Now I know Panama is coming along as a First World Nation. Check out the chase car the police have just purchased.
Is Panama The New America
Panama fun facts.
1 - Panama has NO hurricanes
2 - Panama has a thriving Metropolitan city in Panama City
3 - Panama has secure banking institutions
4 - Panama has a climate for everyone, city, beaches, mountains
5 - Panama uses the US Dollar as its currency
6 - Panama is a short flight from many major cities in the USA
7 - Panama has many English speaking folks, Spanish is the main language
8 - Panama welcomes foreigners to live and work.
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Police in Panama will catch you
Day 302 Tuesday (Martes) - Panama City
Now I know Panama is coming along as a First World Nation. Check out the chase car the police have just purchased.
Now I know Panama is coming along as a First World Nation. Check out the chase car the police have just purchased.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Is that an old school bus?
Day 302 Monday (Lunes) - Panama City
In Panama there is some very rich culture and part of that culture is the original public transportation on old US school buses called Diablo Rojo's aka Red Devils. Sure these buses are the cause of many accidents on the streets and sure they do not have A/C, but for 25 cents you can ride anywhere in the city and for a buck or two head into the interior of the country on these culture filled transports. Each Diablo Rojo is painted to fit the personality of the driver/owner and the art work is pretty interesting indeed. You will see these beasts all over the place BUT Panama is growing up and they are starting to get rid of these cultural icons and replacing them with modern Metro Buses, see my other blog. So we walk out of our condo the other day and WHAM, there are 2 of these beautifully painted buses waiting for a picture, so here they are.
In Panama there is some very rich culture and part of that culture is the original public transportation on old US school buses called Diablo Rojo's aka Red Devils. Sure these buses are the cause of many accidents on the streets and sure they do not have A/C, but for 25 cents you can ride anywhere in the city and for a buck or two head into the interior of the country on these culture filled transports. Each Diablo Rojo is painted to fit the personality of the driver/owner and the art work is pretty interesting indeed. You will see these beasts all over the place BUT Panama is growing up and they are starting to get rid of these cultural icons and replacing them with modern Metro Buses, see my other blog. So we walk out of our condo the other day and WHAM, there are 2 of these beautifully painted buses waiting for a picture, so here they are.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Inglesia Del Carmen Church in Panama City
Day 301 Sunday (Domingo) - Panama City
When it comes to beauty the Catholic Church never really skimped. Inglesia Del Carmen Church in Panama City is certainly no exception. We spent some time inside the church mainly to enjoy the beauty of the church because of course the service that was being conducted was in Spanish but it was great to be in one of Man's houses built for God to enjoy its beauty. The Inglesia Del Carmen Church is located at the intersection of Via Espana and Avenida Federico Boyd. A cream-colored, neogothic confection with tall twin towers, it was built in 1947. It’s a Panamanian landmark and worth a quick peek for those in the neighborhood.
When it comes to beauty the Catholic Church never really skimped. Inglesia Del Carmen Church in Panama City is certainly no exception. We spent some time inside the church mainly to enjoy the beauty of the church because of course the service that was being conducted was in Spanish but it was great to be in one of Man's houses built for God to enjoy its beauty. The Inglesia Del Carmen Church is located at the intersection of Via Espana and Avenida Federico Boyd. A cream-colored, neogothic confection with tall twin towers, it was built in 1947. It’s a Panamanian landmark and worth a quick peek for those in the neighborhood.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
We interrupt this broadcast
Day 300 Saturday (Sabado) - Panama City
As the world comes together in London. LET THE GAMES BEGIN
As the world comes together in London. LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Friday, July 27, 2012
Basilica Menor of Don Bosco - Panama
Day 299 Friday (Viernes) - Panama City
Walking around the city on Central Ave on our way to get some fruits and veggies, we decided to stroll into the Basilica Menor of Don Bosco to get a better view.
Panama is a very Catholic country, with some 80 percent of its inhabitants adhering to that branch of the Christian faith. Since the early days of the Spanish colonization of the country at the turn of the 16th century, Panama has enjoyed the construction of churches with gorgeous architectural styles.
