One of the suggestions we always have for people, especially those foodies that might be traveling or moving down to Panama, is to stop at the roadside stands or the fruit/vegetable markets that you may see on the roadside, countryside, or on the outside of towns. These provide some of the best fruit and veggies in the country. Most of the time, these are from the private gardens of local people that are looking to earn a few extra dollars. So, not only will this make you happy at eating delicious food, but you will also be helping out the locals that work the land and make this country as special as it is. Check it out and eat up!!!!
There has been a few changes over the last few weeks. Not only is the main highway from Atalaya to Torio (the main road, the only road) being repaved but all the potholes are being fixed. This is great news for people with kids, drivers that need to use the restroom or just impatient car people. The road is smoother, the drive is therefore shorter and it makes everyone a little bit more happy I am sure. That may be the best news update (for our family it is) but we also have news on the forefront of PCP as well. Not only are we showing lots and developments to many planned people over the next couple of months, but we will be putting out more and more photos and video updates soon as well. Please see some photos below. Lots are being formed for the first phase at Alta Vista and we are now discussing construction and house design ideas with people. The road is getting better and better and our water diversion and Drainage system is in the completion/drying stage. Please stay tuned for more updates!!!       The Veraguas Province has great historical significance. Not only can we claim Christopher Columbus fame, but we can claim both coasts in our province, warm climate, cooler climate, classical Baroque architecture in our churches, mountains, coastlines and of course National Parks. From the uninhabited regions of the Caribbean Coast to the mountains of Cerro Hoya in the south, the Veraguas Province offers so much to explore, live and experience. Veraguas was explored by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage. He tried to establish the first colony in the new Spanish mainland but failed due to attacks from native Indians. In reports to the Spanish crown he mentions gold, and the local civilization has in fact produced remarkable pieces of jewelry. Diego de Nicuesa also tried to make a colony and failed, which made him create a colony to fight against the Indians called Nombre de Dios. Its capital, Santiago de Veraguas, was found in 1636. It is said that its name comes from the indigenous word "Veracua" or "Viragua." It is the only province in Panama with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The majority of people live on the pacific side, the Caribbean coast is mostly unihabited. Veraguas has many groups of inhabitants, mainly of Spanish-Indian origin named campesinos. This land offers tourists and visitors close contact with nature. Forests, mountains, coasts and islands where there are more than 200 varieties of orchids; more than 400 species of birds, besides mammals, reptiles and insects. Veraguas has various national parks. The Coiba National Park, (with the largest coral reef of the Pacific Coast of America), Cerro Hoya National Park (covers the southwest part of the Azuero península and the sea that surrounds it), Santa Fe National Park (a wonderful virgin forest in the northern region of the province), La Yeguada Forest reserve (with a great artificial lake for the production of electricity)and El Montuoso Forest reserve. Beaches such as Playa Santa Catalina, Playa Mariato, Malena and Torio offer great places for recreation, surfing and fishing. Other famous touristic areas is the Iglesia de San Francisco de la Montaña.This Church has a Baroque architecture and dates back to 1727. It was declared a National Historical Monument on January 27, 1937. above information provided by: http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Veraguas_Province Panama offers an educational side as well to all its natural beauty and working opportunities. First off, there is tons of history here the Republic of Panama. In Panama City you can obviously see the Spanish colonial influence in Casco Viejo and you can see the remains of some ruins around the capital city, but outside of Panama City you can find the jewels that are worth seeing. There are a series of petroglyph sites that are scattered through the country. Nancito, Las Palmas and others in the Veraguas Province before you reach Chiriqui are really worth visiting. The towns have government funded museums and in a sense, this makes these tourist destinations. The towns are quiet, quiant and usually clean. An exciting opportunity in Panama for learning is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. With places in Barro Colorado (think Galapagos in the middle of the canal), Bocas Del Toro, Punta Culebre and Galeta, STRI offers many opportunities to meet, see and experience the natural wildlife and its environment in the natural form. Not only are these great for adults, but wonderful places of learning for children. Student Discounts are offered and pensioners would also be able to see a discount. Visiting one of these STRI research centers, one would feel as if they are visiting a well-built and organized natural history museum anywhere in the world. www.stri.org In the past, we have discussed advantages of moving or visiting Panama. Please feel free to look under any categories to the left such as buying land, Azuero, Panama, investing, suggestions for moving to Panama, tips or even updates on our very own properties and you will find a wealth of information regarding Panama, our area and the paradise you could share with others here in Panama. Other people write about Panama quite often and here is a blog about business travel, that may be of interest to many people. The article discusses the regular topics for why Panama is a great place to do business - the canal, the growth opportunities, a large workforce - plus all the reasons why people would want to be here in Panama - weather, outdoor activities of adventure, outdoor activities for the relaxed, and the dramatic and beautiful landscape that Panama offers. All of these reasons provide a gold mine of opportunities for business investors, business travelers, families and tourists alike. Pensioners can rest assured they can live comfortably and laugh off many consumptive expenses in Panama because they are not expensive at all ($10 for a day at a spa). After one applies for residency (easy) and is on the pensionado plan, these are some of the perks that one can access.
