Day 333 (Dia trescientos treinta tres) - Friday (Viernes)
Political soapbox time!!!
With the Republican National Convention at an end, there is a very clear line drawn in the sand for the challenge of a renewed direction for the USA.
The Dems will have their convention next week in NC and we will be able to see how much BIGGER they would like to make the government control our lives, no matter where we live and breath.
The Romney/Ryan ticket is a strong one IF they stick to their speeches, America will be on the right path again, BUT if they settle in like most politicians do then we will continue to be unsatisfied. Bush the 2nd's last couple of years were NOT good, Obama's 4 have been worse, we need help and we need help now.
I love watching this stuff from afar as your perspective changes greatly, but it is also sad to watch at the same time, America is the envy of the world, so we think, ask others and they will not hesitate to tell us otherwise. So what are we going to do about it? Why do folks from other countries ask us what is wrong with the USA?
Let's get back to where we came from.
Let's see what happens, shall we......
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.
check it out -
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Panama Credit Union update
Day 332 (Dia trescientos treinta dos) - Thursday (Jueves)
A visit to the credit union yesterday resulted in a few paperwork changes and interest rate downgrades. As expected the credit union now requires as much paperwork to open an account as the banks in Panama do, if anything it is just a nuisance but no big deal. The credit union used require basically nothing, you were in and out in a few hours, not anymore, and I think with good sound reasoning. Banks in Panama are pretty strict when it comes to outsiders like us to do business with them and they require a lot of information, well evidently the credit union got busted by the government here on NOT doing the know Your Customer paperwork like the banks and they got called on it. A few months of wrangling and sorting through this mess at the credit union has finally started to clear and low and behold - MORE PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED.
On to the interest rates, the rates have dropped 1/2% for example, a 1 year $100,000+ CD will yield 7% not 7.5%, not too shabby. Actually the interest rates are what their own members have been getting since 2005, us non-members had a special deal for a 1/2% more BUT no more we now get the member rate only BUT, my bank offers no where near this interest rate how about yours?
Disputes from folks over withdrawals has caused the biggest ruckus over the credit union, here's the deal on that - the credit union here in Panama is made up of local Panamanians, we as outsiders are invited into the credit union as non-members and they are not used to how we move money around especially in big chunks, so they have put rules in on how to get your money out, sounds silly I know but if you follow the simple rules then they are harmless at best. For instance, $500 daily withdrawal limit at the teller, kind of like the ATM withdrawal limit at the banks. If you want more than that then you will need to fill out a form or write them a letter telling them so, thats all. If you want a large denomination check then write them a letter, send it via email and within 3-4 weeks (yes 3-4 weeks) they will have your check, again sounds silly but all we have to do is plan.
I for one use the credit union for the interest rates not to make regular daily withdrawals like I do at the bank so these rules are no big deal to me, others evidently used it as a regular bank and why not think that way, but got pissed when they couldn't get the amount they wanted when they wanted it - so plan people, thats all.
Thats my update take it for what it is worth, I'll keep my 7% thank you very much...
A visit to the credit union yesterday resulted in a few paperwork changes and interest rate downgrades. As expected the credit union now requires as much paperwork to open an account as the banks in Panama do, if anything it is just a nuisance but no big deal. The credit union used require basically nothing, you were in and out in a few hours, not anymore, and I think with good sound reasoning. Banks in Panama are pretty strict when it comes to outsiders like us to do business with them and they require a lot of information, well evidently the credit union got busted by the government here on NOT doing the know Your Customer paperwork like the banks and they got called on it. A few months of wrangling and sorting through this mess at the credit union has finally started to clear and low and behold - MORE PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED.
On to the interest rates, the rates have dropped 1/2% for example, a 1 year $100,000+ CD will yield 7% not 7.5%, not too shabby. Actually the interest rates are what their own members have been getting since 2005, us non-members had a special deal for a 1/2% more BUT no more we now get the member rate only BUT, my bank offers no where near this interest rate how about yours?