Below are several pictures of the most visited church in Panama City—the Basílica Menor of Don Bosco. During January 31st of each year, this Italian saint attracts approximately 25,000 parishioners for a special procession held through adjacent streets of the church. It’s the envy of Panamanian politicians.
Walking around the city on Central Ave on our way to get some fruits and veggies, we decided to stroll into the Basilica Menor of Don Bosco to get a better view.
Panama is a very Catholic country, with some 80 percent of its inhabitants adhering to that branch of the Christian faith. Since the early days of the Spanish colonization of the country at the turn of the 16th century, Panama has enjoyed the construction of churches with gorgeous architectural styles.
Below are several pictures of the most visited church in Panama City—the Basílica Menor of Don Bosco. During January 31st of each year, this Italian saint attracts approximately 25,000 parishioners for a special procession held through adjacent streets of the church. It’s the envy of Panamanian politicians.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Panama's Central Market
Day 298 Thursday (Jueves) - Panama City
To revisit a blog from a few weeks ago, we again strolled through the area of Calodonia and Santa Anna to visit the open market on Central Ave. Our mission this time was to buy some fruits and veggies and see what we could get for the money.
So below is our picks, total cost was $7.25 and we have, Avocado's, plums, carrots, garlic, apples, onions, and tomatoes.
To revisit a blog from a few weeks ago, we again strolled through the area of Calodonia and Santa Anna to visit the open market on Central Ave. Our mission this time was to buy some fruits and veggies and see what we could get for the money.
So below is our picks, total cost was $7.25 and we have, Avocado's, plums, carrots, garlic, apples, onions, and tomatoes.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Panama's Native Son - Part 2
Day 297 Wednesday (Miercoles) - Panama City
Part 2 of my little blog about Panama's Native Son, Roberto Duran. I mentioned he operated a restaurant in the El Congrejo area of Panama City and here it is
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Panama's Metro Bus System
Day 296 Tuesday (Martes) - Panama City
Becoming more of a local here in Panama.
So we are taking the plunge to learn the Metro Bus system here in Panama City so we can ditch the car and get around. Sure we walk to most places but there are some far reaching places we would like to go and don't because we just do not want to take the car. Living in any major city in the world can be a breeze if you can avoid the traffic jams, so we walk, but going to some places requires a ride so why not the bus?
The bus card costs $2.00 and you can recharge it in any amount from $0.50 to $50.00. The new Metro Bus system has been in operation for a couple of years now and is still charging the rate of $0.25 per ride to stay inline with the old Diablo Rojo's until they are completely cleared from the streets of Panama. Once the Diablo Rojo's are gone the rate is due to adjust to $0.45 to get around the city.
The bus cards can be purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies. We bought ours at the MetroX pharmacy on Calle 50, real simple process. Then we immediately put $5.00 on them to begin our bus journey's.
Next step in making Panama City a First World City is the work being done on the new metro subway lines due to be completed in 2014. With new buses and new trains Panama will increase both their business and tourism. Come and catch the wave.
Becoming more of a local here in Panama.
So we are taking the plunge to learn the Metro Bus system here in Panama City so we can ditch the car and get around. Sure we walk to most places but there are some far reaching places we would like to go and don't because we just do not want to take the car. Living in any major city in the world can be a breeze if you can avoid the traffic jams, so we walk, but going to some places requires a ride so why not the bus?
The bus card costs $2.00 and you can recharge it in any amount from $0.50 to $50.00. The new Metro Bus system has been in operation for a couple of years now and is still charging the rate of $0.25 per ride to stay inline with the old Diablo Rojo's until they are completely cleared from the streets of Panama. Once the Diablo Rojo's are gone the rate is due to adjust to $0.45 to get around the city.
The bus cards can be purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies. We bought ours at the MetroX pharmacy on Calle 50, real simple process. Then we immediately put $5.00 on them to begin our bus journey's.
