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The rail car in front of the post office has intriqued me for sometime. So, I did a little searching around. Very interesting article I found. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Panama Ferrocarril de Chiriquí[edit] At the end of the nineteenth century, the government of Panama studied the feasibility of additional railroads. In 1910, Panama Railway was commissioned to estimate cost of a railroad from Panama City to David, Chiriquí with branches to Antón (Coclé Province) and Los Santos. The costs were however too high and the government decided to construct additional network in Chiriquí Province only. In 1914, a contract was signed for construction of a railroad David - Boquete - Concepción with a branch Dolega - Potrerillos and another short one to Puerto Pedregal. The railroad was inaugurated on April 23, 1916 with the first train from David to Boquete. (Dr. Alonso Roy) Edwards Rail Car company reports an undated acknowledgment of their three railcars, which were delivered to Ferrocarril de Chiriquí probably in the 1920s. In the 1930s and 1940s, the railroads are mentioned in connection with Chiriquí Land Co., a United Fruit company, involved in banana growing and real estate management in Panama. The railroad used General Electric engines ([1]). In Bocas del Toro Province, Chiriqui Land Co. also operated a railroad system that covered Almirante, Changuinola, Guabito and parts of Sixaola. This railroad was removed in 1999, leaving only the bridge over Changuinola River. After 1974, the infrastructure of Chiriquí Railroads has been transferred to Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Obras Públicas) and operations were stopped. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the tracks of the defunct railroads are being dismantled and reused for construction of bridges in rural areas La Prensa February 21, 2003.

There are some great black/white photos of Boquete's past across from the snack bar in the library. Back to the 1950's. The old train was running then.

Afternoon, 11-21-2015. The asphalt on this road is now gone up the hill. There is a before and after photo. I go up this road everyday to pick someone up. The road is the first left past San Fransico Plaza going up the hill. There is a new kiosko being built there. Looks like the small culvert bridge might have survived on the washed out road. There are a few houses past the bridge going up hill.

Late yesterday afternoon, 11-21-2015. This area is near the San Fransico Plaza. The best storm sewers will NOT handle this amount of water.

I had not heard this. Thanks. Now I'll ask the girlfriend what the real deal could be. Probably money!!!! lol

For years I didn't like the early (November) commercializations of christmas in the USA. My first christmas here changed my mind and it's acceptable now. ConWay starts their christmas displays in October!!!!! Life changing experience. lolololol

Inspite of all that has transpired lately in Chiriqui I feel safe. And, the country is secure enough for me concerning terrorism. I could conjure up some conspiracies if I bite the hook baited by the terrorist: FEAR is the bait. Sometimes a threat is real. We need to know the threat and who is making the threat.

I found the renderings and see the new bus terminal. I was betting they wouldn't move it. Wrong again.

I believe that is one of the farms I drove by near Volcan.

Click on this link. Then scroll down to entry,exit, and visa requirments. Onward travel by land, air or sea are the requirements for entry. Return ticket is considered onward travel. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/panama.html I used a bus ticket to Costa Rica one time for entry (as onward travel) because I was going there on vacation----worked great.

We did a house exchange in Bolton, England in 1998. Attached are a few pics. But, my main purpose of this post was the Security at the Manchester airport at the time. The security then was as tough as the US is now---well almost. They video recorded questions and answers of every passenger before boarding the plane. Everyone walked up to a single podium and gave many answers to many questions. I assume they profiled the interviews while we were in flight to the US. They carefully searched my bags behind the doors. I had 255 digital pics on 3.5 floppy disks and the walk through, xray tech would not let me hand them around the scanner. I was afraid the scanner would erase the disks. We argued untill she said no flight for you. I ask her to call her supervisor. She did and we discussed the issue and the supervisor took the disk around the xray machine. All of this was because of the Lockerbie terrorist attack. The only clue that they searched my bags were that the batteries in all my devices, razor/trimmers etc, were in BackWards. Security in Panama airports is better than one would think. We visited the Lindsey Castle in Northern Scotland and it's gardens, A few pubs, Edinbrugh Castle, And St.Andrews Golf Course. It was a great vacation.

I spent the day with these fine people. Very friendly, polite, welcoming and willing to share history. We ate their food and appreciated their customs. My two friends teach on the Comarca. They get 1.5 days off a week from their teaching jobs. They travel to the Comarca on Sunday afternoons and return home late Friday afernoon. They have to bus to their work and then ride a 4x4 truck up the mountains. There is running water and a small amount of electricity. Omar torrijos' son gave them small solar panels for their communal buildings and their tourist stores. Their casa's walls are made of mud and sticks. The roofs are fiberglass (modern for them). The government built them some nice one room shacks but they don't seem to want to live in them. School was out and we spent the day with one family. A great day. There are 500 kids and 25 teachers. That's not a bad ratio. This is a good life experience in Panama. Beats watching TV, banging on this computer or worrying about my neighbors business. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng%C3%A4be-Bugl%C3%A9_Comarca

What is the true definition of "Terrorist?" What is the true definition of "Cult Leaders? Very scary.

It appears Europe and the Middle East have had more attacks than the USA since 9-11 and the Invasion of Iraq. Hopefully the security in the USA stays on track. Many attempts in the USA have been foiled since 9-11. I don't have any family in France but this is tragic and our prayers are with those affected.

Penny, If they haven't done so yet they will stop the upgrades to Win 7. I liked it also. I'm now in Win 8.1. I've gotten used to it but it was painfull. You won't need to change until some of your programs or features start to fail you that will not associate with Win 7. And, here's what happens to me and Win 10. Microsoft has attached an icon to my computer saying I can upgrade to Win 10. Well, I have been trying to inflict more pain on my self and install Win 10 free and it keeps telling me to wait. Well, I have been waiting for months. lol Stay with Win 7 as long a you can!!!

Yes, 3am.

I post all my photos in an Album. It's the software running them in activity not me.

Just a couple of small shakes last night. Just enough to wake me up for a bathroom call.

Another nice morning. Looking up at Baru it appears Boquete is nice this morning.

Small quake right now.

When nothing goes right, Go left.

I was headed for David around 12:45 or 1pm and the police were everywhere around Las Trancas. The 4x4 truck, ATV and foot cops were headed into the woods. At least they are on top of this quick now. I'm curious how it was reported because it appears some quick action took place.

Breakfast Tuesday. Always enjoy it.

It is tough following rules. Some of us need a reminder at times. Even me.

Global Rules: All members must be treated in a respectful and adult manner. All members should respect and adhere to the promotion of harmony within the community. Do not attempt to disrupt the community in any wayCommunity is the key word for me. Either on the site or on the streets.