The Panama Adventure

Life as we know it has been upended for many months as the whole world fights this pandemic. Yet, nature knows nothing about any pandemic. Birds still sing, plants still grow, and squirrels still look for ripe bananas. I thought today, for a change, I’d write more about “normal life” here in the neighborhood.

So, when you’re retired and home all day, what do you DO with yourself??

Ha! Not a problem. I told someone today that if I have a yard, internet, a bass guitar, and the usual house chores I have no trouble keeping busy. The yard is always a pleasure since we have so many interesting critters, plants, and bugs. I have spared you all the bug pictures for entirely too long, so maybe it’s time to get out the close up lens again.

As for the pandemic, we are not doing that great here, unfortunately. There were lots of holidays in November, and then even more traveling and gathering for mothers day (Dec 8). We are paying the price now with much higher virus numbers, and a many more people in the hospital. The authorities are pleading with people every day to be very careful, to consider anyone outside your household as a possible threat, and to avoid being out and visiting others as much as possible. But, you know how it is everywhere. People have been separated from friends and family for so long, and everyone looks fine, so why not?

I have a feeling the aftermath of Christmas and New Years will be even worse. We were locked down from Christmas eve to the following Monday morning, but it seemed like everyone in the world was out on the 24th. I only biked in our area because the heavy traffic made crossing main roads very unappealing all week. Traditionally here, Christmas eve is the big celebration with parties, fireworks, and festivities culminating at midnight with tons of fireworks, then presents, dinner, and greetings for everyone near and far. (It was funny. About 12:15 the internet had slowed down to a crawl!) But, this year, judging by what I saw on our neighborhood, it seemed like everyone just moved up the festivities and gatherings and got together in the afternoon.

Now, we are allowed out 5am-7pm, and men and women are allowed to shop on alternate days. I thought shopping was super crowded last week but I’ve seen pictures on line of stores with lines of shoppers around the block. Maybe if you only have two days this week, you have to go out when you can? This weekend we are locked down again Friday evening – Monday morning, and after that it’s 5am-7pm until the 14th, with alternate shopping days. Panama and Panama Oeste (in the Panama City area where there are especially high virus numbers) are back to the old restrictions of only 2 hours a day out, and alternating days of men and women.

I’ve heard conflicting information about the arrival of the vaccine. Last night there was news that said it’s coming in the next 90 days. Last week there was other news that they are trying to hurry it up, and it will be here late Jan/early Feb. Then there are rumors that it’s already arrived and will begin distribution in a matter of days. So basically we don’t know anything. We only know that at the moment we have a growing problem, and that is likely to get worse when we feel the effects of all the recent holiday activity.

But, enough of that. Right now I’m at my “outside office” looking at blooming ti plants, gingers, bougainvillea, ripening bananas, and all sorts of other plants, flowers, and trees. Birds are singing everywhere, parrots are flying overhead, and the neighbors are working on their various home projects. It’s 5:30 pm and a cool 78 degrees. I’m SO thankful that we are able to stay home in such a good environment.

It’s hard not knowing when things will get better and when we can resume more normal lives but it will happen. It will happen this coming year! Keep the faith and as always, take good care of yourselves and each other.

This holiday season is definitely not the same. This pandemic is affecting the entire world. It’s a very difficult year for everyone, especially in places where hospitals are overflowing and people are dying at alarming rates. People who usually spend holidays together are separated, or they get together anyway and risk spreading the virus. The vaccines are arriving, but it’s going to take a while before enough people are immunized to turn this pandemic around.

Panama has not escaped the problems of the pandemic. They opened most of the economy and got people back to work. Then there were all the holidays in November, and Mother’s Day in early December. Now we are paying for all that with the highest ever numbers of people infected, hospitalized, and dead. The virus is just too contagious and when people travel and gather, it gets spread around.

Here in Panama, there will be no gathering or traveling this holiday season. There is a curfew 7pm-5am and traveling around the country is restricted. Women are allowed to shop on Monday and Wednesday, and men on Tuesday and Thursday. Then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday everyone is home and everything is shut down except essential services. Next week will be the same.

