When most of us think about moving abroad one of the last things we consider is where we’re going to stock our cabinets. So it was funny to me that on my first day in Panama City after enjoying my morning cup of coffee and taking in the views I got ready and headed to the grocery store. It’s that daunting task that we all hate to do even in our home countries.
On my first grocery excursion in Panama I hit up Riba Smith in Mall Multiplaza in Punta Pacifica. After all of my time spent in this country I still consider this store as The Good among grocers in Panama. Riba Smith boasts probably the cleanest (aside Read more
Cambutal Panama is located where the road ends on the Azuero Peninsula. Cambutal’s Jurassic Park like landscapes and peaceful sense of seclusion are well worth the rugged 6 hour drive from the city. A few years ago someone looking for a place to stay in Cambutal would have to either bring a tent or drive about 20-30 minutes to Tonosi to the nearest hotel. However, those who want seclusion with comfort can stay in Cambutal today worry free. The Hotel Playa Cambutal offers deluxe guest rooms right on the beach with showers, fresh linens and plenty of other amenities. There is only one other restaurant in Cambutal aside from the hotel and both serve similar seafood and traditional Panamanian foods such Read more
The spectacular waterway leading from Panama’s pacific coast to the Caribbean was a concept considered by leaders and businessmen as far back as the early fifteen hundreds. The French were the first to begin construction on the canal. Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps, who was previously in charge of the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt, organized the effort.
In 1899 the US Congress formed the Isthmian Canal Commission to look at the possibilities of a Central American canal and to recommend a course. At first the commission decided on a route through Nicaragua, but later reversed its decision. The Lesseps Company offered its resources to the United States at a price of forty million. The U.S. and the Read more
Panama City is a shoppers dream on many levels. There are 5 large malls in the city and thousands of retail sites spread throughout each neighborhood that sell everything from designer shoes to traditional Panamanian clothes. While the malls provide the comforts of air conditioning and taxis at most exits, I prefer strolling the streets to get a feel for the real Panama.
The Caledonia neighborhood of Panama City is great for someone who wants a market style adventure with all of the fixings from produce to home goods. Caledonia is known for being a rough neighborhood so I recommend only going during the day and staying on the main streets. They have vendors in the area every Read more
Many who decide on retirement in Panama do so without first spending a great deal of time in the country. This often leads to unrealistic expectations and sometimes disappointment. Living in any country is truly what you make of the experience; however, retiring in Panama can provide an uncomplicated, inexpensive and tranquil lifestyle if you do your homework first.
The cost and pace of living in Panama City is comparable to many cities in the United States. For this reason many retirees choose to venture out into the interior and to towns such as Pedasi, David, Boquete and Bocas Del Toro. These cities host the advantages of less traffic, cheaper rent and utilities (average rent in Boquete is Read more
Taking a stroll through the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City has the uncanny ability to erase pictures of traffic, glaring casinos, and smoggy buses from your mind. This once severely dilapidated neighborhood in Panama City has been quickly renovated and revived in recent years and has taken on a whole new feel. Among other places to visit, Casco Viejo is known for being the historical center of Panama City. This charming district is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans in that it is loaded with French Colonial style architecture and charm. The President’s mansion, French Embassy, Museum of Natural History, Canal Museum, cathedral and multiple art galleries, shops and restaurants inhabit Casco. One could easily make Read more
Many of those who decide to relocate to Panama are very surprised once they arrive and begin to settle in their new home. Panama is a different country than the U.S. and one should expect living in a different country to be just that. Different.
An element to consider when living in Panama is the major change of pace. Panamanians do not exhibit the constant sense of urgency in most tasks that Americans would. The phrase “manana” which means tomorrow has become a joke of sorts in that when someone in Panama tells you they will be there or do something “manana” it doesn’t necessarily mean tomorrow, but actually just means not today. This is where patience must come Read more
Panama is known for many things. The canal, wonderful climate, and beautiful beaches are just a few great aspects of this beautiful country. Panama City, however, is typically known for its own different sect of attributes. Casinos, beautiful girls, and the club scene are, in my opinion, the top three. When considering places to party in Panama you will never run out of clubs and bars to visit as it seems new ones are popping up every week.
A new hot spot among places to party in the city is Zona Viva. Zona Viva is not a single club, but a flood of bars, restaurants and dance clubs which always seem to be packed after 12 a.m. on any Read more
If you’re searching for a more luxurious and accommodated spot to crash in Panama City the Veneto Hotel & Casino located on Via Veneto in Panama City’s El Cangrejo neighborhood may be your best bet when deciding among places to stay. The hotel comes very well equipped with fine dining restaurants, sushi bar, several bars, a spa, world class casino, roof top pool and many customer service options such as airport shuttle, valet parking and 24 hour room service. Room rates range from about $115 to $200 per night depending on the number of occupants and length of stay; and many specials are offered for extended stays of four or more nights.
Novey Hardware in Panama – For Gringos in need for our next DIY project on your condo here — this place is just like a smaller Lowes or Home Depot in the States. Cheaper though.
If you’re like me at all, no doubt you’ve had a number of frustrating experiences with people working on your home or condo in Panama. I have had my fair share of “professionals” come through and try and fix things without really knowing what they were doing. Let me tell you, the experience is highly frustrating.
So much so, in fact, that despite not having all that much time to work on the place myself, I have found it easier to do many projects on Read more
