JohnF13

I don't think there is anything of importance that happens in this Country that the U.S. Doesn't know about 10 minutes after it happens. I'll bet dollars to donuts that the invasion plan is well tuned....

Thanks guys. All info is appreciated!

It sounds like a great idea. You are right, the "add ons" would be very lucrative too. Not to mention the fact that the summit would get cleaned up....maybe Wry will send us a cheque?

One of my cats has a kidney problem. My vet recommends Science diet kidney dry food. Looks like I bought out the stock at Mascotas in Boquete, Melo mascotas in David does not have any. Does anyone have a source? I will ship it in from Panama City if I have to..

Doesn't he just have to wait another three years? After that, likely a Presidente from a different Party who will agree it was all political persecution......

When Embry reads that two things will happen - first he will laugh and then he'll come around here and drink my Scotch to punish me!

Judy, Embry is a Texan, so he speaks some sort of English!

No, sometimes he doesn't hear the phone oa job site though. I'll let him know you will be calling.

Judy, talk to Embry Koonz, he has a lot of road building experience. His number is 65786701, he is on what's app at that number.

Keith, Try Super Baru in David. Jocie swears by their Toledano chicken, says it is much superior to the Athenas stuff. We tried whole chickens from local Panamanians a short while ago, very disappointing, tough as shoe leather unless it was cooked for many hours.

In its simplest form, defensive driving has two parts, being always aware of your surroundings and being ready to act when something untowards is going to happen. when I went on my first Police driving course we had to talk continually while driving. Commenting on road conditions, traffic signs, intersections, other traffic in relation to my vehicle. We also needed to be aware of the vehicle we were driving, our speed, road positioning, engine temperature, pretty much everything about our vehicle and the envelope around it that could affect us. It sticks with me today but is something that cannot be taught in a couple of hours. But, if we go back to basics you can avoid most collisions. First, toss the cell phone in the trunk. You dont need it to drive, trust me on this. Next, before even starting your car, make sure you are comfortable in your seat, allof your mirrors are adjusted properly and know where all of your control buttons are. Sounds a bit daft, but I have been to colilisions caused by a person looking for the windshield wiper switch.... Fasten your seatbelt up BEFORE starting your car - not when you are driving down the road or when you see the police check sign. About police checks, don't fumble to get your wallet out while your car is moving, wait until you are stopped. When driving, always look around for things that can cause you a problem, whether it be a bus pulling out from the side of the road or another vehicle crossing in front of you because the driver thought he had the time to make it safely. There are two versions of safe driving, one is highway driving and the other is the rest - city or local driving. They require the same level of awareness but present different problems. I will leave highway driving alone for now, let's think about city driving. We all know that most Panamanian vehicles come without turn signals, so you need to be able to read signs instead - is the vehicle coming towards you slowing down? Is there an intersection close? Has the other vehicle moved to either side of the road? Any or all of these can be an indicator of an unexpected turn, watch out for them and be prepared to brake or take avoidance measures. Remember, ( as far as I have seen anyway) that driving here is considered a macho sport, forcing your way into traffic or making a turn and just missing the oncoming vehicle are considered badges of honour. Again, be prepared. ALWAYS look for an escape route even if it is an off-road option. Last thing, 'cause I'm probably boring you by now. I find it very helpful to have my co-pilot with me when in downtown wherever. She lets me know about dangers she sees that I might have missed. Some might call that nagging, but if it saves your Prado from a dent, then what's the harm? Safe driving folks.

You have to admit, Keith, that was no "accident'! Defensive driving is a must here, A lot of people just ignore common sense.

Thanks, Bonnie. Guess I don't need to read it now! I know we have all discussed healt care options in the past, for some minimal coverage will suffice, for others a hefty premium gives peace of mind. As usual, everyone chooses what they feel they are comfortable with or, more likely, what they are willing to pay. Unfortunately, after the major event is too late.

So, what is it worth?

There are a few commercial solid waste generators in Europe, some in Urban settings, so the technology is there. While it can be done here I wonder if companies will be cautious due to such proposed enteties as " The nation commission for the treatment of urban solid waste". Unfortunately Panama does not have the best track record for non-interference in large contracts but we can only hope things are improving.