Disputes from folks over withdrawals has caused the biggest ruckus over the credit union, here's the deal on that - the credit union here in Panama is made up of local Panamanians, we as outsiders are invited into the credit union as non-members and they are not used to how we move money around especially in big chunks, so they have put rules in on how to get your money out, sounds silly I know but if you follow the simple rules then they are harmless at best. For instance, $500 daily withdrawal limit at the teller, kind of like the ATM withdrawal limit at the banks. If you want more than that then you will need to fill out a form or write them a letter telling them so, thats all. If you want a large denomination check then write them a letter, send it via email and within 3-4 weeks (yes 3-4 weeks) they will have your check, again sounds silly but all we have to do is plan.
I for one use the credit union for the interest rates not to make regular daily withdrawals like I do at the bank so these rules are no big deal to me, others evidently used it as a regular bank and why not think that way, but got pissed when they couldn't get the amount they wanted when they wanted it - so plan people, thats all.
Thats my update take it for what it is worth, I'll keep my 7% thank you very much...
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Calling all Panama Foodies
Day 331 (Dia trescientos treinta uno) - Wednesday (Miercoles)
Another food fest here in Panama City at the ATLAPA Convention Center, it will present foods from around the globe. This is the 3rd annual event and it costs $5.00 to get into the event. If you want to participate in some cooking classes and enjoy much more food it will run you an additional $149.00. There will also be a special wine tasting room to enjoy wines from the Americas. Check out their website for more detailed information at http://www.panamagastronomica.com/
Another food fest here in Panama City at the ATLAPA Convention Center, it will present foods from around the globe. This is the 3rd annual event and it costs $5.00 to get into the event. If you want to participate in some cooking classes and enjoy much more food it will run you an additional $149.00. There will also be a special wine tasting room to enjoy wines from the Americas. Check out their website for more detailed information at http://www.panamagastronomica.com/
Panama Gastronomica 2012
Thousands of food lovers of Panama and the world will gather at the Convention Center ATLAPA, to celebrate the International Gastronomic Fair, which will have its third edition in Brazil as the guest.
This event will feature both recognized Achef Brazil, Colombia and Panama as
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Medical Help in Panama
Day 330 (Dia trescientos treinta) - Tuesday (Martes)
Well, we found the proof in the pudding. My wife went to the Mini Med Clinic here in Panama City and as advertised walked right in and ordered up a Breast Ultrasound. Went in at 10:20 walked out at 11:10.
In my wife's case the mammogram that was always done always resulted in the ordering of the ultrasound, so here in Panama, with being self-insured, we went straight for the ultrasound and paid a whopping $49.99 and now we wait a few days for the results.
It is ironic to me that these folks here in Panama use state of the art equipment and are educated in the USA and then come here and can offer these services for a minuscule amount that we would pay up North, something is not right. We have paid upwards of $200 for these ultrasounds in the past and that doesn't even take into account the monthly insurance premiums we were paying along with co-pays. For now Panama has it right, let's hope it stays this way as they make great healthcare very very affordable.
touche.....
Well, we found the proof in the pudding. My wife went to the Mini Med Clinic here in Panama City and as advertised walked right in and ordered up a Breast Ultrasound. Went in at 10:20 walked out at 11:10.
In my wife's case the mammogram that was always done always resulted in the ordering of the ultrasound, so here in Panama, with being self-insured, we went straight for the ultrasound and paid a whopping $49.99 and now we wait a few days for the results.
It is ironic to me that these folks here in Panama use state of the art equipment and are educated in the USA and then come here and can offer these services for a minuscule amount that we would pay up North, something is not right. We have paid upwards of $200 for these ultrasounds in the past and that doesn't even take into account the monthly insurance premiums we were paying along with co-pays. For now Panama has it right, let's hope it stays this way as they make great healthcare very very affordable.
touche.....