After that, who knows? But hopefully this will make a difference. They have been super diligent with testing and contact tracing, and people generally are very cooperative with masks, social distancing, and infection control measures. But, obviously, this hasn’t been enough. The daily number of new infections is alarmingly high, and number of people in the hospitals has also been rising to critical levels. They have made new spaces for more hospital beds but of course they need personnel to care for these patients, and that is a challenge.

This year, families and friends who usually spend the holidays together are separated. Those who have internet are keeping in touch on line, but it will be especially hard for those who don’t have as much technology.

It is very encouraging to see the vaccines arriving. Here in Panama, all we know for sure is “the first quarter of 2021”, but most rumors say February. It will be so wonderful, here and around the world, to see this situation turning around. Right now though, we’re still in this pandemic reality and we will be for at least a few more months. We’ve come this far though and we can do it a little while longer.

Holidays next year will be different!! We will have to celebrate even more to make up for this year, and we will have new appreciation for the time together that we usually took for granted. We’ll also have more appreciation for the people we have, especially now that so many will be mourning people we have lost. Tough times everywhere and we’re all so tired of it all.

Someday we will be looking back and remembering this crazy time. Meanwhile though I also see good things, and people going out of their way to be caring and thoughtful with each other. This is definitely needed now more than ever. Hang in there and keep up the good work. Take care of yourselves and each other.

That’s one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs. This performance was from Havana Cuba, where the people didn’t get to hear rock concerts and they were so excited and appreciative. It must have been quite an experience to have been in that audience.

But, unfortunately that’s not the only thing that’s out of control. Here the virus isn’t exactly out of control but the numbers are up enough to give the authorities a lot of worry. The RT is 1.24% (rate of transmission is higher than one person infecting only one other person, and the goal is less than 1%). Indicadores de la COVID-19 en Panamá denotan que el confinamiento es una opción real (tvn-2.com)

Fatality is 1.8%, below the goal of under 2% so that is good, but hospitalizations and admissions to ICU are up so that is very worrisome. They don’t want the health care system overrun and unable to take care of everyone who needs care, whether from COVID or something else.

30-40% of infected people don’t feel sick so they don’t know they are risking others. And, people are just plain tired of all this virus stuff. We just passed the national holidays, and Mothers Day and Christmas are coming. People want to see the friends and family they haven’t seen for many months. It’s so easy to “just this once” go visit, and let down your guard with people you have known and trusted your whole life.

Because of the increased numbers, the curfew has been extended in areas around Panama City, and liquor sales have been stopped at night to try and decrease the partying. Word is that tighter restrictions may be coming, especially in areas where the virus numbers are increasing. Thousands and thousands of tests are being done every day and contact tracing teams are hard at work. Infected people quarantined at home are they being supported with food and medical care so they don’t need to go out and risk infecting others. I can only imagine the frustration of the authorities who are doing everything they can to control the situation and keep people safe, but the numbers still rise. Now that they have the economy mostly open they don’t want to reverse that, but they don’t want to lose any more lives either.

Our area seems more stable but the virus is definitely still here. My friend said her neighbors are quarantined. He is a policeman, and he had lunch with a coworker who had shrimp to share. The next day she felt sick. Now 4 other police are infected, and my friend’s neighbor’s whole family is infected, thankfully not sick but he, the wife, and the two kids all tested positive so they are quarantined at home with daily support from the health department.

I know it could be worse. I just saw yesterday that California is being shut down again, and my daughter said their area is also under red alert for fire danger. Sheesh. We also see bad news from everywhere in the USA, and around the world.

Here, we’re the same, mostly home. I miss my family but it was a surprisingly good Thanksgiving. I talked quite a bit with both my daughters and all the grandkids. Usually we have a big Thanksgiving get together but this year we did it on zoom, my kids and families, their in-laws, my sister, and both of her kids… it really worked out. We all got to talk and no one was left at the far end of the table. We got to meet the dogs and the cats, and see everyone from the comfort of their homes. Maybe there are some good sides to this situation. It worked so well that we are planning to do more group chats, and the extended family can keep in touch more than we have in the past. And, my grandkids have also gotten really good at video chatting which is great fun.