Next step in making Panama City a First World City is the work being done on the new metro subway lines due to be completed in 2014. With new buses and new trains Panama will increase both their business and tourism. Come and catch the wave.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Medical & Dental Care in Panama
Day 295 Monday (Lunes) - Panama City
One of the things we all are concerned about is medical and dental care, and of course living in a foreign country raises the issue a little higher for people. What kind of care can I expect? Do the nurses and doctors speak English? What does it cost? etc.. Well, I am here to tell you that the care here in Panama is top notch at more than 1/2 off the US prices. Many Panamanian doctors are educated in the US then they come back to Panama to serve their own people so the quality of care is terrific and the prices are well, more than affordable - even without insurance.
Example, we recently went to the dentist to get the usual 6 month cleaning, the dentist was educated in Pennsylvania, had a practice in Florida, then moved back to his native Panama. Now we do not have any dental insurance here in Panama so we pay as we go, the cleanings cost us $15 each, now this was a new customer cleaning so going forward we have to pay full price of $45. I remember the last dental insurance I had was costing me about $44/month for a family plan. Moving on, my lovely spouse needed a new crown, cost $750, back home about $1500. Now 50% of the $1500 back home would have been paid by the insurance I had so you would think the cost was break even, BUT remember I was paying $44/month, every month for years just in case. Also, here in Panama if you are on a Pension visa or are a woman over 55 and a man over 60 you would also receive a 15-25% discount on top of the cheaper prices.
Turning to medical care, no first hand experience but have some friends that have needed some major things done here in way of surgeries and the treatments they received and the prices they paid, well you guessed it. Surgeries went well and pricing was far cheaper. I do know you can get blood work here for under $20, and they check for everything. And like dental, medical comes with discounts to for the pensionado's and jubilado's (woman 55+, men 60+)
Take another look at living in Panama, it may be well worth it.
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| Does that hospital say John Hopkins? |
One of the things we all are concerned about is medical and dental care, and of course living in a foreign country raises the issue a little higher for people. What kind of care can I expect? Do the nurses and doctors speak English? What does it cost? etc.. Well, I am here to tell you that the care here in Panama is top notch at more than 1/2 off the US prices. Many Panamanian doctors are educated in the US then they come back to Panama to serve their own people so the quality of care is terrific and the prices are well, more than affordable - even without insurance.
Example, we recently went to the dentist to get the usual 6 month cleaning, the dentist was educated in Pennsylvania, had a practice in Florida, then moved back to his native Panama. Now we do not have any dental insurance here in Panama so we pay as we go, the cleanings cost us $15 each, now this was a new customer cleaning so going forward we have to pay full price of $45. I remember the last dental insurance I had was costing me about $44/month for a family plan. Moving on, my lovely spouse needed a new crown, cost $750, back home about $1500. Now 50% of the $1500 back home would have been paid by the insurance I had so you would think the cost was break even, BUT remember I was paying $44/month, every month for years just in case. Also, here in Panama if you are on a Pension visa or are a woman over 55 and a man over 60 you would also receive a 15-25% discount on top of the cheaper prices.
Turning to medical care, no first hand experience but have some friends that have needed some major things done here in way of surgeries and the treatments they received and the prices they paid, well you guessed it. Surgeries went well and pricing was far cheaper. I do know you can get blood work here for under $20, and they check for everything. And like dental, medical comes with discounts to for the pensionado's and jubilado's (woman 55+, men 60+)
Take another look at living in Panama, it may be well worth it.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
A little slice of Italy in Panama
Day 294 Sunday (Domingo) - Panama City
Late night pizza at a local place called Antonio's in the heart of San Francisco. San Francisco is a section of Panama City that we call home, NOT California.
Antonio's was a nice little Italian place and within walking distance of our condo. OK so everything in this city is within walking distance for us, but really it was only 4 blocks away and we were hungry. This was one of the main reasons why we moved into the city so on a whim we could go out late and do something, in this case it was to get some pizza. Now it was no New York pizza, or Chicago pizza, but they did a great job with it and right now it classifies as the best we have had in Panama so far. Lots of cheese and toppings on a nicely baked thin crust.
Late night pizza at a local place called Antonio's in the heart of San Francisco. San Francisco is a section of Panama City that we call home, NOT California.
