fxtrader

My girlfriend is considering a move to Panama. I work long hours and she won't have to work down here (it'd be silly with the wages anyway). One of the things that bothers me a lot is the fact that I don't want her sitting around the house bored waiting for me to get off work. So my question is what can a young (30-ish) american woman get involved in, in Panama City? I don't care if it's a wine tasting group or an expat group or hell, even coconut tossing. Any suggestion is welcomed.

MRWOOHOO

What does she currently do for a living or income? What types of interests does she have? Keep in mind, as you realize this place is definetly not the US and it does take a particular mindset to make this type of adjustment. It actually took me a good 3 months of living here to start getting involved in Panama, outside of the internet.

miracle

30 is too young to stop working, maybe she wants to get involved in some charity work?

fxtrader

She works for one of many MGA's in the states. Basicly they manage smaller insurance companies. She does the auto and home portions of it. So I guess that's what her specialties are: management and the intracicies of insurance policies and such.

As far as her interests go. She's a girl... shopping, getting her manicures and pedicures, more shopping, drinking wine, theater, and shopping. Oh... and she likes shopping too!

All that said she was considering volunteering as a child safe advocate in the states before I walked back in the picture.

I think involvement and a sense of purpose is what she needs down here. She's definitley not the barefoot and pregnant type.

I've totally got that part of it, but you know me man. I was involved in 3 hours! She'll have something I didn't though. Someone she's known forever so I'm going to feel a little more than obligated to make sure she's comfortable.

OK, now with all of that this is still TOTALLY a hypothetical situation at this point. We're jsut talking. Don't worry man... cigar bar times will still be a regular occurance even if it happens

fxtrader

Well I make plenty of $ for the both of us and while she could work down here (I'm not telling her she can't) it would be for a small fraction of what she gets paid in the states. It would be a huge step backwards. I think that there is a point at which if you don't have to work... it takes a certian amount of $ just to get out of bed . It would for me, but I don't have that choice presently.

As far as charity work goes, sure. If this transpires I just want her involved in something besides me. Too much work makes Jack a dull boy and I can see Jack getting pretty dull in the next few months.

MRWOOHOO

She will need other women that she can relate to in her own age group, roughly. When I get back into town I want to introduce you to my partner and his girlfriend. My partner´s girlfriend knows a couple of other women from the states in their 20´s and 30´s so she will have somebody she can get manicures, pedicure´s, and last but not least, shop with.

fxtrader

Yeah sure. Why not send me into financial ruin But seriously, thanks. That may help her out if she makes it down this way.

MRWOOHOO

Always happy to push somebody over the edge, lol. Just give her "the card" and let the girls go to multiplaza. I will have to start buying you the beers.

fxtrader

Screw beer. I'll need food

fxtrader

Anyone else aware of anything for her to get involved in, in Panama besides Mr Woohoo's blatant disregard for my fiscal health?

zog

if she is not a fluent spanish speaker, what about spanish classes? Learning a new language I imagine is very rewarding. And the result would be more people to talk to and get to know :-)

Or if she is bilingual then what about her teaching english on a part time basis? If the money is not good then so what? part time work fills up some time, and teaching english to spanish speakers would be rewarding and would involve her locally.

fxtrader

She is bilingual, and that is a spectacular idea!

zog

Thanks! it was the idea i had for myself. spend time learning spanish, and then teach english part time to embed myself into the community of spanish speakers.

If she is not sure about teaching there are TEFL courses which can be 3 day courses for teaching english as a foreign language. That would help her teach english in a fruitful way.

My plan was to find somewhere to book a room and then put an ad in the newspaper offering an evening course for two hours a couple of evenings a week. The price per person would depend on what the booking fee for the room would be. If it was going to be too expensive I planned to tutor instead. But it would be worthwhile scouting the prices of english courses in Panama to get an idea of prices. If a room can be booked cheaply enough then the charges to each student could be minimal. And of course, if one undercuts the competition then the students will be grateful and one may find that invites to parties and celebrations would help integrate in the local community.


Does that mean i get taken to the cigar bar and bought a few beers when I am there? ;-)

fxtrader

Absolutley! Can't bring her though