MarieElaine

No law is any good unless it is enforced. What about sexual assault within the family? I have heard that there are indigenous families where young girls are fair game regardless of family afiliation. Then there are those sex offenders who come here from other countries to prey on young children because laws are not enforced. A pedophile will always stalk and test a child before making a move. Then they convince the child to not talk about it for fear of retribution. Not only is sex education important, building the self esteem of these young girls/boys is essential. They need to know it is wrong for adults to do these things and that they should say no and tell someone they can trust so laws can be enforced. All this in a 5 hour school day? So many changes have to be made to make this problem go away.

I am with you Bonnie, I too was confused! I was initially hoping that the 90 day rule had been dropped for people from these 4 countries but apparently that is not to be.

I think that we should start citing this law when we are told to pay more because we are expats.

Don't forget to drop off your "stuff" at the Tuesday Market. We are getting close to the sale date of January 29th and the more we have to sell, the more we can help the finca children. Thank you

As a Canadian, I prefer Tim Horton Donuts. I do not have much of a sweet tooth so maybe I am not the right person to compare products. LOL

Thanks Penny. We will be there. Marie

I first had Krispy Kreme in Tampa, FL and I do not see what the hype is all about. It was just an average donut to me.

Are there discrimination laws in Panama?

Well it would seem that Varela is trying to appease the masses by reducing the tourist stay from 180 to 90 days. This will probably not affect anyone here illegally only those who make border hops to say legal. So in the end, more money will be spent in Costa Rica rather than Panama.

GIANT YARD SALESunday January 29thAT: CASA ESPERANZA (left at Multi Bank, 2 stop signs, on the right)9:00 am to 2:00 pm Household items, clothing, luggage, Golf clubs, printers etc. Low Prices! Barbequed Hot Dog, Potato Chips and Soft Drink - $2.50 Gift Basket Raffle Tickets $1 eachor 6 for $5 Still collecting your "stuff" at the Tuesday Market or at the School

GIANT YARD SALE.docx Casa Esperanza Yard Sale Please click the link for our flyer and help us help the Finca Children

Someone should study the number of Jubilados who live in Panama and what their total contribution to the economy is. Putting those numbers out there might change sentiment.

Very interesting. I have to wonder how messed up the Great Lakes are now. Thanks Keith

Thanks Roger. I have never had this problem before. I paid my rent today and that pretty much cleared my checking account so if Banistmo does not verify the problem and sends it back to my bank, they are out of luck! My online bank does not charge me. If you are a vet, you may want to switch over to USAA. No fees ever!

I use an online bank, USAA, for all my transactions. Because they do not have brick and mortar locations, there are no fees. They even refund me $15.00 per month for ATM charges. The cheapest way to go. I did however use the Banistmo ATM in Mandarin last Friday and it told me my request was over my limit only to have the amount deducted from my bank without receiving the cash. Has anyone else had this kind of problem?

Casa Esperanza "Vente de Patio" Sunday, January 29th 10 am to 2 PM Household Items, Golf Clubs (mens left handed) Printer, Luggage, Clothing, Furniture etc. In Boquete, travel north, left at Multi Bank, 2 stop signs, School on the right To benefit the 200 finca children that attend daily Still accepting "stuff" at the Tuesday Market (next to ARF) or any day before 4 pm at the school.

Interesting. A Panamanian website. Think I'll contact them and see what they are all about. Thanks Keith

Thank you Keith, same to you and yours.

Wonder how many of these went to Expats (?).

Many thanks to Ste Juan Bautista and the people of Boquete who attended the holiday sing a long (and brought a wrapped gift) at BCP for providing gifts to the finca children at Casa Esperanza. The staff are hugely grateful! You are the best!

Maria is directly across the street from the big 3 story house on a large lot that is being refurbed. I believe she is the 5th or 6th house. At lunch there are a number of county vehicles there, you can't miss it. The meal is a traditional Panamanian meal and I do not believe you have choices. The food is good and chicken falls off the bone.

Apparently the forest can be a dangerous place. RIP dear sir!

Maria serves a great lunch out of her home for $3.00. A lot of Panamanian government workers eat there. Turn left at Multi Bank and she is on the left after the stop sign next to a home that is being refurbished and across the street from the big wooden clad house on the big lot which is also being refurbished.

Have not had breakfast there yet but the boom, boom shrimp tacos were amazing on Friday when I stopped in for lunch.