Thread: Any families? Calling moms/dads !

Hey All!
I have M.I.A for quite some time from the forum. Newborn and an almost 2 year old will keep you mighty distracted from computer time!

Bala: I do go to the Cuatro Altos shopping center. I've only gone twice by myself (mainly bc I'm still figuring out driving in the ridiculous traffic and managing shopping with 2 small ones!) The Madison store is the best!!! The Rey is really ok. Sometimes we drive to UTP in Panama and go to the brand new Rey there (yes, we pay the tolls and all just to go to the store!) but it's a really nice big grocery store and have alot of products we can't find here; and it's nice to get out of the house!

We are still living over in Margarita (part of Colon) but are hoping to get out of here and into the city sooner than later.

I've spent very little time in Costa del Este (and don't have much desire to live there) but there are LOADS of young children activity places. Music school, 'learning centers', dance academies...and this is just what I've seen from driving by.

Here's a link to dance, martial arts, diving, yoga, pilates: Clases de Yoga en Panama . Pilates Panama . Danza en Panamá . FUSION DE ARTES

Hope you're all well! And hope to check back in a bit more often!
Suzfez02

Hi All, First of all, thank you all for this important info!!! We are looking to make the move this time next year and have been looking into schools. My kiddos are 12 (6th grade) and 3 yrs old. Now, this is just info and I do not know if we are going to do it, but, there is a Home School Program that is Awesome. We have a couple at our Church that put there son through it and they praise the Program a lot. I looked at it and it does seem pretty nice. It is Accredited and if you want to, come graduation, there campus is in Florida, so your child can walk across the stage to get there diploma. It is cheaper and that way you do not have to settle for a certain area to live other than extracurricular activities. Like I said, it is just something to possibly think of.
Thanks again for all the info and I will continue to monitor this thread for all the suggestions and ideas....take care!!!

Here is the website:
A Beka Book :: Excellence in Education from a Christian Perspective

Hello! Just doing some research on Panama and came across this forum. Glad to see that there are other families out there with the same questions as us! We have an 8 year old, 15 month old and are expecting our 3rd child in August. We currently homeschool our daughter and plan to continue once we finally make the move to Panama (no date yet on when that would be).

What does everyone do for work? We have a good friend in Boquete who says the only real option is to open our own business.

Looking forward to reading more about life in Panama with kids!!!

Welcome Rapok4!
Our family is still in Canada but will soon do our move next year. For the first 6 months in Panama, we just plan to settle the kids into school and our schedules. Unsure of what work potential there will be for us, as Panama really protects their jobs to their citizens. I am totally in support with their thoughts. I think the only options left for expats living in Panama is to either have an on-line business, income from your home country or opening your own business like your friend suggested. I am curious to know how many people have chose this route. I guess that would be on an new thread...how many members on the forum has opened up a business in Panama.

Hi,
I think there are some restrictions regarding opening retail business. Might want to check that out.

You might also want to find out more about the feasibility of homeschooling in Panama. Eg, what support resources you may need, both material and social support, and if Panama is able to offer that. Panama is very different from US, you have to consider carefully.
If you are seriously looking into Panama, I suggest you come and take a look, and see things as they really are.

Liont,
I am pretty sure there are plenty of restrictions to foreigners operating businesses in Panama....let's hope the lawyers we seek would have better knowledge in guiding one through the process!

The US embassy only provides three options of schooling for its staff:
Balboa, Crossroads Christian Academy, and ISP.

Balboa is moving from its current location in 2 years to the other side of the city. Great school. As far as campuses, ISP is the nicest.

Really, Balboa is moving? Where will the new campus be?

Costal Sur, which is past Costal del Este. Way out there. A new school is opening in Clayton, Metropolitan School, that is supposed to be the best of the best. Metro school opens in August, only open to elementary for now, but it will be brand new - so expect some wrinkles for a few years.

Balboa leaves Clayton May 2013 and by then Metro should be open up to High School.

ISP is a great school, but its very far away. They too have some wrinkles to work out. Stick with Balboa for now as you plan too, and see what happens down the road. I'm sure Metro will waive enrollment fees to entice Balboa families.

Thanks David.
For many expats on 3-ish year term, 2013-2014 academic year is a long time away

Hey all!
Just a link I found today (thinking of Father's Day ideas):
Color Me Mine - Panama

I loved doing this back in Vegas and was so excited to find one here. Just passing along!!

Also, I try to find out the "going ons" in the city and rest of the country (like the World Baseball Tourney here in Panama in October!!!) Anyway, does anyone have a link or a pointer to find out events and such that are happening? I've read "La Prensa" a couple of times and have found some info there but I can't find any online at prensa.com Panamá - Noticias e Información de Panamá

Here is another link to gymnastics! Not much info on the website: http://www.actiweb.es/albrookgymnatics/

There is also a great bowling alley in Clayton/Albrook City of Knowledge - haven't been but have driven by and heard great things!
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Suzfez02

Hey all!
Just a link I found today (thinking of Father's Day ideas):
Color Me Mine - Panama

I loved doing this back in Vegas and was so excited to find one here. Just passing along!!

Also, I try to find out the "going ons" in the city and rest of the country (like the World Baseball Tourney here in Panama in October!!!) Anyway, does anyone have a link or a pointer to find out events and such that are happening? I've read "La Prensa" a couple of times and have found some info there but I can't find any online at prensa.com Panamá - Noticias e Información de Panamá

Here is another link to gymnastics! Not much info on the website: Albrook Gymnastics

There is also a great bowling alley in Clayton/Albrook City of Knowledge - haven't been but have driven by and heard great things!
Thanks!

Many thanks for the link.

Eventos en Panama, conciertos, cine, rumbas, eventos top Panama

Panapolis, events and entertainment in Panama

Eventos

Hi everybody,
I am so glad to find you all here. I am a Dutch mom of two boys (3 year old and 8 month old). We will move to Panama around Christmas 2011 for my husbands work. We just came back from a house hunting trip in Panama City, and we mainly searched in the Canal Zone area. My son will go to the Metropolitan (PreK3).
I am glad you already have shared some information about doing things with your kids (after school). But I was wondering if you also heard about playgroups for young kids, or if there is a online community on for example Facebook. I live abroad right now, and I host baby playgroups at home (together with other mums, we rotate) I would love to do that again in Panama City.

Hey All! I don't know if anyone still checks this forum anymore but I'm trying to spread the work about the synchronized swimming team starting here in PC.
We're doing a demonstration at Albrook Pool on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 2 - 5pm.
Bring your swimsuit to try some moves! I'm trying to upload the flyer but am having a hard time. Message me if you want more details! https://www.facebook.com/goldenmermaids