Thread: Just another nube saying howdy.

Howdy,
Mrs. Doc and I made a quick trip through the canal a few years ago and said we'd be back. Coming down from CA in May to see for ourselves if what we've been reading about retiring in Panama is true. Hoping to make some new friends here on this forum to help us figure out truth from fiction.

Doc

Welcome!! There are a lot of helpful people here to answer your questions.

Hi guys and welcome!!! I have found the contributers on this forum to be extremely helpful as I am sure you will as well.

Welcome to the forum!! Lots of good info here. We will be in Las Tablas the first two weeks in May. Enjoy Panama and let us know your thoughts.

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Howdy,
Mrs. Doc and I made a quick trip through the canal a few years ago and said we'd be back. Coming down from CA in May to see for ourselves if what we've been reading about retiring in Panama is true. Hoping to make some new friends here on this forum to help us figure out truth from fiction.

Doc

Welcome. I'm new too - awaiting our condo to be finished. Although I travel to Panama regularly, I certainly have a lot to learn about living in Panama. It would fair to say however that one should not believe what International Living says completely -- whether about Panama, Ecuador or anywhere else. It's exaggerated. I describe Panama as a country of contradictions - very wealthy folks and very poor folks; multi-million dollar condominiums with open storm drains in front that would carry you to the bay if you fell in them. It's not EPCOT. Dealing with what may be a simple matter in the U.S. will drive you batty in Panama. It's a real, third-world country with the attendent struggles to modernize, which I think it is doing at a remarkable pace in terms of infrastructure, mass transit, telecom, roads, and utilities. I believe the people are nice and the country has remarkable natural beauty. Panama can allow you to raise your standard of living while lowering significantly your cost of living. So, if you come with the right attitude (or leave the attitude behind), I think you'll see why Panama works so well for so many people. Good luck.

Originally Posted by BalaBeacher

Welcome. I'm new too - awaiting our condo to be finished. Although I travel to Panama regularly, I certainly have a lot to learn about living in Panama. It would fair to say however that one should not believe what International Living says completely -- whether about Panama, Ecuador or anywhere else. It's exaggerated. I describe Panama as a country of contradictions - very wealthy folks and very poor folks; multi-million dollar condominiums with open storm drains in front that would carry you to the bay if you fell in them. It's not EPCOT. Dealing with what may be a simple matter in the U.S. will drive you batty in Panama. It's a real, third-world country with the attendent struggles to modernize, which I think it is doing at a remarkable pace in terms of infrastructure, mass transit, telecom, roads, and utilities. I believe the people are nice and the country has remarkable natural beauty. Panama can allow you to raise your standard of living while lowering significantly your cost of living. So, if you come with the right attitude (or leave the attitude behind), I think you'll see why Panama works so well for so many people. Good luck.

Very astute observations. I couldn't have said it any better myself!