Antonio's was a nice little Italian place and within walking distance of our condo. OK so everything in this city is within walking distance for us, but really it was only 4 blocks away and we were hungry. This was one of the main reasons why we moved into the city so on a whim we could go out late and do something, in this case it was to get some pizza. Now it was no New York pizza, or Chicago pizza, but they did a great job with it and right now it classifies as the best we have had in Panama so far. Lots of cheese and toppings on a nicely baked thin crust.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Thats Bizarre, no really
Day 293 Saturday (Sabado) - Panama City
We made our way over to the Hotel El Panama for a local bizarre where local entrepreneurs were trying to sell their wares. The event was open for 4pm to 10pm, we showed at 7pm and it was pretty packed in there. I would call it a success.
We made our way over to the Hotel El Panama for a local bizarre where local entrepreneurs were trying to sell their wares. The event was open for 4pm to 10pm, we showed at 7pm and it was pretty packed in there. I would call it a success.
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| Yes, there was music |
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| Hotel Lobby |
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| Another lobby view |
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| Panama Man needs rest too |
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| entrance of hotel |
Friday, July 20, 2012
What a Tragic morning
Day 292 Friday (Viernes) - Panama City
I interrupt this blog to pray for those that were involved in the shooting early this morning in Aurora Colorado at the midnight showing of the latest Batman movie. As the news reports come in from eyewitnesses this guy shot and killed 12 and wounded 38 people. You have got to be kidding me. WTF is going on in this world. It is ironic that many many times we get asked the question about how safe is it in Panama and time and time again you see this shit happen in the US. I can tell you this, I feel a lot safer here than these poor folks in Colorado are feeling this morning.
Please take time out and pray today.
I interrupt this blog to pray for those that were involved in the shooting early this morning in Aurora Colorado at the midnight showing of the latest Batman movie. As the news reports come in from eyewitnesses this guy shot and killed 12 and wounded 38 people. You have got to be kidding me. WTF is going on in this world. It is ironic that many many times we get asked the question about how safe is it in Panama and time and time again you see this shit happen in the US. I can tell you this, I feel a lot safer here than these poor folks in Colorado are feeling this morning.
Please take time out and pray today.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Where's the beef in Panama anyways?
Day 291 Thursday (Jueves) - Panama City
Out to eat is a great past-time for everyone and we are no different. We took our taste buds to a place called Lula by Darn in the Obarrio section of Panama City in the Plaza 54. This restaurant specializes in imported beef so we dove in. Our goal was to find a great burger and Lula's did not disappoint, their burgers are made from imported rib eye cuts, served with some fries on the side sprinkled with spices.
So the meal was outstanding BUT, the burgers were $15 each. Now come on, it was a great tasting burger but NOT $15 worth. We raised our standards for this special treat but YIKES, we need to find a comparison burger place with cheaper pricing.
Yet, if you know the Panama Woman like I do and if you have been following this blog, you know we did NOT pay $15 each for these delicious burgers, we had a GROUPON, so our price was actually $16 total including tip.
If you got the bucks and want a great burger, go to Lula's by Darn
Out to eat is a great past-time for everyone and we are no different. We took our taste buds to a place called Lula by Darn in the Obarrio section of Panama City in the Plaza 54. This restaurant specializes in imported beef so we dove in. Our goal was to find a great burger and Lula's did not disappoint, their burgers are made from imported rib eye cuts, served with some fries on the side sprinkled with spices.
So the meal was outstanding BUT, the burgers were $15 each. Now come on, it was a great tasting burger but NOT $15 worth. We raised our standards for this special treat but YIKES, we need to find a comparison burger place with cheaper pricing.
Yet, if you know the Panama Woman like I do and if you have been following this blog, you know we did NOT pay $15 each for these delicious burgers, we had a GROUPON, so our price was actually $16 total including tip.
If you got the bucks and want a great burger, go to Lula's by Darn
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
A morning with Republicans Abroad in Panama
Day 290 Wednesday (Miercoles) - Panama City
Breakfast this morning at Sanborns in the Multi-Plaze Mall with the Republicans Abroad Panama Chapter. RAP is a group of like minded individuals focused on making sure Republicans get into office in the US and to mobilize Republicans here in Panama to vote.
