Bonnie

I would like to register my opinion and experiences, but, as Citizen Volunteer Liaison (formerly Warden), I feel compelled to keep my own counsel. I will state the obvious, however: the Embassy would go a long way in restoring the faith of U.S. citizens if it would respond to telephone inquiries more than four hours a week and work harder to see that the federal benefits function is returned to Panama from Costa Rica.

Confirmation at last. Thanks, Keith.

As I read it--and I could be wrong--two people gain entry by bringing a potluck dish for 6. If they bring additional folks, it will be $10 per person. "Glamping" is a combination of "glamor" and "camping." (I had to look it up.)

Since the heavy rains last night, the intersection at Bruna grocery and the derelict building is a real nightmare: deep, deep potholes. You want to avoid it if at all possible. I thought I was going to have to go into four-wheel drive to get through this morning.

I'd like to read this, but it requires that you subscribe to the Financial Times. I daresay that Panama won't take kindly to the U.S. interfering into its diplomatic relations with other countries--if that, indeed, is what this is about.

I agree that this is a dangerous situation, Bud. It's amazing that people will put their own safety and that of others at risk to avoid a bumpy section of road under construction. The same holds true for those going outside their lane to avoid potholes. This is an ongoing problem and is particularly dangerous on curves when visibility is compromised. I can't count the number of near accidents I've experienced on the Palo Alto-Alto Lino loop because an oncoming vehicle swerved into my lane to avoid a pothole or other bump in the road. The major offenders are taxi drivers. Speaking of the loop, there is another thing that really concerns me. About 80% of the hikers, mostly tourists but some locals, walk with their backs to traffic. This is doubly dangerous. A vehicle is obliged to swerve into the other lane to avoid them, thus endangering himself and an oncoming driver. And the hikers are at risk when a car comes around a curve, up behind them, doesn't see them in his lane until it's too late. Neither do the hikers see the car because their backs are to traffic.

Mike, please let us know how it goes. I need a Toyota key cut also.

I'm never pleased to be in a hospital at all, but if I were recovering from a heart attack or stroke, major injuries associated with a vehicular accident, or anything similar that involved severe pain and required long-term medical care, I would not want to be in a hospital with crowded, noisy wards; bathrooms down the hall; and frequent lack of needed medications (including pain medication) and linens. I have observed all of this and more in the public hospital. There is a reason that Panamanians of means choose private hospitals. But to each his own. I also question whether expats should be taking advantage of the already overly taxed Panamanian health system. An important element of planning a move is to plan to take care of one's own health needs rather than expect Panama to foot the bill-- or, as I have observed numerous times in my 12 years here, to expect other expats to chip in for unexpected, expensive health crises.

So you're talking about no health insurance at all. Even those of us with expensive coverage pay for regular stuff up to a deductible, which is usually at least $5000. The choice is what happens beyond that: how to pay for catastrophic illness or injury. Virtually anyone can afford the day-to-day stuff, but medical catastrophes can be financially ruinous without insurance. The idea of saving what you would pay in premiums for future costly treatment is a good one IF, and only if, you have the financial wherewithal to pay for costly care initially, i.e., should you encounter a costly health crisis before you've saved enough to pay for it. I've never used my health insurance, have paid hefty premiums which grow heftier by the year, and now wish I had chosen that option. Unfortunately, I was in no position to know when an unanticipated crisis might arise. That's the nature of unanticipated crises. And I've had enough experience with the public system via helping others that I know I don't want to be there if I should suffer a debilitating accident or illness. (A friend who spent time in a public hospital described the experience as a cross between "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Midnight Express.") But, then, when it comes to matters of health, I am very risk averse. Others are braver (or more foolhardy).

What mid-range alternatives are you talking about, John. I'm not familiar with them. Most comprehensive plans, those good for major illnesses and accidents, are essentially mid-range plans because of their high deductibles.

And this is the system you'll be using in case of a major illness or accident if you have no medical insurance or plentiful cash reserves.

Just to be clear, there are two ways to donate: by Paypal and, for those who don't have a Paypal account, by GoFundMe.

Magaly, please give information about your Paypal account. I know many people who want to contribute but don't know how.

Thanks to both of you. I have sent a message to my bank. They have never levied an ATM charge previously based on the length of time I have been with them, the amount of my savings there, etc. But they recently merged with another bank, so it's a possibility.

The charge appeared on my statement from my bank in the U.S. various ATMs here in Panama. It reflected the usual $5.25 charge and then an additional $2 charge. Sorry I wasn’t clear.

Yes, I donated yesterday via Paypal. I believe you can find it by typing DogCamp Boquete into the Paypal website. (They provided a link in another plea for help yesterday, but I can't remember where.) Or you can call or email them for Paypal instructions. I believe they are trying to find a new location rather than take on a prolonged battle with neighbors and/or landlord at their current site.

I just noticed an additional $2.00 charge on ATM withdrawals in addition to the existing $5.25. My bank has never charged me for ATM withdrawals in the past, so I'm wondering if this is a new CLAVE charge. Does anyone know?

This Kenmore sewing machine was brand new when I brought it to Panama, and it has received very little usage. Model # 385.15218400, it has all the bells and whistles. It comes with a nice tapestry carrying case. Price: $125.

The giant Skykennel dog crate has been used only once: to transport a big dog from the U.S. to Panama. Measuring 48l x 32w x 35h, it is for dogs weighing 90-125 pounds. It comes with attachable food and water bowls and a LIVE ANIMALS sticker on the side. Retails for $300 and more. For sale for $125.