MarieElaine

Too many changes!  How do we cope?  LOL

Does anyone know when the roads will be resurfaced downtown?  Does the project planned to take months or years?  Not being a "plumbing" expert, I have no idea if they are done in my area downtown.  They cover holes then dig them up again.  Very confusing.

I know this is slightly off topic, but those of us who depend on our own two feet to get around downtown want to know when the mud will go away from the sewer/water project.  Does anyone know if they plan to pave/gravel the roads.  All around me the roads are mud and getting anywhere is a dirty and wet process.  We who live downtown feel like we are in cages.

Mr Dog alone is fun!  He was at ARF's Christmas with Santa in the park last December and he has a lot of interesting things for animals in addition to tags.

I agree, they are selling a product and what profits are made and what they do with those profits is their business.  As an accountant, I can tell you donations are a great way to avoid or reduce taxes.  In most countries only those companies that are profitable can use donations as an expense.  I also think it is a great marketing tool to let people know you will donate the profits.  They may in fact change charities from time to time.  ARF is the only charity I know of that gives an accounting of their expenses monthly and, under their circumstances, I think it encourages trust in the quality of their work and those who donate.

Many thanks to Gray River Farms for providing organically farmed lake trout for the children at Casa Esperanza.  Any break they get from beans and rice is a delight for them and they loved the fish!

Casa Esperanza is a charitable organization that serves approximately 200 finca children in and around Boquete daily.  They pick these children up in their bus, feed them breakfast and lunch, take them too and from school and back home at the end of the day.  They provide continuing education, help with homework, music lessons, English education and a variety of sports activities.  They offer these children options in their lives in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.  There are many local church's, persons and companies that volunteer and donate to this worthy cause and we thank them all.

When I went to Monica I was quoted $180 for tooth extraction.  When I balked at the price she asked if I would pay $100.  Gringo pricing?

The police force here is just as corrupt as Noriega's forces were.  I get this information first hand from a friend who is employed by the police force. Another friend was robbed of about $3k of equipment and knew who did it because one of the bandits t-shirt covering his face fell off.  Armed with a firm identification, the police did nothing.  I wouldn't be surprised if the police officers confronted the offender for a cut of the action!  You probably did not see it in the news but officers were caught helping  to smuggle cocaine through the Darien.  What good is a police force that is on the take?  While I am sure there are honest officers out there, I am discouraged by what I hear about corruption at most levels of government and police bodies throughout this country.  If Varela is the man to clean Panama up, he needs to do a better job with the Police.  The police should be part of the government mandate and not a separate entity.

They should concentrate on controlling the corruption among the police force instead of wasting time on such trivial matters.

Good point Penny.  I know in FL tips are included for larger groups.  The "Crispy Garlic Shrimp" was an appetizer and is included on their main menu and not the lunch special.  Since so many people ordered this plate as their main meal, we asked that either vegetables would be included or a small salad.  They chose to include the vegetables.  While the shrimp was cooked perfectly and had a nice crunch it certainly was not breaded as we gringos tend to believe "crispy" means.  Was a great day, thanks Chicas!

Nice touch TwoSailors.

They must have a new chef because the last time I ate there it was horrible and overpriced.  If it is a new chef I hope he/she sticks around.

Absolutely despicable!  I hope they find this animal abuser.  Even if he was "relocating" this dog because he was hanging around his home, he is just as guilty as the owners for not doing something to help the dog.  There are so many people and organizations that help abused and neglected pets in Chiriqui there is no excuse for him to further neglect this poor dog.

I use the 100 mg Aspirin in Revilla in Boquete.  It does not have to be the cardio brand which is much more expensive.

A wonderful cause.  Those smiling faces tell the whole story!

Juan Francisco de la Guàrdia, of the Panamanian Alliance for Life and Family, said that the group would be presenting an alternative draft bill to the assembly. He said that this would focus on teaching sexual education “through training in principles and values, and not through the delivery of contraceptive pills.”

6 hours ago, Bud said:

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/opponents-seek-stifle-sex-education-talk-members-group-opposed-teaching-sexual-education-public-schools-threatened-government-mass-action-demand

Why is the group against sex education claiming that contraceptive pills will be delivered?  Sexual health education is just that, education regarding sexual health and methodologies employed to keep ones body healthy.  I think the two groups need to get together and talk.  We discussed this subject in church and there were definitely those fanatics that believe that teaching sex ed would encourage our teenagers to have more of it!  Such a narrow point of view since they are going to have sex whether we educate them or not.  Obviously these people have forgotten what it is like to have those raging teenage hormones.

Controlled Flow, I get it now. All the people at the Costa Rican immigration had number cards and were called according to number for entry.  I presume the same process is going on at the Darien.  I presume the ultimate destination is the USA.

I saw him on Sunday.  What a tragic accident.  My sympathy to his family.

Went for a border run last week and there were 75 - 100 persons (supposedly from Africa) waiting at Costa Rica immigration.  They had paperwork for a number of them and were taking pictures for entry to Costa Rica.  Apparently Costa Rica is taking in a few at a time.  Does anyone know where they are sending these people to?  What will happen to the others at the Derian?

If Panama's scandal involving Moassack Fonseca involved money being moved to other countries why is the investigation and recommendations centering on only Panama?  Full disclosure would include these other countries used to launder/hide money originating with firms in Panama.  Am I wrong?

I too love Burricos and don't get there often enough.  The food is authentic Mexican, not so much TexMex since the owners are Mexican.  Tried to talk them into opening a location in Boquete but they are happy in Volcan.  Darn!

Thank you for this "nudge" Bonnie.  I have been putting off going through the steps to make it easier for those who will deal with my passing.  I am sorry for your loss and urge you to join Chicas when you are ready.  We are single women who help each other, luncheon once per month and provide scholorships for young native/Panamanian girls to further their educations.  A great group!

Would you call this prostitution or trafficking?  Are these women cooperating or are they prisoners?

They have a $7.50 luncheon specials that includes 5 choices including salmon.  You get tea or lemonade with it as well.  A very good value and a great way to sample their food.  A go to place for me.

I too had an issue with Airbox and ended up going to E Shop.  Not cheaper by any means but a much more pleasant environment.  They are always polite and not at all like the Airbox girl who tried to make their mistake into my mistake.  While customer service is not a strong point in the Panamanian culture, rudeness is not acceptable.