Marcelyn

Oops —— here is another flashlight we have to replace. Unfortunately we purchased batteries that have caused corrosion and destroyed some of our flashlights (and other fixtures around the house). We have switched to rechargeable batteries which have a higher original purchase price, but will give us fewer throw-away problems. Are others experiencing a similar increase in early corrosion involving AA or AAA alkaline batteries over the last year?

Has anyone eaten at the Soul Kitchen Restaurant?

Currently experiencing much rain, thunder, and lightening in our area. In fact so much rain that our dog has abandoned her regular sleeping bed and moved to higher quarters to sleep on a bench located under the patio cover. Smart dog!

Alison, I like your list of items forming “mighty bad combo”. Wonder if these things have some influence on why there are several houses for sale —— and not many buyers. “Houses in $500k or less price range are the only ones selling now” is what I am told by contractors I know.

IMO Hank’s reply/analysis of Boquete’s water and sewer project is accurate but discouraging for all of us: “about 90% complete, disorder for the next few years”. I talked (probably should say listened to) three visitors from Germany and one from Spain earlier this week. Some of their comments were “why would anyone live here with the condition of these bad roads”, “how long for these streets like this”. They talked about being sorry for their visit to Boquete. Not a good report for our town. Can expats do anything to help correct this water/sewer project situation?

Bonnie, What a great idea to suggest Hank Landis. As you posted, Hank is fully bilingual plus he is an engineer. This sounds like the right qualifications for the role Keith suggested. Anyone else interested in helping the expat community be properly informed with news from the Alcaldia by posting here in English when Hank is not available?

Great idea! Wish these store owners would advertise, but let’s continue to do what we can to help them be successful.

Twin Wolf, you always post helpful information (factual, plain-talk, easy to understand, and provides thoughtful points to consider). Good stuff. Thanks.

Did you Know — new businesses and relocations in Boquete? A new market place called Organic/Super Market is located next to the downtown Delta Station in the place where El Viajero Restaurante used to be located. Mascotas is enlarging their store. Twice present size, same location (expanding into where the panaderia used to be located) The Panaderia (see above) has moved to where CHOX was previously located.

Your understanding and following of Martinelli’s situation is much more extensive than mine since I’m a “almost newbie” in Panama. Seems you and Dottie Atwater in Volcan have this man/situation figured correctly. And I agree with your analysis. Perhaps in some parts of our world, Martinelli would be termed a trickster. My question is how long can this behavior last, and what will be the final outcome?

I agree. The saleslady at stall four is great. A real winner! Her location is now on my weekly shopping tour.

Keith: Thank you for your postings about the Alcaldia and other informational pieces you place on Chiriqui Life. Your participation on this forum is helpful and appreciated. Keep up the good work!

Yesterday we wandered into Mercado Boquete (across the street from Romero grocery store). Why? Because I was seeking eggplant (berenjena) to make moussaka. Now I had searched for this purple vegetable in several different stores locally and in David. No luck. In The Mercado I encountered mostly Panamanians, some folks were shopping and several were just talking with friends. And then at the fourth stall there was this wonderful lady selling my sought after eggplant or berenjena. I think my pronunciation of berenjena was far from accurate, but this polite and helpful Panamanian saleslady understood. She even responded back in English. Bless her! So today I begin my cooking chores to prepare moussaka after my pleasant experience at The Mercado Boquete.

I’m ready for Little Summer. Last Monday a man came into the shop where I was shopping. He appeared a little anxious and so I inquired how he was doing and/or what was new in his life. He told me that recently his house was struck by lightening. Not once, but twice, and it destroyed several appliances. Said his almost new home has several copper rods for grounding inserted in the ground around the house and should have offered lightening protection. Rushed home to ask about lightening protection for our home.

Double glad to learn about this meeting in Council Chambers and sad to read what the Mayor believes about “little interest” by the community for the water works project. Reckon this is an example of what my Mom taught me: If you have a problem or complaint, go talk directly to person who can solve or fix it. Enough said!

Went to PriceSmart yesterday and used our credit charge card. First surprise was the dollar amount of purchases was less than $50. (Probably a first!) A second surprise: no signature needed when the charge amount is $50 or less. Question is——how many charges of $50 or less can be made in a short time! My friends tell me there is a major problem with credit card fraud. Some suggest a fingerprint or facial picture is a necessary solution. But what about folks with a “have no fingerprint” issue. Then I look at my picture on my driver’s license, etc. and wonder if I really look like this! What’s the answer. Cash only? How much money do I have in my pocket at all times? Go to bank daily to get more cash? Any ideas?

Thanks for this posting, Keith. But what was resolved at this meeting? New asphalt now is being removed and pipes (sewer and/or water) put in place. Gotta wonder about this work sequence. Talked to “people in the know” and get many different views. What next? Our car can’t take too much more of these non-roads.

Hill, I enjoy your blog entries. You travel around the area with your interests and share your adventures with us. Thank you for sharing and bringing new information to our attention. Thanks.

Yup. Bud and I are doing the same thing. Also distributing a copy to family “will holders”. Suggest the bank manager’s signature and date is included on the beneficiary form.

Different banks. Same problem.

A friend and I were enjoying a before dinner conversation last week when she inquired about who was listed as beneficiary on our bank account. I answered with certain names of people. And she said “are you sure, really sure?” Then she told me a scary tale. (This is a smart, clear thinking woman.) Recently when this couple visited their local bank and inquired about who was listed as beneficiary on their account, they were told two names of people they didn’t even know! So yesterday Bud and I went to our primary bank to check our account status. You guessed it. One listed beneficiary is deceased and another was someone that we don’t want near our financial matters. This bank charges $112 for a new beneficiary form but we agreed to pay — without a smile — because we wanted an immediate correction of this information. Decided not to delay this process while considering opening an account at a different bank. We also will be checking our secondary bank account in the next few days. How does this happen where names of people you don’t even know appear as benefactors on your personal bank account? Also learned that Bud is the “owner” of the account. Yes, I have check writing authority, but am not the owner, so settlement/change of ownership would eventually require probate thru Panamanian court system if there is no designated beneficiary. Note: My action item is every month check the paperwork data at the bank. Are you confident your bank account documentation is as you want it to be?

Perhaps we need more information about this program?

Two years ago we paid an extra fee of $110 each person for additional visa pages in our new passports. Informed us this was the final year the state department would allow this process. Next time we needed additional visa pages, we would need to purchase a new passport.

I agree, Keith!