Jim and Judi

We've gone to the Wednesday night honkey tonk-two stepping-line dancing -country music night at Skateworld twice now. What a great time! There's no need to know what your doing. Both nights there were people willing to show us some moves. And there's line dancing too with a few people offering to instruct so you don't need a partner. What a great date night for only $2 ($1 each.) Great music, fun dancing, and CHEAP!

Does anyone know where I can go to arrange to have keypad locks installed?

They're very nice. But we have one window 34 wide and the other 93, so I don't think it'll work. Thank you though!

Which two do you have left?

I'm looking for grass shades, like you might hang on your patio. Similar to the attached picture. Has anyone seen them anywhere? None at Novey and couldn't find any in the mess at Do-It. I'd be willing to buy used ones too.

Hey, you were there with my Jim. I couldn't go. Just had surgery on my wrist and still in a splint ? but Jim said it was really a special place!

Bonnie, the answer also says not leaving the country during the two years when I understood you could leave for 30 days. And, do you pay the fine each month after the 180 days?

They're closed on Monday, Judy! Also, I think it was actually described as tiramisu parfait, or something like what. But I'm not picky so I'll try it. They also had some kind of Nutella cookie and cheesecake.

Today we visited Otto Italiana, across the street from Los Establos. We've walked by many times and decided to stop in today. We ordered two sandwiches, one with marinated veggies ($6) and the other with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto ($5.) Both were served on a baguette and came with a small salad. The portion was large enough that I could have eaten half and taken the other half home, but my other half ate my other half The sandwiches we're delicious! They have wine by the glass and bottle and a good selection of beer. The menu includes lasagna, starting at $6, pasta and other traditional Italian dishes like chicken parmesan. You can also buy Italian cold cuts, fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, grilled artichoke hearts, anchovies and more to take home. The restaurant is nicely decorated with table and bar seating, soft music was playing and the place has a nice relaxing vibe even though it's on the main drag. Otto is open from 11-6 every day except Monday. We imagine going back some time in the later afternoon, sharing a plate of olives and sun dried tomatoes, maybe some tiramisu and a bottle of wine and watching the world go by.

"Illegally" is one thing, but "differently" is another. I don't think anyone is breaking the law by border hopping. It might be risky, due to changing law, interpretation and enforcement, but certainly not illegal up to this point.

I've only been in Panama for two weeks after being in the States for 3 weeks so I don't need to reset my visa. What I'm wondering is, if I travel to Medellin on Monday and return on Tuesday will they tell me I have to remain out another day even though, by then, I will have only been in Panama for 3 weeks? And if I can be out of Panama for a day after 2 weeks, can I be out a day after 2 months? At what timeframe does the 72 hour rule kick in? I'll be having these trips on an ongoing basis now. I'll check with immigration if I don't get an answer but was hoping to call on the knowledge base here at CL.

I'm on a tourist visa and need to go to Medellin for a day. Does anyone know if the 72 hour rule and associated rigamarole applies to air travel? I travel often but have never been gone such a short time. Of course I can extend my trip if need be but would prefer not to this time.

I've been making my own English muffins for a couple of years now using the recipe below. The process to make them takes a couple of days, letting the starter work and rising time, but your hands on time is minimal. They're better than any packaged English muffin and I estimate they cost less than a dollar for twelve. They also freeze wonderfully. http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-english-muffins-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchen-106360

I make a paste with vinegar and baking soda (watch out, it bubbles up) then I just scrub the blocks with that. I used the same thing to clean the old hazy headlamps on our car and they're like new!

I'm looking for a stand-up paddle board. Has anyone seen them for sale anywhere in Panama?

Yes this had happened to us a couple of times so we are now careful not to run completely out of cash. We've also experienced the ATM not dispensing cash to us and having the funds deducted from our account. One call to Schwab and they credited our account the same day.

We second Schwab. And the few times we have needed a large amount of cash, we have called them to have the daily limit raised for the day without issue. We use Chase for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. In 7 years, we've never needed a local account.

Super, Thanks!

I need a new radiator cap. I've been trying for two weeks to check the auto part store on main Street but it's been closed every time I'm there. A fellow told he thought they were out of business. I thought there was a second store somewhere in town but for the life of me, I can't remember where. If not in Boquete, where's the next nearest one?

When?

If you have a smart phone, try the Hopper app. I got a round trip, Panama City to Chicago, on American for $259 over Thanksgiving. Best fare I've ever gotten! There doesn't seem to be one site that has consistently better fares though. It's hit or miss. I use kayak to check out fares available on different websites.

We also use Daniel. He charged us $35 last time, but he's been reliable every time we use him and he takes excellent care of his vehicle, unlike a couple of other drivers who charged $25 and $30. Daniel's number is 6617-0570

But... I'm so confused ?

I stopped in to this place today and spoke with the owner. They carry Royal Canin cat food in adult, hairball and kitten formulas. While not my favorite brand, it's not a bad food and better than anything else available in town. It appeared to be the only brand they had. So I told the owner that if she keeps it stocked, I will buy exclusively from her shop. She assured me they will not let it become sold out. I sure hope so but time will tell.

I had the same experience. The crazy thing is that if I ticket David-Tocuman and Tocuman-Chicago on Copa, as seperate trips, the total is about $200 LESS than if I ticket it as one trip. I haven't been able to get around this on my own online but I'm going to try Anavilma next time and see what she can do.