We are fortunate to live in Chiriqui. Not only is it really beautiful, but most of the produce for the country is grown in the highlands above us. There are produce markets all over town, and you can often find people selling produce from the backs of trucks.

Enrique comes through our neighborhood every week with his truck loaded with fruit and vegetables. He knows what we like so he saves choice heads of brócoli, green beans, and passion fruits which he knows I love. Yesterday everything looked so good I bought more than I should have but we will eat very well this week.

What is all that?
1/2 of a big pumpkin/squash
2 medium size pineapples
3 beets
3 pounds of onions
3 pounds of potatoes
4 large tomatoes
3 small peppers
3 heads of garlic
2 papayas
1 large cauliflower
2 brócoli
1 bag green beans (guessing 2-2 1/2 pounds)
8 large passion fruit
1 head of lettuce
3 large cucumbers

$33.50, delivered to the door with a smile. He gets up at 3AM and drives to the mountains to pick out the best produce, and then spends his days driving around town selling it. If I need something between visits, all I have to do is let him know and he’ll bring it by. He also educates me on how to recognize the freshest and best tasting things, and how Panamanians eat and cook the various fruits and vegetables. I might be able to shop around for better deals but I love the convenience and personal attention.

Living here is much less expensive, and the biggest savings are in housing and locally grown food. I think I feel better here too because of all the fresh fruits and vegetables. Now it’s time for lunch, to enjoy some of this, and practice up for for a busy weekend with the band. Salud!