Monday, August 27, 2012
We have made our carbon footprint smaller
Day 329 (Dia trescientos viente nueve) - Monday (Lunes)
It has been a long time since we have been without a car, I mean no car at all, not in the shop, not being borrowed, but sold and wheel-less. Last time was when we were first married and lived in Japan 29 years ago, then I bought a motorcycle, but living in Panama City we never used the darn thing so we are making it happen now. A very liberating feeling, we walk way too much and this city is so small that there is nothing out of reach for us, and if there was we can bus or taxi it.
Here's to liberation....
It has been a long time since we have been without a car, I mean no car at all, not in the shop, not being borrowed, but sold and wheel-less. Last time was when we were first married and lived in Japan 29 years ago, then I bought a motorcycle, but living in Panama City we never used the darn thing so we are making it happen now. A very liberating feeling, we walk way too much and this city is so small that there is nothing out of reach for us, and if there was we can bus or taxi it.
Here's to liberation....
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Back to the Central Ave. open air market
Day 328 (Dia trescientos viente ocho) - Sunday (Domingo)
Another day heading to the open air market, this time it seemed a bit different. Let me explain. We have been going to this area now for over 2 months to get our veggies and fruit and the whole time we never saw any police in the area, including the day I had my gold chain snagged. Well today for the first time there was police everywhere. It's funny because we never felt scared or intimidated all the weeks we were going there and today with a formidable police presence it made it that much nicer to walk around.
Not sure why there was so many police, maybe they read my blog and saw that a gringo got robbed there so they wanted to make sure we came back LOL Well we did go back and picked up our usual too much quantity of fruits and veggies for under 7 bucks.
You are what you eat, as they saw. Who are "they" anyways? O well.
Another day heading to the open air market, this time it seemed a bit different. Let me explain. We have been going to this area now for over 2 months to get our veggies and fruit and the whole time we never saw any police in the area, including the day I had my gold chain snagged. Well today for the first time there was police everywhere. It's funny because we never felt scared or intimidated all the weeks we were going there and today with a formidable police presence it made it that much nicer to walk around.
Not sure why there was so many police, maybe they read my blog and saw that a gringo got robbed there so they wanted to make sure we came back LOL Well we did go back and picked up our usual too much quantity of fruits and veggies for under 7 bucks.
You are what you eat, as they saw. Who are "they" anyways? O well.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Special Discounts are Everywhere in Panama
Day 327 (Dia trescientos viente siete) - Saturday (Sabado)
We have talked about the discounts that are offered on everything from Booz to Dining to massages, etc.. from OfertaSimple.com and Groupon.com, NOW we are been monitoring a thrid discount place that makes the same offers.
This new website is called quierOfertas.com. The website makes the same kinds of offers as the
previous two we have blogged about but it seems it opens up to a wider
audience as it spans more outside Panama City.
Take some time to explore this new website that we discovered about 2 months
ago but wanted to check it out before discussing it.
We have talked about the discounts that are offered on everything from Booz to Dining to massages, etc.. from OfertaSimple.com and Groupon.com, NOW we are been monitoring a thrid discount place that makes the same offers.
This new website is called quierOfertas.com. The website makes the same kinds of offers as the
previous two we have blogged about but it seems it opens up to a wider
audience as it spans more outside Panama City.
Take some time to explore this new website that we discovered about 2 months
ago but wanted to check it out before discussing it.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Panama Real Estate
Day 326 (Dia trescientos viente seis) - Friday (Viernes)
It is time once again to showcase a great property for sale in Panama City. This BRAND NEW 2 bedroom/2.5 bath LOFT apartment sits at the very top with views for miles.
Check it out.....
Top Floor Loft in San Francisco
It is time once again to showcase a great property for sale in Panama City. This BRAND NEW 2 bedroom/2.5 bath LOFT apartment sits at the very top with views for miles.
Check it out.....
