“Surrender”

When we first came to Panama I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO frustrated!  Tradesmen would promise to show up at 8AM, and then never appear until days later, unannounced, usually when we were off in David shopping.  I later found out they were shocked that we had taken them at their word and were waiting for them!  They had just assumed that we, being “rich gringos” would have a maid doing the waiting, since most Panamanians of middle and upper class status have maids.

I was so frustrated I asked folks who had been here longer how they coped and one wise guy said, “Surrender!  Whatever it is, it will happen . . . eventually.  And you being all up-tight won’t help it along one bit.”

I keep that in mind as I watch the house move along ever so slowly.  We were to have been in “by Christmas.”  I assumed, wrongly it turns out, that we were talking about Christmas ‘07.

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I copied this from my kids’ blog since I don’t have a picture of my other daughter, Rebecca, with Noelle’s baby . . .

Aunt Becky cuddles with the Earth Nymph
April 14, 2008 by georgeeaton

This outfit was purchased by Aunt Becky in Australia. The hat says “Earth Nymph.” The koala glows in the dark, making it easier to find Rian at night.

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Visit Panama!
According to Marshall Loeb, former editor of Fortune, Money, and the Columbia Journalism Review, writing in MarketWatch:

“If there’s an economic slowdown in your life, but you’re not ready to cut back on vacation time just yet, there are places to go and things to see that give cheer and relaxation without breaking the bank . . . Panama. This small country boasts mountains, rain forests, 1,500 miles of coast (your pick of the Caribbean or Pacific) and, of course, the magnificent canal, where you can gawk at supertankers being raised and lowered through the locks. Forget exchange rates: Panama’s currency, the balboa, is pegged at parity with the U.S. dollar, and the dollar itself is accepted virtually everywhere.”

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Planning A Panama Trip In July

Hi Richard, I am a new subscriber to your blog and I just want to commend you for your honest insights. My husband and I are planning to visit Panama for a week in July (still trying to make the travel arrangements), and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving me your honest opinion on the following:

It looks like we can get a flight from Miami on American, arriving early afternoon in Panama City. My thought was to maybe stay in the city for a day or two so we could explore some of the sights you recommend and then take a flight down to David so we can visit Boquete, which is really the area I want to see!

I assume it would be smarter to make our reservations from Panama City to David before we even arrive in the country, correct? Or is that route simply a local service and reservations must be made right at the airport when we arrive in Panama? Also, if we wanted to check out the beaches, are there any specific ones you would recommend?

Besides being excited, I’m a little nervous about the trip partially because I’ve never been out of the U.S. before (except on a cruise) and because I don’t know Spanish. Any help you can provide would be excellent. I have read your Q&A on your site, which has been a great help. Thank you, Alysia

Thanks Alysia! American, Delta, Continental and Copa all fly into Panama City arriving at the International Airport, Tocumen. From across the pond KLM and Iberia have direct flights. The National airport, Albrook or Gelabert, is about a $30 cab ride away and it is from there that flights leave to David, about 40 minutes drive from Boquete. You’ll want to make your reservations online before you come for your flights within Panama.  The principal national carriers are Aeroperlas and Air Panama.  You can make your reservation on line with either carrier, although I’ve always had trouble with Air Panama taking my US credit card online, so I tend to use Areroperlas.

Since you are interested in beach areas, you might want to think about renting a car and driving to Boquete.  The Pan American Highway has been greatly improved and it is a 6 hour drive.  Along the way you may want to check out beach projects in the San Carlos area.   Ventura is a very nice development, and since I used to live in Ventura, CA, it has a special appeal for me.  The Azuero beach areas are very popular, particularly with the French and celebs, but it’s about a 3 hour detour off the Pan American Highway to Pedasi.   Closer to David/Boquete is where we have a place, Boca Chica.  Boca Chica is still a sleepy, tiny fishing village, but it is beginning to develop.  Just outside David are a number of new beachfront developments. 

Hotel rooms can be very hard to find in Panama City so book early.  I’d plan a few days in Panama City and to see the sights I would talk to the front desk or bellmen.  Most will have a cousin or brother who drives a cab part time and will be happy to give you a tour for $15 to $20 an hour.  You’ll want to include Old Panama (the original city destroyed after Morgan’s raid), Casco Viejo (the old French Canal section) where the Golden Altar and beautifully restored Opera House are located as well as the Panama Canal Museum, and Miraflores Locks and the Miraflores Visitor Center.  One hotel I like is the County Inn on Amador.  Not only is it located out of the hustle and hassle of the main part of the city, but it is on the banks of the Canal itself.  Get a room facing the Canal and sit on your balcony and watch the world go by – literally!

Have some “survival” Spanish phrases, plan to use sign language, don’t take yourself too seriously, have an attitude of adventure and discovery, and you’ll have a great trip.  You find Panamanians to be friendly and for the most part eager to help.  Many, once they feel comfortable with you, turn out to know some English.

Have a great time and give me a yell when you are in Boquete!