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 Panama City, you can look up any one of Fiesta Casino’s six locations throughout the country here.

is the place to be, and the newly instructed Grand Bay Tower offers the finest condos in the city. This property for sale has an amazing view of the ocean and the Panama City skyline. It is the ultimate place to kick back after a long day working or a full night playing in the fastest growing city in South America.

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 Grand Bay Tower complex; the top unit is home to a roof top pool.

For additional photos and information, please see the attached file. Contact Sloan Wilson for more information. Tel: 415/786-7856 or sloanwilson@hotmail.com.

Grand Bay Tower

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 Bocas 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 Panama, think about making your next trip an extended one, and bring the whole family along for the ride!

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 

In recent years Panama has been growing in popularity among retirees, expats, and investors. In fact, International Living rates it as the No. 1 place to retire in the world, and not without good reason. Panama offers a higher quality of living at a lower cost and with less crime than typical Central American destinations although Panama City is rapidly getting to first world pricing.

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!

It may seem a little self-indulgent, but spending a day at one of Panama City’s top spas may just be the perfect thing after romping around the countryside. The Aqua Spa located in the Radisson Decapolis hotel will help you to achieve the ultimate state of relaxation. All the standard services are offered: massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Steam rooms and hot tubs add a little heat to the equation.

The biggest bonus about being pampered in Panama is that the price is less than half of what these services would cost in the states. So, even if it’s not an outing you typically indulge in, there is no better time than while in Panama. The Gringo recommends you grab a date and enjoy one of the romantic double room. For more info

Every once in a while I get a craving for a good empanada… the kind that is getting hard to find in Panama these days. Recently, I started on a campaign to find the a recipe for the traditional Panamanian empanada, and this is what my sources came up with. I thought I’d put it up here, that way no matter where you are in the world, you can enjoy a little taste of Panama.

• 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!

The Panama Canal is without a doubt the country’s most well known landmark and although it may not be first on your list of things to do while trekking through the countryside, if you have the chance it is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else in the world. Panama Marine Adventures offers a number of packages including a full transit, which takes about 8 hours, and a partial transit, which takes about 4. The partial transit is best, as the full can get a little monotonous

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 Bay of Panama and Panama City’s tremendous skyline. A delicious Panamanian lunch with unlimited soft drinks is included, as is transportation. A partial transit will cost you 115 USD for adults and 65 USD for children under 12.

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

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