Top Floor Loft in San Francisco
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Panama Pet Spa Day
Day 325 (Dia trescientos viente cinco) - Thursday (Jueves)
As much as our dog loves going to the groomer (She really hates it), we take great joy in bringing her to a place called VETS here in Panama City. We actually started out taking our pooch to VETS in Coronado and we liked them a lot and discovered they had one right down the street from where we currently live so that was an easy transition. So let's do a grooming compare, Tampa, FL $55 including tip, VETS in Panama City Panama $18.00
You do the math :)))))))
As much as our dog loves going to the groomer (She really hates it), we take great joy in bringing her to a place called VETS here in Panama City. We actually started out taking our pooch to VETS in Coronado and we liked them a lot and discovered they had one right down the street from where we currently live so that was an easy transition. So let's do a grooming compare, Tampa, FL $55 including tip, VETS in Panama City Panama $18.00
You do the math :)))))))
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Back in Panama
Day 324 (Dia trescientos viente cuatro) - Wednesday (Miercoles)
We had a nice trip back to the US and now it is just as nice to be back home in Panama. The Panama pet welcomed us with barks and licks, but she looked like she had a great time while we were away - thank you to our friend who looked after her for us.
I will get caught up on local Panama blogging tomorrow, today just a quick hello
We had a nice trip back to the US and now it is just as nice to be back home in Panama. The Panama pet welcomed us with barks and licks, but she looked like she had a great time while we were away - thank you to our friend who looked after her for us.
I will get caught up on local Panama blogging tomorrow, today just a quick hello
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
And back we go
Day 323 (Dia trescientos viente tres) - Tuesday ( Martes)
Our time has come, back to Panama tonight which fulfills our tourist visa requirement of leaving for at least 72 hours. It was great visiting our daughter and her friends here in Atlanta, now back we go to see our very own Panama dog.
If you are ever in the area I would recommend a stay in Atlanta.
See you back in the USA in another 180 days
Our time has come, back to Panama tonight which fulfills our tourist visa requirement of leaving for at least 72 hours. It was great visiting our daughter and her friends here in Atlanta, now back we go to see our very own Panama dog.
If you are ever in the area I would recommend a stay in Atlanta.
See you back in the USA in another 180 days
Monday, August 20, 2012
Southern Comfort
Day 322 (Dia trescientos viente dos) - Monday (Lunes)
We begin with a race pic from Saturday night, The Roswell 1/2 marathon Alien run that I forgot to upload, gal in pink in our daughter.
Now onto other news, grilling for supper last night, corn on the cob with steak tips, in the pouring rain holding an umbrella. Since we have been in Panama there really isn't a lot of foods that we have missed except for steak and corn on the cob. The cobs are dry and the steak is so lean that it has no taste so we decide not to partake, so on our trips to the US, BAM, we make it happen.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A day at the races
Day 321 (Dia trescientos viente uno) - Sunday (Domingo) - Atlanta, GA
Spent Saturday with a whole lot of folks from Atlanta that were very hospitable to us and made us feel at home. It was race day in Roswell, GA and some of the younger adults that we were with participated in the half marathon, while the rest of us cheered them on and took in many adult beverages.
We have noticed the Atlanta area is quite beautiful and also bustling with activity, altough this area got hit with the housing bust like most places did, they seem to be on the right track to recovery.
In many ways Atlanta and the people we have met remind us of our time in Texas, very easy to get along and very gracious - for that we are thankful as it makes our time here fun, plus the best aspect of all is visiting with our oldest whom we have not seen in almost a year.
Until tomorrow
Spent Saturday with a whole lot of folks from Atlanta that were very hospitable to us and made us feel at home. It was race day in Roswell, GA and some of the younger adults that we were with participated in the half marathon, while the rest of us cheered them on and took in many adult beverages.
We have noticed the Atlanta area is quite beautiful and also bustling with activity, altough this area got hit with the housing bust like most places did, they seem to be on the right track to recovery.