There is also hope coming in the form of vaccines. Panama has bought millions of doses but I’m not sure when they are coming or how they plan to prioritizes who gets them. But, they are coming! Myself, I don’t think I’ll feel comfortable going out with the band, and certainly not traveling to see my family until I can get vaccinated. We’ve waited this long, I don’t have a problem waiting a few more months if it means not risking myself or anyone close to me.

I know some of you aren’t comfortable with the vaccine. Some of you even think the whole virus thing is a hoax. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but don’t bother me with them. I’m no more likely to change my mind than you are. I’m just reporting what I see from here, from my little spot with an internet connection in western Panama.

So, back to the usual conversations. Is it going to rain? Is it not going to rain? We’re going into summer here and it looks like summer today, blue sky, lots of sun, hardly any clouds. Yesterday though, and the day before, and the day before that we got quite a bit of rain. Yes, life here continues to be pretty chill for us.

Let’s go listen to the Rolling Stones, or any music you enjoy! Take good care of yourselves and each other, and stay safe so we can all enjoy another day.

The banner pictures was taken in Boquete a year ago. We’ll be there again to play more music, not today, but soon.

Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas and New Years aren’t far behind. What are the holidays going to be like in this year of COVID-19?

I just saw this article Arizona grandma who sent wrong text has 5th Thanksgiving with stranger (usatoday.com)

You might remember the lady who sent a text to the wrong number inviting who she thought was her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner. When the recipient realized it wasn’t his grandmother, but asked if he could come anyway he was told “yes of course. That’s what grandmas do, we feed everyone”. They have been friends ever since. This year though, they had a very small early Thanksgiving celebration, but without her husband of 43 years because he died of COVID-19.

We see the staggering numbers of the sick and the dead, numbers so big that it’s hard to realize that every single one of those numbers is a person who left a hole in the lives of everyone near them. They have partners, parents, children, friends, coworkers, and more. What is this holiday seasons going to be like for the countless people who have lost loved ones?

I’m sad because I can’t celebrate with my family. I haven’t seen them for a year, and it’s our tradition to have the whole extended family together for Thanksgiving. The whole world is going through this though. Nobody can get together like they want to. It’s hard to whine when I know there are so many other people mourning lost family and friends, and there are so many more living, or dying all alone this year. And we haven’t even mentioned the many who have been hit economically, or who survived the virus but now have crushing medical bills. It’s a bad year all around for way too many people.

I hate to read the news from the US and other parts of the world. It seems like it’s always bad, and then it gets worse. Here in Panama the numbers are up a little, as was expected. The testing is also up. They have been close to or even above the goal of 10,000 tests/day. Contact tracing teams are hard at work every single day. They are caring for the sick at home so they don’t need to go out and infect others, and they are making more use of hotels to isolate the infected. The numbers of recovered people exceeds the numbers of newly infected, and the hospitalization numbers are more or less steady. The 2% death rate has dropped to 1.9% a couple days ago. Of course we wish we were eradicating the virus, but there is a lot to be said for holding steady now that the economy is much more open, and it’s also a time of many Panamanian holidays.

In other news, we had really bad effects from hurricane Eta that came through near here. Then, shortly after, Iota came through on the same path. We were all on high alert but nothing happened here, no rain at all. Unfortunately however, our neighbors in Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras and neighboring countries suffered a second devastating blow. We certainly hope that this is the end of storms for this season! There’s still so much work to be done to recover from the past storms. Today it was such a pleasure to see blue and sunshine in the sky after what seems like weeks of gray, rain, and drizzle. We reminded ourselves that summer is coming and by March we will be begging for rain.

US politics is also a frequent topic of conversation here. I’m tired of explaining that…. well we all know the topics and concerns of the day. There are also many questions about the virus situation, and why people are so resistant to masks and other safety measures. Here, people question and grumble as much as anywhere, but are very cooperative with masks and other things they need to do. There are also the normal questions about the safety, effectiveness, and distribution of the vaccines that are coming, but everyone I have talked with is hopeful that they will be a big step in keeping people safe and returning our lives to normal. We give thanks every day that we are here. Thank you Panama.

