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That fee does exist. Multibank started about two years ago charging a $250.00 fee for each account. The charge is assessed in the spring time (at least for our account). When I sought clarification (actually, I was complaining!) I was told that it is a FATCA compliance fee. From that explanation I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that the fee applies only to accounts held by US citizens. I never tried to clarify further. This fee has only been on our Multibank account. Our backup Scotiabank account has incurred no such fee [yet].

There actually are two seamstresses (both male, by the way; sastres is the Spanish word for "tailor"), right next door to each other. They both do good work, at good rates, and quick turn around.

When watching Netflix, Marcelyn and I snack on Cheetos and a drink. We recently have not been able to get good Cheetos at any grocery store. We've tried Romero, El Rey, Super Baru, Super 99, etc., etc., and no joy. The stores seem to have shifted from the imported version of Cheetos that are manufactured in Plano, Texas, to larger bags that are produced in Guatemala and with a slightly different recipe. Several of the Guatemalan variety bags have been stale, even though the expiration date is off in the future. Not a good taste Here is a picture showing the preferred Cheetos on the left, and our undesirable variety on the right. Does anyone know where us two Cheetos'aholics can get the imported US variety? Quick. We are starting withdrawal symptoms....

Keith, You really shouldn't be so bashful. Now tell how you really feel about this person.

"Vehicle Ownership Cards"? Huh?

We simply do not know if what we were previously told is still going to happen (but on a slower time clock than we hoped for), or if plans for a replacement recycle facility have just fallen through. With the closure of the recycling facility (across the street from La Posada), we are curious if anyone knows where (and when) recycled goods here in the Boquete area should be taken. P.S., the two word version of this post is: "What's happening?"

Just curious here. Did ANAM issue a permit for the removal of this tree?

Will the carnage never end? Or even be diminished?

Marcelyn and I had our second pleasant dining experience at Rustica last evening. I tried a hamburger (with cheese, no fries), and it was one of the better hamburgers I have had in recent times. Marcelyn again did the nachos. We had batidos de fresas. I could make a meal out of the batido. Wish I had, because the hamburger was simply too much food. But good service, good food, good prices, etc. In other words, a good value and dining experience. There were only a total of four customers (including the two of us) during our time at Rustica. I hope they survive.

Marcelyn and I had a similar experience many years ago when we were stopped on the InterAmerican Hwy while returning from PC to Boquete. We were there (meaning fairly close to and on the western side of Santiago) for about 3+ hours. Not a thing we or the others could do except to wait for the authorities to deal with it. I wouldn't call it a big highway party, but people did get out of their vehicles, walk around, talk, and food and water started showing up from the locals. Also, the absence of violence or raised fists, etc. Nice to see that people can still act with civility in times of stress.

We deposit our US bank checks here at Multibank (also have an account at Scotiabank, but it is only for backup purposes). There is zero fee for this service, and the hold time is only five business days. The short hold time was pre-arranged because we are long term customers, limit our checks to no more than $3,000.00 USD, have cedulas, and they know (copy of the escritura was requested and provided) that we own our property and are full-time residents. Couldn't ask for better service from any bank. In asking around we have not found any other bank to be this "friendly" about transferring funds from the US to Panama. We likewise have a Canadian bank account that is denominated in USD, but were told that the same funds transfer service would not apply to a Canadian bank check even though it is in USD. Dunno.... Some Canadian banks (e.g., RBC) have US bank affiliates that would overcome such constraints. P.S., the checks we deposit in Multibank clear the US bank typically in two days. That is fast.

Progress continues on this "lighthouse" just a bit north of Los Molinos. I think of this project more as an observation tower or lookout post, but apparently it is being called a lighthouse. Hmmmm. Here is a picture taken on July 13th. Not the best imagery possible, since this picture was taken through a rainy windshield.