In many ways Atlanta and the people we have met remind us of our time in Texas, very easy to get along and very gracious - for that we are thankful as it makes our time here fun, plus the best aspect of all is visiting with our oldest whom we have not seen in almost a year.
Until tomorrow
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Americas favorite pasttime
Day 320 (Dia trescientos viente) - Saturday(Sabado) - Atlanta, GA
It has been awhile since I have been to a ballgame in the states so last night I was invited to an Atlanta Braves game by a friend of my daughters. We started off at the 755 sky club (named for Hank Aarons number of home runs I learned), the off to our seats to the right of home plate 6 rows from the field OUTSTANDING.
The home team won in walk off style in the bottom of the 11th when my new favorite Brave, Juan Francisco, delivered the hit that put the home crowd into a frenzy.
Thats the report - plus we heard from the panama dog sitter that all is well back in panama.
Hasta luego
Friday, August 17, 2012
Back to the USA for a few
Day 319 (Dia Trescientos diecinueve) Friday (Viernes)-Atlanta, GA
Being on a tourist visa creates the must leave Panama situation every 180 days. So this trip it is off to Atlanta to visit our oldest daughter. Nothing wrong with being on the tourist visa as what is wrong with a little vacation every 5-6 months?
We flew Delta, non-stop and the flight was 3.5 hours. Always dread going thru our finest immigration folks but it was actually a breeze compared to Ft. Lauderdale.
So will be blogging from the US for a few days then back home to Panama.
Our first stop, Across the Street last night for supper, excellent Mexican food in the old 4th ward section of Atlanta.
Off to the gym
Being on a tourist visa creates the must leave Panama situation every 180 days. So this trip it is off to Atlanta to visit our oldest daughter. Nothing wrong with being on the tourist visa as what is wrong with a little vacation every 5-6 months?
We flew Delta, non-stop and the flight was 3.5 hours. Always dread going thru our finest immigration folks but it was actually a breeze compared to Ft. Lauderdale.
So will be blogging from the US for a few days then back home to Panama.
Our first stop, Across the Street last night for supper, excellent Mexican food in the old 4th ward section of Atlanta.
Off to the gym
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Corridor Sur News about Tolls
Day 318 (Dia Trescientos dieciocho) Thursday (Jueves) - Panama City
Breaking news if you drive the Corridor Sur....
Beginning September 1, 2012, tolls payments on the South Corridor will be made only with the 'Surexpress' card.
Rigoberto Effio, National Highway Company Administrator (ENA) has stated that the measure seeks to reduce long lines at the toll booths during rush hour.
He says the electronic payment system will reduce the wait time by half (I am betting no but that is just one opinion) Currently, the sur express cards can be bought only at The Corredor Sur Delta Gas Station for $5 and can be recharged at the toll booths.
The National Highway Company Administrator also stated they will be setting up 300 recharge points in major super markets in Panama city. For more information you can call 260-0433 ext. 2319 or 2320.
So there you have it, effectivo will NOT work after Sept 1st, so watch those airport runs folks, and get your electronic cards.
Breaking news if you drive the Corridor Sur....
Beginning September 1, 2012, tolls payments on the South Corridor will be made only with the 'Surexpress' card.
Rigoberto Effio, National Highway Company Administrator (ENA) has stated that the measure seeks to reduce long lines at the toll booths during rush hour.
He says the electronic payment system will reduce the wait time by half (I am betting no but that is just one opinion) Currently, the sur express cards can be bought only at The Corredor Sur Delta Gas Station for $5 and can be recharged at the toll booths.
The National Highway Company Administrator also stated they will be setting up 300 recharge points in major super markets in Panama city. For more information you can call 260-0433 ext. 2319 or 2320.
So there you have it, effectivo will NOT work after Sept 1st, so watch those airport runs folks, and get your electronic cards.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hard Rock in Panama
Day 317 (Dia Trescientos diecisiete) Wednesday (Miercoles) - Panama City
Ventured into the new Hard Rock Hotel that recently opened in Panama City, Panama and it was as we expected it would be. Check out the memorabilia.
