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soltero · 04-04-2008

KidChico,
With all due respect, I think you need to read some books about Panama. The Lonely Planet and Moon Guide are both excellent.

The reason I say this: There is virtually *no* similarity between Cozumel/Cancun and Panama, other than the fact that the natives speak Spanish. The closest thing we have to C/C is Decameron on the Pacific side, and even that's a very, very weak imitation. If you had been to C/C say, oh, about 15 years *before you were born*, then you would have an idea of what Panama is like.

Also, keep in mind that Panama is a very, very tiny country, both in terms of geography and population, and that affects everything. On the good side, you can find a lot of diversity in a very short distance (unlike Mexico, which is huge). On the bad side, for example, there are really only two cities in the entire country where you can get broadband access. And some stuff you take for granted in the US -- gringo foods, cheap electronics, auto parts, etc. etc. -- are difficult to find here.

But the biggest point about the diversity: It is *impossible* to lump the entire country into one bucket. E.g., I know people who love Boquete; I can't stand it for more than a day. Of course, they think I'm nuts for living in the city. Others call Isla Grande a paradise; I think it's nothing special, and prefer some islands on the Pacific side.

In short, until you get here and look around, you can't make any lifetime decisions. But you'd have a HUGE headstart if you'd read some books (instead of online forums, where there is a ton of questionable advice).

As far as cars: Well, choice depends on where you're living. In the city, you'll fit right in with a BMW or Prado or Sentra. In the interior, 4X4 is often a good idea.

And guns: Yes, the government is working hard to reduce the number of civilian firearms. As a foreigner, you should not count on owning a gun in Panama. And why would you want to live someplace where you need one?

04-04-2008	#40 (permalink)
soltero Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Panama Posts: 152 Rep Power: 1	KidChico, With all due respect, I think you need to read some books about Panama. The Lonely Planet and Moon Guide are both excellent. The reason I say this: There is virtually no similarity between Cozumel/Cancun and Panama, other than the fact that the natives speak Spanish. The closest thing we have to C/C is Decameron on the Pacific side, and even that's a very, very weak imitation. If you had been to C/C say, oh, about 15 years before you were born, then you would have an idea of what Panama is like. Also, keep in mind that Panama is a very, very tiny country, both in terms of geography and population, and that affects everything. On the good side, you can find a lot of diversity in a very short distance (unlike Mexico, which is huge). On the bad side, for example, there are really only two cities in the entire country where you can get broadband access. And some stuff you take for granted in the US -- gringo foods, cheap electronics, auto parts, etc. etc. -- are difficult to find here. But the biggest point about the diversity: It is impossible to lump the entire country into one bucket. E.g., I know people who love Boquete; I can't stand it for more than a day. Of course, they think I'm nuts for living in the city. Others call Isla Grande a paradise; I think it's nothing special, and prefer some islands on the Pacific side. In short, until you get here and look around, you can't make any lifetime decisions. But you'd have a HUGE headstart if you'd read some books (instead of online forums, where there is a ton of questionable advice). As far as cars: Well, choice depends on where you're living. In the city, you'll fit right in with a BMW or Prado or Sentra. In the interior, 4X4 is often a good idea. And guns: Yes, the government is working hard to reduce the number of civilian firearms. As a foreigner, you should not count on owning a gun in Panama. And why would you want to live someplace where you need one?