Six years ago today I landed in Panama with my suitcase and computer bag, ready to start my new life. I don’t have much different to say from last year, or the year before. It’s been a happy report every year.
Of course I had a lot of help. There were expat friends who answered countless questions and put me up for a couple weeks. There was their mechanic who sold me his wife’s car, and my realtor friend who found me the perfect house for us. It wasn’t furnished so there was Myrla at the DoIt Center who helped me get everything from the fridge to dishes and beds. There were the neighbors who welcomed me with open arms, and many taxi drivers and people on the street who helped me find things and get what I needed. And, very important, there was Yaira who patiently and persistently pounded Spanish into my thick head so I could talk with taxi drivers, people on the street, neighbors, and Myrla. (https://blog.thepanamaadventure.com/2017/06/05/good-people-to-know-in-panama/)
On a side note, it sure can rain at this time of year!
It started mid afternoon and has been raining ever since, mostly continuing to pour down. (though word from friends in Boquete is that there hasn’t been any rain and they are out doing yard work. Go figure) I like the rain though and by the end of summer I will be really missing it. Panama is always beautiful but especially when everything is lush and green.
Many thanks to Panama and her lovely people for our happy lives here.
The Panama Adventure 
so awesome that you have had such a wonderful experience and have found a home where you are happy and content………bless you!
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Thank you 😊 yes, it works very well for us here
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When I’m asked what I liked most about Panama the answer is ALWAYS “The People!” But I have to say, after a year and a half back in the States, there are somethings I DON’T MISS: Dogs bark ing 24/7; the way people treat their animals; constant water outages for who knows how long; Gringos that walk into an establishment and the first words out of there mouths are “Does anyone here speak English” instead if saying “Lo siento, no hablo espanol…” and Most of all! I DON’T MISS loud music at 3 a.m!
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I hardly notice the dogs anymore. We got a water tank. Other gringos are not my problem, though I am embarrassed by some of them who give all of us a bad reputation. Thankfully loud music in the night is rare in my neighborhood. So for me the negatives are pretty insignificant.
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Kris,
Congratulations on your 6 year anniversary. I hope you have something special planned to celebrate.
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Thank you 😊 we pretty much celebrate every day here!
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Happy Anniversary Kris and Joel, I always love your attitude and it makes me chuckle, “other gringos are not my problem”. It’s so true although I would be embarrassed for them being so rude.
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Thank you 😊There is that other saying – not my circus, not my monkeys. The older I get the fewer monkeys I allow.
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Good Morning Kris, Geez, the more Gordon and I talk the more it sounds like when we get there in February with our suitcases in hand the more we may not leave. We may be coming in hot and fast lol. We will be staying in Bocas Del Toro for a few days letting life slow down for us then hop on the bus for a few hours and visit David and Boquete (Boquete is not for me, I love warm and ocean but keeping options open). Gordon is retired and really might stay and get things set up for us.I know you have a realtor there and would really appreciate it if I could get his information so we can call him. Also just in case should we get visas for our passports? He will need a Spanish teacher as well if you have the name of one who is very patient. LOL my wonderful man is not a gringo his name is Chavez but the only word he knows in Spanish is Que and uses that as code for I’m really not listening to you dear. I have about a thousand more questions for you but I’m at work and don’t want this post to be a small novel. We are so excited about starting a new chapter in our lives in one of the most wonderful places that I have ever lived, it really does feel like I am coming home.
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https://blog.thepanamaadventure.com/2017/06/05/good-people-to-know-in-panama/ Our realtor friend, an excellent Spanish teacher and others are in that post. You can come in with your passport, no visa needed. But, if you plan to live here you need to apply for residency. The tourist visa is good for 180 days. There is a search feature in the blog (in the bar on your right) and 6 years worth of posts, so maybe you can find answers to some of your questions that way. There are also Facebook groups like Expats in Panama, and google. Good luck!
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Kris thank you so much this is invaluable and will make things so much easier for us.You are a marvel and I can’t wait to meet you. Gordon calls you my Panama connection.
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Aww thank you! I’m glad you have found it helpful. I figure we all pay it forward when we can.
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