business market’s influence on the world market.

Spot on reviews of things to do and places to see in Panama round out the content of Panama Q magazine. Panama Q is designed to attract travelers looking for the best that Read more