Olga Rios' breakfast place is a long time staple for good food, good service, and warm greeting hugs. We were surprised not to find anything posted on CL about Punto de Encuentro, and so decided to fill that gap this morning. Marcelyn and I had breakfast at Olga's this morning. Everything went like clockwork. It all started with warm, genuine hugs upon our arrival. We ordered just one order of pancakes and a side order of bacon to be shared between the two of us. Marcelyn ordered her usual café negro, and I my hot chocolate. The service was prompt, accurate, and the serving was huge. Even though it was just one order to be shared between the two of us, it still was more than the two of us could eat. For visitors in the Boquete area, I submit that you cannot legitimately say that you have been to Boquete unless and until you have experienced one of Olga's famous (and sincere) welcoming hugs. Breakfast almost becomes secondary. Olga's is open only for breakfast, and this is done seven days a week. Not sure of the exact hours, but I believe breakfast starts at 7:00AM. I guess she closes when the last breakfast patron leaves. Here are some pictures taken this morning. First, the famous welcoming hug (Olga and Marcelyn). Followed by a couple of inside shots of the ambiance. There are no printed menus. Look at the chalkboards just outside the entrance door. An extensive selection, to say the least. The signpost that is street-side. And a shot showing Olga and an employee checking the grounds, and the entrance walkway into the breakfast area.

Wondering what is happening at the El Viajero Restaurante. They have been closed for almost two weeks, and no indications of having gone out of business. We believe that Mattia Bertero's wife was expecting, and so we are hoping that nothing serious has happened in their lives. Does anyone know what their status is?

In another run to the [current, soon to be relocated] recycling facility here in Boquete yesterday afternoon, we learned from the lady who manages the facility that it is relocating to a building that is located next door to the Boquete Bible Fellowship Church. We stopped by to see the current status of that building. For those who do not know where this site is, go down the side street next to Restaurante La Karreta (which is across the main street from Biblioteca de Boquete). Here is a picture of the building. To the right of the bushes shown in this picture appears to be a yard space that is fenced in and likely to be used as the receiving area. The wall of the building on the left side of the picture is the BBF church building.

Marcelyn and I tried out the new Rustica late this afternoon. She bought some fresh fruits from the produce stand. Good looking items there but not a large selection, but what was there was well displayed and obviously very fresh. And then we had an evening snack at the restaurant niche. Ended up ordering nachos (to share) and two fresa batidos. Service was quick, prices very reasonable, and the nacho dish was huge, way beyond what we could eat between the two of us. I could have made dinner out of the batido. It was fantastic. Here are some pictures. We definitely will go back. Nice friendly ambiance. Great service.

Marcelyn and I just got home from running errands. For years we have routinely deposited recyclables at the recycling facility here in Boquete. It used to be on the side street down from the Bistro. And then it relocated to across the street from La Posada. What a surprise today. As we were leaving the recycling place, a nice lady came over to inform us that their facility is closing within a week. If we understood her correctly it will be relocating to somewhere close to the Boquete cemetery. If this is true, then it will be a lot less convenient to deposit our recyclables. And another surprising piece of news by the lady talking with us is that the current recycling place is going to be converted into yet another restaurant. Wow, restaurant row is really taking hold of that part of the Calle Principal here in Boquete. She did not know the future name of this restaurant, who was the owner, and what cuisine would be served.

Here is a picture of this new produce stand and eatery. Note the total absence of any signage. Maybe that is coming in the near future. I don't even know the name of this place.

While in Boquete today (Thursday, July 6, 2017) running errands, we received a brochure on our windshield identical to the one that Keith posted. This eatery is obviously still advertising. We have been there only once, and the food and service were okay. It just seems too far for us to go. The interesting thing is that there was another brochure on our windshield advertising spa type services at the same facility. I guess they are branching out into new ventures. Here is the other brochure:

My research suggests that Canada, the USA, and Mexico are considered the countries of North America. Then there are seven countries that comprise Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. South America is everything south of Panama. I am not saying the above is absolute fact, but simply the end result of a huge amount of research. P.S., the part about Mexico being a North American country was a surprise to me.

On my very first arrival in Panama a long, long time ago, as I got into the taxi at Tocumen for the ride to my hotel the taxi driver started the conversation with a question. I will never forget that dialogue; it was an important and cathartic learning experience, more like a sense of increased awareness and sensitivity. His question was: "Are you (referring to me) an American?" To which I of course answered "yes". He responded with "So am I," with a good deal of pride in his voice. He was not trying to be condescending. That was an important lesson for me -- that everyone from the north, central, and south regions of the "New World" are in fact Americans (Américanos to the Spanish speaking parts of the Americas). My life experiences are that few US citizens think that way.

I was in the Social Security Clinic here in Boquete yesterday. Although I wasn't looking for it, I think I would have noticed any signs discussing flu or pneumonia shots. I saw none.