This holiday season may suck but there is hope. A vaccine is coming and hopefully it will make a difference. I hope you all are able to celebrate, even if remotely, with all your loved ones. I hope you and yours are OK. Take good care of yourselves and each other.

People are traveling a bit more and sharing their experiences, so I thought I’d relate a few things that I have heard here.

If you travel here to Panama, you need to be COVID-19 negative. You either need test results in hand that are no more than 48 hours old, or you will be tested when you arrive at the airport. From what I have heard, usually there is very little waiting to take the test. The results come in about 1/2 hour and it costs $50.

For much more complete information, check this great website. It will tell you everything you need to know about traveling here! (thank you Tom for this link)

https://www.visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines/

Some say it would be nice if you know you are negative before you get on the plane but many people can’t get test results that quickly and it may be more expensive. But, if you want to be tested before you leave, Jackie Lange shared this other option. (Jackie, of Panama Relocation Tours and a great source of tons of info!) This site tells you what airports offer testing. If you leave from one of them you can get your test quickly and know your status before you fly.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/airport-covid-testing-sites?fbclid=IwAR3AzboMJdW8tQ9pvPpp-zW6m1jV_wG1bC440En3x98wltTDy6k75JFdrL4

If your test on arrival at the Panama City airport is positive, you will be sent to a hotel for quarantine (at Panama’s expense). They will re-test you in 7 days. If that is negative you are free to go. Otherwise you stay for another 7 days.

So, now that you are in Panama, what’s next? I share this link frequently because it has information about some very useful people. https://blog.thepanamaadventure.com/2017/06/05/good-people-to-know-in-panama/

The US embassy in Panama is here to assist US citizens with whatever they need, but since COVID-19, it’s been emergency assistance only. https://pa.usembassy.gov/consular-section-announcement/ It says that passport renewal is still available, but my friend Tom found out that there are no appointments for certification of US drivers licenses, the first step in getting a Panamanian license (a requirement for residents). Now, there is a different procedure that starts with getting a certified copy of your license from the state that issued it, and then get that apostled by the Secretary of State in that state. I know, it sounds like a hassle but I believe getting residency anywhere is a series of hassles and documents, and then a big sigh of relief when it’s finally finished. If you are applying for residency be sure to check with your lawyer about this and all requirements.

That’s all the tips and tricks I have at the moment but as always, do your own homework! Things change. In spite of the best efforts of everyone, myself included, wrong information can get passed around. Airline reservations, especially, can change at a moments notice so be diligent about checking on your flight right up to the time you plan to fly. There is a very reduced number of flights because of the reduced number of travelers, so it’s very possible that your flight time will be changed, or your flight will be canceled. Be sure to check with your airline about requirements and safety measures on your flight. You can count on masks being required everywhere, on the plane, and everywhere in Panama.

There is hopeful news about vaccines in the works, so in the coming months maybe we’ll see the world start to change in regards to COVID-19. That would be wonderful! But right now, today, it’s the reality in our lives and we must live accordingly. As always, take care of yourselves and each other.

Pertinent information is always welcome in the comments.

Technically there are no hurricanes in Panama, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t affected by hurricanes passing above us. Eta came through above us last week and created havoc! It was a slow moving, powerful storm that dumped SO much rain on us as it went by. There has been flooding, mudslides, and destruction. The worst of it seemed to be in the mountains north of Volcan, in the Terras Altas where the produce is grown. According to the latest news, 8 people died, 68 are missing, and 750+ are evacuated from their homes.

A member of the Facebook group – Boquete Community group gathered a lot of photos from various places so I’m posting some of them here. The ones I can identify are from the Volcan, Cerro Punta area, and the couple with the huge road washout is (or was) the road to Bocas del Torro.

There is a big outpouring of support from the people here. There are drop off locations for food, clothes, baby items, and other emergency supplies and this morning a caravan of people went up to deliver supplies. The Red Cross is also helping, and the USA has sent solders and helicopters. Many areas can’t be reached because of washed out roads so this is very helpful.