Today's meeting was a special event featuring Former Ambassador to the USA Roberto Alfaro. Ambassador Alfaro will speak about his past experience in Washington while Ambassador from Panama during the Free Trade Agreement talks with the Bush administration -- most of which was accomplished during his tenure there. He will also speak about his present responsibilities as Chairman of the Council of the Americas here in Panama as liaison with all of the American Chambers of Commerce in the Americas.
Mr. Ambassador spoke about the 20 years it took to work on and get the Free Trade Agreement signed by the USA, sounds like quick Congress action :)
Mr. Ambassador also talked about the Canal Expansion and how it will affect both Panama and the USA.
The RAP (Republicans Abroad Panama) Group meets every third Wednesday of the month for a 7:30am breakfast in Panama City.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Are you a foodie?
Day 289 Tuesday (Martes) - Panama City
The 2nd annual Panama Food Expo is set to take place this week at the Hotel El Panama and it will be showcasing local and international products. Not exactly sure who will be there but it is free to enter and walk around and I am sure they will have some enjoyments to try. See you there
The 2nd annual Panama Food Expo is set to take place this week at the Hotel El Panama and it will be showcasing local and international products. Not exactly sure who will be there but it is free to enter and walk around and I am sure they will have some enjoyments to try. See you there
Monday, July 16, 2012
This is why we walk...
Day 288 Monday (Lunes) - Panama City
Most major cities in the world have traffic issues and Panama City is no exception. Here are a couple of shots of 50th street, otherwise known as Calle Cincuenta, as people were log jammed for hours. We have seen this before in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, etc... and it solidify's why we walk.
Most major cities in the world have traffic issues and Panama City is no exception. Here are a couple of shots of 50th street, otherwise known as Calle Cincuenta, as people were log jammed for hours. We have seen this before in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, etc... and it solidify's why we walk.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Finally, Made it to Godspell
Day 287 Sunday (Domingo) - Panama City
OK so last week I reported that we were off to the Ancon Theatre Guild to go see Godspell, never made it BUT we did make it last night and here are my pics.
The Theatre Guild was built in 1950 and has held shows for over 60 years. The building holds 150 people and last night was full to capacity, plus as an added bonus we had a little buffet after the show as it was closing night for Godspell.
Thanks to the cast at the Guild, we had a real good time. If you are interested in membership for the year it costs $60/person and you can sign up in October only.
OK so last week I reported that we were off to the Ancon Theatre Guild to go see Godspell, never made it BUT we did make it last night and here are my pics.
The Theatre Guild was built in 1950 and has held shows for over 60 years. The building holds 150 people and last night was full to capacity, plus as an added bonus we had a little buffet after the show as it was closing night for Godspell.
Thanks to the cast at the Guild, we had a real good time. If you are interested in membership for the year it costs $60/person and you can sign up in October only.
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| Pre-Show Meal, scallops and spinach ravioli |
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Let the kids play
Day 286 Saturday (Sabado) - Panama City
The third Sunday of July is “Child’s Day” in Panama. In Spanish it’s called, “El Día del Niño”. It’s a big day in the calendar for the Panamanian family. On this day, parents take their kids out to the parks and engage in all kinds of children’s games.
El Día del Niño is heavily promoted by the Panamanian Government in an effort to keep the spirit of the nuclear family alive. It’s like a mini Christmas in our country. All our parks are flooded with children of all ages, doing what they like best—play!
Activities actually started on Friday, 15 July 2011, there will be activities at the Omar Recreation and Cultural Park in Panama City for all children. The event, entitled "A Fantasy of Stars - Giving Dreams To The Boys And Girls of Panama" will start on Friday and end on Sunday, 17 July 2011. During the course of the event there will be different shows with clowns, magicians, folklore and pet shows. Besides the shows, children can also play for free on the baseball and basketball courts, inflatable jumping areas and rides. The schedule of the fair is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 15 July. On Saturday and Sunday the fair will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event has been organized by the Office of the First Lady. (Telemetro)
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