Thread: Been In Los Santo Province 3 months--my perception.

My name is Glen. I have lived in Los Santos province for almost 3 months. I am not an expert by any means. I only have my opinion. Lots of you are seaching for information on Panama and want to move here. There is lots of room here for everyone. Lot's to see and lot's to do. I am imagining that it would take a lifetime to see what is going on. Most natives here probably don't know what is going on, let alone me because it takes money to tour and see things. I live in Santo Domingo which is a little town right outside of Los Tablas. Las Tablas is small. The community I live in is kind of like a neighborhood. We have no shopping here. There are many vans that take us into Los Tablos for 30 cents each way. It is quiet here. There is no crime and it would be OK for me to leave my front door open while I am out. We hear fireworks and also the music from the local cantina that is where beer is served. It seems that they play the same song a lot. We have the little convenience stores etc that sell a few things in the neighborhood and there is a Catholic church and a bread store etc. But when I need something I go into town. We don't have cable here but we do get some channells so my girlfriend can watch her soaps. There is also some radio channels that play american music. We have the internet here and the price for local telephone and internet is 40 dollars. It is mostly quiet here. The neighborhood has some nice homes but mostly they are simple and most people take the van into town just like I do for 30 cents. It's a simple life folks. There is nothing glamorous about living in Santo Domingo. It does the trick for me. I wanted to escape from the bills and the hectic life and the materialism that I left. It doesn't take much to live here but the problem is what to do with all the time that the lord leaves you with here in Santo Domingo. Time does not make any difference at all. Throw your watch away. Make a phone call. Don't make a phone call. Make a friend or don't make a friend. Have coffee. Or don't. Say lots of prayers. Whatever.
This is not a place where excitement follows your footsteps. You have to make your own life here folks--there is no majic pill that will make you happy.
It's hot here. If you are like me you can't afford to have an airconditioned home. Fans Ok?
There is no hot water. I don't need it.
Critters. Yes, there is critters. You will be introducing yourself to some new critters but mosquitos are not a problem in Santo Domingo.
The people here are nice.
Mr WooHoo lives in this area so you can rely on the fact that this is a great area.
He doesn't know it but I think I saw him the other day because Gringos stick out like a sore thumb.
If you are looking for a place that has lots of entertainment and services this is not the place. But if you want old fashioned lifestyle this is the best place here. No one bothers you. You will have some freedom here.
Everything is available here if you know where to look for it.
Get in touch with me if you need some help with information about this area. I can only give you my gut instinct. I rely on girlfriend to find out stuff still. But, I will always be available to any Epat who asks me anything and if I don't know the answer I will try to find it.
I believe that life will remain dormant here for a long time. There is no need to be in a hurry to buy property here. Rent. Your first place will not necessarily be the best. Your second will be fantastic because you will have the time it takes to find it. Take your time with this lifestyle. When you do buy you should feel confident that it will be a place you live for 5 to 7 years. Don't lock yourself into anything here. Life is good. Come here in this new frontier and live. I want you to consider the Azuaro peninsula. It is wonderful here.
Take life easy.

That is my advice.

Glendon Hamner

---------- Post added at 07:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 PM ----------

I forgot to say this. Anyone can feel free to call me. I have majicjack phone number so it is free for most of you. Like I have said, I am not an expert on Panama but I have some insights for those who are looking for a quiet place to live. I would like to see a small Xpat community living in Los Santos so there would be a little support system. We need this when we move to a new place and a new culture. I would even consider renting out a room in my place to a new immigrant. You can discuss this with me if my area sounds appealing to you. My number is 407 442 7871. I will anwer the phone if I happen to be online which is a lot. Or, just send me a private message and I will get back with you by phone.

The Lord has blessed me. I will give back what I can and hopefully someone will move to this area and be part of this new frontier.

Love to all who read this message.

Glendon Hamner

Just a note, that azuero zone is great for people with very intellectual hobbies like astronomy or astrophotography because the night skies there are simply amazing.