Bonnie

Perhaps the Administrators could explain the rationale behind publishing all News Boquete items here. Under "Unread Content," there is a tab that will take you to "Edit Stream Settings." This allows the reader to choose what types of post they receive. Under "Content Types" on that screen, perhaps "News Boquete" could be added. That way those of us who receive News Boquete directly can unclick that tab and not receive duplicate posts.

It's difficult to know for sure from the photos, but it looks to me like these would shut out even more light than burglar bars. Also, they will only be as secure as the frames are secure. Just food for thought.

I was a member of this party, and I agree with everything Marcelyn wrote. It was a wonderful experience, and the restaurant was full or near full. Good addition to the local dining scene.

Good points all. I think it's important that we bring this subject up periodically just to remind each other how important defensive driving is here.

I agree with Twin Wolf. Ning appears to be moving away from being a local, Boquete forum. I think people will catch on to this after a bit and look beyond it for their exchange of Boquete information.

It seems to me that speeding in congested or even in lightly populated areas is the most dangerous, and yet I see the least enforcement there. Taxis and other vehicles speeding through town, through Alto Boquete, and through small communities, for example, face increased risks of cars entering from side roads or driveways and of people, particularly children, wandering into the roadway. Yet I've observed little to no speed enforcement in these areas. The cops all are on the open road with radar guns. One of the most frightening experiences of my life was narrowly missing running over a child is Los Algarrobos shortly after our move here. He was in a bus kiosk on one side of the road when his mother appeared on the other side and beckoned him. He ran directly to her just a few feet in front of my car. I stopped mere inches from him and clearly would have hit him had I been traveling more than 40 KPM. I was so shaken that I now creep through those areas where people congregate.

Air Panama is a regional carrier, flying to virtually all parts of Panama as well as San Jose, Costa Rica. I assume they will sell tickets to all the destinations from the Boquete office. Their schedule can be found here: LINK

What a great gift! Or the centerpiece for the Christmas table! Thanks, Deb.

Perhaps not in total. But medical care costs less here than it does in the States. When folks return to the States to take advantage of Medicare, the government pays more than it would if those people had stayed here and could collect on their Medicare. There probably are others who would expatriate, thereby saving Medicare money, but do not do so because Medicare doesn't pay here. But, at bottom, it's a question of fairness to my mind. We paid all our working lives into a system that we cannot collect on even though our collections would cost little when compared to the same costs in the U.S.

There was discussion of healthcare in the Expatriation category: see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/183-what-every-potential-expat-should-first-consider-before-moving-to-panama/

Vickie, can you tell us what the Green Room is?

Worldwide Medical Assurance has served us well.

Another positive effort by the new Alcalde, I assume. Things are changing for the better on many fronts. I'm old enough to remember when there was trash strewn along the streets and roads in the U.S. All that changed with the "Don't Be a Litterbug" national campaign. Maybe we need something similar here.

Thanks for the observations, Phyllis. From my own perspective based on over nine years, I have observed that new arrivals are mesmerized by the climate, views, and slow pace of life for up to the first three years. After that time, many are worn down by the power outages, water problems, inconsistent access to Internet and television, time-consuming shopping, and poor customer service. While some do indeed return home for medical and family reasons, I’ve come to suspect that these are used as excuses by many who just could not adapt. There also are those who came here with unrealistic expectations of costs. If I were asked for advice about expatriating to Panama, I would strongly suggest that potentials closely examine their budget, including costs for health insurance, travel, and the always-lurking miscellaneous. It has not escaped my notice that more and more folks are arriving under financed, some woefully so. Also, I think there is a better chance for long-term happiness if there is a “handy” person in the household. Being able to handle your own electrical, plumbing, computer, and other problems goes a long way toward eliminating frustration and expenses. Add to all that a laid back attitude, as you suggest. I confess to having experienced my own set of frustrations that have tempted me from time to time to consider abandoning Panama. But then I remember the wonderful sense of community, the languid pace, and the natural beauty surrounding me. Only tonight, while sitting on my terrace, a lone coatimundi casually strolled through the back garden (inducing hysteria in the dogs).

There's also a big nursery--with all the plants jumbled up--at the corner where the road comes to a T in Cerro Punto. It's a great place to stroll around and find some things not seen anywhere else.

I agree, Jim. Everything is about globalization now, with all its attendant problems. It'll take a few years to work itself out, but we'll all be better off, in my opinion. I honestly don't understand people who relate everything to a particular culture or country--or, worse yet, wallow in nostalgia about the pre-globalization days. It's amazing to me that few if any people recognize on these forums the beneficial changes expats have brought to Panama. Everybody's too busy apologizing for being a gringo, guiltily proclaiming that we're mere guests in the country. While living here makes our lives richer, we bring a lot to Panama in return. All over the world, we're all in this together.

I'm pleased to see CL is posting messages from the U.S. Embassy, presumably obtained via the U.S. warden here in Boquete, who deflects attention by not identifying himself.

Overcast, light rain, and breezy today here in Palo Alto, north Boquete. And it's cold!

Moreover, the government would pay much less here than it would if the medicare recipient lived in the States. There just aren't enough expats to have the political clout necessary to change the law in this regard.

Hear! Hear! I've observed this before and was astounded at the rudeness.

I have heard many people say that they are waiting until February, when Rodny's contract with Alto al Crimen expires, to sign up with Rodny Direct. If they sign up now, they'll have the extra benefits of Rodny Direct and get two months free (as their membership would not be renewable until February 2016). Why wait?

Absolutely, Phyllis!

My guess would be that it is something sponsored by the newly-arrived religious element as they often use Chiriqui Farms for their programs.

We care because the level of self-destruction is endlessly fascinating.

I'm not sure I believe this. It seems like I've read about more homicides than reported here. And, even if it's true, tell it to Betsy and Marion. Cold comfort at best.