Regarding the trash barrels....i saw that in some areas garbage had been collected from the side of the road into garbage bags but then the bags were just left there with the inevitable dog assisted results. I know one problem is the cost of collection, my guy charges me $1.50 per bag, not something a less well off Panamanian can afford and more expensive than Canada. When I go to the dump they charge me $3 or $4 for a truck load. My garbage guy is non too reliable as well, one wonders about the alternatives.

Roger, It is a fact that garbage collection is " not sexy". It may take some leaps of faith by politicos to get behind a serious attempt at a solution. Back in Canada I was quite " politically connected" and have studiously avoided it here, obviously because I am not Panamanian. But, I do try to understand the nuances of the system here and wonder why, at the municipal level, that more is not done to appease the public. I wonder, sometimes, if the population is so inured to the system as it is now that change will be very difficult. I also wonder, after speaking to some of my Panamanian friends, why garbage is not a higher priority. Most of those I talk to hate garbage as much as me. I take stuff to the dump ( landfill site would be too posh a phrase) and again, wonder why it is as it is. Perhaps an existential argument that will never be solved but someone ( other than me) must have valid ideas. I just do not know the answer and THAT annoys me.

Roger, Well said. We came to Panama three years ago intent on a fact-finding trip and just didn't leave. We love the Country as a whole and, in general, Panamanians are generous and accommodating. Yes, there has been the odd time when we met someone with nefarious intent, but that is also true of North Americans. Politicians throughout the World now, unfortunately, are only interested in what the office can bring them. Sometimes it seems a bit more obvious here but as you said, the Country is just over 100 years old and real democracy needs longer than that to develop fully. First World, Third World, just names given by an elitist few. It doesn't matter as long as the people are moving forward and it seems to me that despite roadblocks, the Panamanian people are doing just that. Does Panama work as a Country? In my opinion, yes, and quite well. Sure, there area areas that could be improved but they will be addressed in time. My only complaint? In a word, GARBAGE. I hate what is being done to the Country as a whole as a result of careless dumping of trash. But that is also easily fixable if politicians would really address the issue and if recycling and proper disposal were taught in schools. In a nutshell, we love it here and just wish we had come earlier. Keep up the good work.

What I was trying to say, perhaps inelegantly, is that the Boquete expat group seems to me to be a bit closed and introspective. If you are living within that community and not really interacting with Panamanians, then have you really left home? Your comment is a perfect example, a passive aggressive response to a simple statement of our preferences.

Well, we are a bit " different" . As police and military background people we don't much care about " community" we can happily make our own. We don't like people much, having seen close up what they can do to each other. We don't ask much, mostly to be just left alone and quite frankly, find the " Boquete" experience to be a tad too much. We don't need sugar and spice, nor do we need the " Tuesday experience" . Those that do, go for it, but have you really left your home place?

I think MarieElaine is missing the point. The Panamanian government has made it very easy for folks to get permanent residency in this Country. Don't know what it is now, but it was only $1250 per month income for my wife and I when we came. The people who have gone through the procedure don't have a problem. The problem starts when those who do qualify and those that don't keep doing the border run. Those people are rightly defined as non-residents -even if they are "spending money" . Doesn't matter where you are, you will always be spending money.......Permanent tourists are gaming the system and as long as it works, that's fine. The minute it doesn't, you are out of luck with no recourse.

Dr Anguizola is also my cardiologist. He is very thorough and most definitely not a pill pusher - he will prescribe what is necessary, but nothing more. While his secretary is not good in English, just asking for a " cita" will get you an appointment. When you call, just have the Spanish practiced for "an appointment on Wednesday please" or whatever you need. He is usually in the office after 3 pm Mon to Fri and I think, mornings Saturday. Sometimes busy so you may have to wait a few days to see him, but he will make room in an emergency situation.

Keith; switch to another platform. Windoze no longer owns the playing field.

I have been approached once or twice around the National bar in the past few months. A firm NO does the trick for me, but I am a big guy, might be different for smaller people.

Yes, I huess the predictions of a late rainy season were wrong. It has been raining pretty much every day in Potrerillos for the past three weeks.