Ventured into the new Hard Rock Hotel that recently opened in Panama City, Panama and it was as we expected it would be. Check out the memorabilia.
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| The men's room |
 |
| I loved this one |
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| This one is for mom and dad |
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Does this put Panama on the map now?
Day 316 (Dia Trescientos dieciseis) Tuesday (Martes) - Panama City
Monday, August 13, 2012
2012 Closing Ceremony
Day 315 (Dia Trescientos quince) Monday (Lunes) - Panama City
2 weeks of athletic achievement has concluded, congratulations to all the medalists and for all those who put in the hard work to get there. You all are the envy of your countrymen. Onto Russia for the 2014 Winter Games.
2 weeks of athletic achievement has concluded, congratulations to all the medalists and for all those who put in the hard work to get there. You all are the envy of your countrymen. Onto Russia for the 2014 Winter Games.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Healthy Week Day 6 Panama
Day 314 (Dia Trescientos Cartoce) Sunday (Domingo) - Panama City
As expected the kickboxing class was extreme, but we hung in there and finished. The night was sponsored by Addidas. Then they decided to have an additional danceation class and I say no thanks, body couldn't move correctly.
Before the class started they had another nutritional talk and had a cook stirring up some steak and fish for all to enjoy.
Healthy Week concluded today at 6am with a 5k run - we passed on that. Here are the last of our picks
As expected the kickboxing class was extreme, but we hung in there and finished. The night was sponsored by Addidas. Then they decided to have an additional danceation class and I say no thanks, body couldn't move correctly.
Before the class started they had another nutritional talk and had a cook stirring up some steak and fish for all to enjoy.
Healthy Week concluded today at 6am with a 5k run - we passed on that. Here are the last of our picks
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| The nutritionist for the week |
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| The dude who kicked our ass in class |
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Healthy Week Day 5 Panama
Day 313 Saturday (Sabado) - Panama City
The night belonged to the kids. All events centered around the little ones on Friday night with nutrition, games, and dance. The sponsors on Friday were Splenda, Mini-Med Clinics, Vitalisimo Cereal, and the Cheese girl
Today is the final night for all of you looking to participate in a great kickboxing class sponsored by Addidas - class starts at 5pm in the Plaza Del Sol at the Multi-Plaza Mall. What a great week and the turn out in my book was pretty good.
See the kids in action
The night belonged to the kids. All events centered around the little ones on Friday night with nutrition, games, and dance. The sponsors on Friday were Splenda, Mini-Med Clinics, Vitalisimo Cereal, and the Cheese girl
Today is the final night for all of you looking to participate in a great kickboxing class sponsored by Addidas - class starts at 5pm in the Plaza Del Sol at the Multi-Plaza Mall. What a great week and the turn out in my book was pretty good.
See the kids in action
Friday, August 10, 2012
Day 4 of Healthy Week in Panama City
Day 312 Friday (Viernes) - Panama City
Another good event at Healthy Week as Mini Med Clinic was there and the crossfit trainers had a class, PLUS Riba Smith, one of the local supermarkets participated and made a delicious salad and a taste of wine.
But let's talk about the Mini Med Clinic, 2 monthly plans of $9.50/month + 5% tax or $15.50/month +5% tax and these included 6 consults and $65 in consumables per year for the $9.50 plan and 12 Consults and $130 in consumables per year for the $15.50 plan. The consumables consist of xrays, ultrasounds, lab work, etc.. Or you can just walk in and pay the $15 visit fee and pay for any consumables you may need, for instance this month they are offering breast ultrasounds for $50 - I would say this is something to look into. Mini Med Clinics are currently only in Panama City, 1 in the San Francisco area, the main one on Via Espana, and the 3rd is coming to Costa Del Este. And of course they were checking blood pressure and both I and my spouse passed with 110/80 for me and 100/60 for my wife. Only 3 more days left.
Some action shots
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