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!!!       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. 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! 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/ So far, our tips have included learning a bit of Spanish, learning public transportation, and of course have some patience. These three suggestions would all help you acclimate to the area and accept the pace of life here. Our fourth suggestion would be to prepare yourself by doing some research. If you are a traveler that just wings it and goes to another country not being prepared, this may not be for you. If you are traveling to Panama and don't know anything about the country, we recommend you do a little research on the areas, customs and climate that you will deal with while you are here. Remember, Panama is an equatorial country and therefore has a dry season, a rainy season and even then the weather changes frequently. The place is tropical and has the inherent weather, topography and animal life of similar countries. Also, if a traveler knows some information about the area, it helps the traveler become acquainted quicker to the lifestyle, the people and the customs here. Think of it being the intellectual adventurer. If you are relocating to the area, there is plenty of research one needs to do. To start off with, one needs to know whether or not Panama is the right country for them to relocate. There are many decisions that go into this and that have been explored in previous posts and on other websites. We believe that one knows whether they can live here by visiting and speaking with the people in the area of interest. We think you should research what is in your best interests - the areas of interest, the people in those areas, the financial and social aspects of living in Panama, the legal issues one needs to encounter while they are here and what one needs while they are here. Do you research on plenty of aspects of life here. We finally suggest looking at our post for suggestions on moving here and then start your decision making process. Best of luck Numero Tres on our useful suggestions or tips list would have to deal with transportation. If you are living in a city, please learn the public transit - there are buses, taxis, you can walk and even ride a bicycle is most cities in Panama. In some cases those may be the safest and funnest ways to travel (debatable). If you live out in the country, there are still buses that run to most cities, along with buses between cities. These are inexpensive, have storage space and will most likely run in any type of weather. The pluses about riding public transportation, definitely in the city, is that it cuts down traffic and its inherent pollution, allows the traveler less stress, keeps cars off the road, saves the traveler money, and challenges the traveler to think (which can be a really good thing). Yes, public transportation may have some unreliable tendencies, and it may be difficult to learn, but one can really experience the culture when utilizing the public transportation. While on public transportation, you will see and recognize more about your area, you will have the opportunity to meet more locals and you will undoubtedly put yourself in little adventures daily. The public transportation here does not include cool subways or elevated trains, but does include several types of buses and taxis that will get you anywhere you need to go. With more expats and people visiting Panama, maybe even the signs of the times will change and trains and subways will be the next infrastructure that is built for this country.... Today is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. In the past 40 years, much work has been done, and for the next 40 years, much work needs to be done. Our continually combined effort will ensure the integrity of our environment, our natural resources (recursos naturales) and most importantly, our future. Here on the western Azuero Peninsula, there are many combined efforts to preserve our natural resources. With development presently happening there are many people working together to preserve and conserve. There are experimental farms in Arenas on the south side, there are reforestation projects happening in Palmilla, north of Malena and of course we have turtle egg protection sites in several villages. The most important part that developers can do is to protect the environment and build with conservation on the mind. Renewable energy education has become popular and many people are discussing what we can do as a collective to build the right infrastructure for all. There is a process that must be taken to achieve this and people are working hard to do so. Preservation and Conservation are not new things and this is happening all over the country of Panama. Solar panels are being delivered to the Kuna Yala tribes in the northern Darien Province, and solar is also being utilized for developments on the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Sustainable development is important and presently, a documentary is being produced on the sustainable development on Isla Solarte, Isla Bastimientos and others. These are just a few of the many examples, and we hope that more are to come. If you are in Panama and are working on any sustainable developments, we would love to hear from you. We also wish the best in your work. The work and research continues and we hope that everyone recognizes this day as something important to them for whatever reasons they seem fit. This is a great call to action from an article just sent to me: "On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Environment America our state affiliates and colleagues in the community are working to pass the strongest possible federal bill to tackle global warming and launch the clean energy economy. In order to truly achieve a low carbon future, we certainly will need bold federal legislation. But, as has been true over the past four decades, federal legislation alone is not enough. We must allow, and in fact encourage, forward thinking states to lead the way in innovating strong new policies and we must require the Environmental Protection Agency to do its job and regulate greenhouse pollutants. Anything less would move us in the wrong direction." http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=8041 http://www.ecofriendlymag.com/sustainable-transporation-and-alternative-fuel/global-environment-brigades-deliver-solar-power-to-panama/ Panama has a lot of pluses that create its environment, its atmosphere and the great people that make up this place. There are beautiful mountains, dynamic and gorgeous coastlines, fertile farmland, National Parks, Panama Hats, woven dresses and hammocks, stylish-dressed people and great local food. The pace of life is slower, the people are always willing to stop a moment and say hi and offer a chance to get to know them. The people will always wave, smile, offer an introductory shout, and maybe even a local whoop! Our suggestion or tip Numero Dos - Tenga Paciencia - have some patience. Enjoy the pace of life and have patience when it comes to restaurants, traffic and getting steps to your day done. Entitlement one feels elsewhere should be left there and you should just let yourself melt into the climate, the environment and the wy of life here. If you work with and enjoy every second of being alive here, you won't need to worry about how things move. Patience is key when doing any sort of business here. It allows you sanity, clarity and a sense of belonging to the area, rather than feeling like an outsider.   So, you are traveling to or relocating to Panama. This is a big step for either because of distance, the differences and of course the adventure! In either case, you want to make the most of your trip, enjoy every second and of course go home with stories that you can remember and share for a long time. Our first suggestion - Learn a bit of Spanish. Yes, English and Spanish are duel national languages down here and most people in the bigger cities will be bilingual, but if you get off the beaten track where the heart of Panama lies, having some useful Spanish in your pocket isn't too bad and is a great idea. People become more hospitable, respect is garnered quicker and of course, you can find the secrets to traveling as an intellectual adventurer. One can either start at home with some textbooks, audio CDs, interactive DVDs or go to a friend that may know spanish. Whether its Rosetta Stone or a neighbor down the street, learning some introductory statements, questions or a simple hello is great to know in the long run of your trip. If you want to add this to your traveling itenerary, Panama offers many Spanish language schools - some even paired up with exciting adventures like scuba diving, white water rafting, and nature walks. If you want any suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask. We actually know lots of people that have Spanish schools and we can recommend certain places/schools for a certain type of student. | AuthorAlli and Jake. ArchivesFebruary 2012 CategoriesAll  |
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