We’ve been back to the USA numerous times, and I’ve written about it in the past. I have family and young grandchildren so it’s very important to me to visit periodically. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go there much. I’m too used to life here and too content.
Many of the same things come to mind on every visit. It’s so orderly and attractive. Roads are clearly marked and in good repair. Green areas are landscaped. It looks nice but there is something to be said for a more relaxed lifestyle where nobody fusses if your grass gets long or your horse is in the street again.
There is so much stuff!! The many stores are so full of things to buy and Amazon delivers things immediately, if not sooner. I wonder about the amount of cardboard and packaging that is used every single day. Sure, we have stores and things to buy here, and mailing services for Amazon and internet shopping, but it just seems so much more there. And, it’s so much more expensive. It’s almost shocking what things cost. There is no way we could make it there.
It’s cold! I admit, I’m a total lightweight. If it’s in the 70’s I’m starting to feel the chill. I lived in thermal underwear and layers the whole time, even inside. And, it’s dry. I needed liberal doses of skin lotion and lip balm. The grandkids are running around happily in shorts and we are all bundled up, much to the amusement of the locals but hey, we’re very well acclimated to a climate of 80+ degrees all the time. We’ve been here 12 years and in Florida for 17 years before this.
Then there are random weird things. We went to numerous places, various hotels, and multiple airports. Everywhere has a different toilet. Do we have one with a lever, or buttons on the top? Or is it one of those automatic sensors on the wall that I can seem to trust enough, so I have to look for some way to flush the thing. Why are there never night lights in hotels? Many of us have to get up during the night so I have learned to bring a light with me. I have a bidet in the house and I really missed feeling clean and fresh, and it was harder to get myself in the shower when I was cold.
Everything tends to be locked with different locks. One hotel has a card you touch to the lock on the door. Another has a code. Another has a special app on your phone. The last time I couldn’t get it to work because I thought you had to touch it to the lock. Then I learned you touch the app and that makes the door unlock. Old people… technology… 🙄 But I sure appreciate the technology and my phone service that gives me roaming that works in the US. I have become very dependent on Google navigation and the various apps to keep in touch with my people.
We had the most awesome time with family! My grandkids get more interesting and fun every year. Thanksgiving was especially great since we were all together, and the cousins all played and played together. We also visited my new family in Oklahoma, and spent some time with some of their kids and grandkids. So in spite of some minor things, it was a wonderful trip and I wouldn’t miss it for anything!
We came back to summer weather. Summer is December – April, and you can expect little to no rain most of the time. We have had some rain which is appreciated but as we get further into the season, we can expect less and less. This dry weather is especially welcomed by people who have to be out and about and are tired of the rain and the mud. It’s interesting to see different flowers and fruits that come at this time of year, especially the mangoes, my favorites. I prefer the rain but I will appreciate what is, and look forward to more visits with family when they have gotten past the worst of the winter.
Happy Holidays to all of you, and best wishes for the coming year.
The Panama Adventure 
Merry Christmas to you as well. I love your posts. You have such an easy, conversational writing style that it’s just like listening to a friend on the phone. Thank you for keeping up your blog; I enjoy it very much and hope to get back to Panama in 2025.
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Thank you so much 🙂 Best wishes and happy holidays
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Dear Ms. Cunningham: I read your column occasionally and I always enjoy it. I’m Panamanian, senior, lived in Florida for 28 years in the past, and recently moved to KY from Panama, with my husband, specially seeking medical insurance and be closer to our children.
What you say is totally true. We live in a very charming little town here, and we really enjoy their warm people and beautiful environment, trying to get used to their southern customs and food.
But Panama is blessed for his weather and absolutely beautiful for its nature, where you can see multiple species of birds, plants and all kinds of biodiversity. Not to mention our famous corvina. (ohh, I miss it so much).
Is a small country, and you can relax and feel the convenience of the benefit of family life, as well as the absolutely convenience of getting seasonal vegetables and fruits all year round, at a very economical price. And having easy housekeeping and gardening help, technical help, and any other miscellaneous job at a very moderate price. Especially if you live in the country (interior).
And…where can you get such an excellent senior discounts in everything you do? airlines, transportation, restaurants, utilities, etc. ?
Not perfect, there is no perfection in anything. Just God is perfect. But, weather, at this point, is a major issue.
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Thank you very much for your comment. It is perfect enough here for us to be very happy. I’m glad to hear you are happy where you are and you can be close to family. Best wishes and happy holidays!
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Merry Christmas Kris. Glad you enjoyed yourself in the States. I, too, just got home from the Pacific Northwest and am so pleased to be home in Boquete. Edie
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Ahh yes, we were in the Seattle area. It’s very beautiful but I certainly understand the happiness of coming home. Merry Christmas to you too!
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Merry Christmas to you and your families! Pretty amusing post and true. Sometimes our awareness is dulled and/or sharpened when we travel to places and see people that over the years have changed!
I am curious a bit about how many of your family have visited ya’ll in Panama over the years?
Be well and thanks for what you do from Paradise!
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Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too!
My older daughter visited a while back, but it’s hard for them. They all work full time and have young children, and it takes two days travel in each direction, so it’s much easier for us to visit them. Some time though, when the kids are older, it will happen.
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Always so wonderful to hear from you Kris. Merry Christmas to both of you. I hope you have the most wonderful day.
We will be finalizing our travel plans this coming week and let you know when we arrive! Can’t wait to see you.
I wondered if you could email me again the name of the folks & contact info who have the little house for rent near you. I thought I’d reach out in the next day or two.
Thanks friend.
My email is:
lindayapp@gmail.com.
warmest hugs,
linda
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Merry Christmas to you too! Check your email 😊
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