Here are some aspects of Panama that you might not know:
Information is from many sites - Panama gov't websites and International Living's website. Read this article - it gives reasons to live, invest, relocate and build a community in Panama. The article describes the benefits of Panama and what is likely to happen in the next few years. Now, the article was written in 2007 - although it has stood the test, we must admit, there was such a boom in Panama City that there are unfinished condos now. The advantages still are strong outside the city and the remainder of the country is ripe for investment. All the reasons in this article are applicable and will be for the coming years. http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/the-expansion-of-panamas-economy-and-canal-51266.aspx During the month of May, Panama Coast Property hopes to accomplish many tasks to be productive. The project at Alta Vista seems to be ramping up with hard work, interest from people and its getting closer to the next step. In the month of May we hope to mark, level and ready each individual lot. This task will clearly demonstrate where each lot is located, how large each homesite is capable of being on each lot, and is the next big step that people have been wanting to see in their decsion making process. Along with this task at Alta Vista, we hope to continue designing and readying the communal spots for the Alta Vista development. We feel that the community parts of this development will help build the community, allow people to convene outside in picturesque and inviting areas and be able to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, playful, yet refined area. Along with the developments at the Alta Vista, Panama Coast Property will start working harder on the multi-zoned areas around El Sendero al Mar. Other than construction, PCP is always looking to give back to the local community. Any education, help, support and activities that we can do for the local community is of high priority. The local community has given us so much hospitality, support, advicea and help, we not only want to give back, but we want to help in any way possible that will benefit all. Vegetable stands, child play dates, and rides to health care facilities are a few of the ways we have helped in the past. New ideas and collaborations are near in the coming months and we hope to make the most out of them. If you have any questions or comments on how to help us, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks! Obviously, everyone is going to be pushing Panama as a travel destination, as a vacation home destination, and of course a great place to invest. Panama, specifically, is also a great place to actually build a home, live and either enjoy your retirement, or start a family and grow a community. Well, here are two pieces of information that strengthen this argument, specifically geared towards the Azuero Peninsula. Let us note here that Santiago has an airport that takes in-country travel, and Pedasi just received a direct flight from Tocumen International airport in the past year. A writer just suggested that the Azuero is the best place to invest or live right now. Furthermore, the local aviation commission just put forth the money and plans to start building an international airport in Aquadulce, which is a great spot located on the northeastern side of the Azuero Peninsula. Airports provide infrastructure, jobs and the convenience that most people strive for when looking for places to visit/live. The new proposed airport would put people two hours closer to the Azuero Peninsula than Tocumen in Panama City. That would be 1-2 hours travel to Pedasi and 1-2 hours to Torio and Mariato on the Western side of the Azuero Peninsula. The first article also states, "The best place to buy Panama real estate is undoubtedly on the Azuero Peninsula. This is one of the few places on earth that still offers people a chance to live amongst the stunning natural beauty of Panama." If living amongst the natural beauty of your landscape, close to national parks, world-class fishing, internationally known birding spots and of course the inexpensive nature of all this isn't appealing, I would hope you would share suggestions to us for what you have found! We would be interested!!! http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Where-s-The-Best-Place-To-Buy-Panama-Real-Estate-/1126611 http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20100424125312698 Here is a great concise article describing what the situation is like when opening a bank account in Panama. It is quite useful, so check it out and hope you enjoy. http://finance.businessvn.net/2010/04/opening-bank-account-in-panama-as-a-foreigner/ | AuthorAlli and Jake. ArchivesFebruary 2012 CategoriesAll  |
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