It can rain like you wouldn’t believe here in the tropics, and these occasional destructive amounts of rain can be from various types of storms. But, this time it was from the large, slow moving hurricane passing through the area. No, Panama won’t suffer a direct hit from a hurricane but I need to modify my “no hurricanes in Panama” statement to say that yes, occasionally we can be affected by one and sometimes in a big way.

This hurricane finally landed in northeast Nicaragua and then the storm moved on into Honduras. They suffered even more because not only did they get the rain, for days, but they also got the wind.

For us, we stayed in since last Sunday because of the constant rain. Wednesday was the worst as band after band of heavy storms came through the area, day and night. But, we are high and away from any threats of flooding. We had a couple banana trees fall over but that’s all. Today, finally, we got a peek at the sun and some patches of blue sky, and we went biking! It felt great to be out, and we just made it home before it started raining again. The last couple days have only been on and off drizzle but very little heavy rain, thank goodness. The storm is finally leaving our area but unfortunately, it’s over open water again where it can gather strength, and now it’s headed to Cuba and then Florida. Good luck to the people now in it’s path.

In other news, the virus testing and contact tracing teams continued to work right through the bad weather! Now they are also taking care of the many people in shelters because of the storm. The national numbers continue to be steady and dropping (except yesterday which I hope is an aberration. Word is that there are some more active pockets in the Panama City area). Here in Chiriqui province the numbers have been dropping steadily for the last couple months. This is especially great news since the economy has opened up so much in the last month. We are very thankful for everything the authorities are doing to try and keep us safe.

The recent USA election has also been decided, finally. The Panamanians are puzzled about why it took so long, so I’ve been explaining about the huge numbers of mailed in votes during this pandemic, and all the counting that had to be done. They have all be watching it closely and it’s been the first topic of conversation with everyone I’ve talked with this week.

Many of you who are in many other parts of the world continue to have a terrible time with the virus. I wish you all well, and hope you and yours stay healthy and are able to get on top of the situation! Take good care of yourselves and each other.

Hurricanes don’t come to Panama! After living in Florida for many years, this is a huge relief.

But, hurricanes can pass above us and cause a lot of rain. It’s the height of rainy season right now, but we’ve been getting more than expected amounts of rainfall lately. We have been warned to avoid going to the rivers and places likely to flood, and to not leave people who need care unattended, especially in flood prone areas. News sources have shared pictures and videos of water in streets and houses as some rivers have overrun their banks. Yes it’s really wet here right now.

But, this is nothing compared to what is hitting Nicaragua and Honduras right now! They are facing catastrophic winds and rain from a storm that is one of the strongest in decades.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/hurricane-eta-gains-historic-strength-could-reach-category-5-status-when-it-hits-central-america-on-tuesday/ar-BB1aCKqA?ocid=msedgntp

This hurricane could cause devastating loss of property and lives, and to people who often don’t have a lot to start with. I am very concerned about our neighbors to the north. And of course, there’s also the pandemic.

In other news, pandemic wise, things continue to be stable as Panama reopens the economy. Daily warnings and advisories continue asking us to be vigilant with safety precautions and biosecurity. Widespread testing and contact tracing continues. This is a week of national holidays when many people usually travel to celebrate with friends and family. Teams have been at the bus station in Panama City giving out packets of safety information, masks, gloves, and sanitizer. There are concerns that infected but asymptomatic people will carry the virus to others, so everyone is being warned to be extra careful during these holidays. This whole situation has been really hard for many people but when I see what is happening in other parts of the world, I’m thankful for everything Panama is doing to keep its people safe.

And, it’s election day in the USA. The world is watching and waiting for the outcome.

Happy Halloween everyone!

But no, I’m not writing about Halloween here, but something much more sinister. I ran across this article here – https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-it-s-like-to-get-locked-out-of-google-indefinitely/ar-BB1azb7I?ocid=msedgntp It’s about someone who was locked out of Google, supposedly for violating terms of service. But, he never could find out anything about the violation, or any way to get his account back so he lost tons of very important personal and work related things.

We use email. We store things in our email accounts. We save photos in our Facebook accounts and who knows where else. We buy music, books, and other digital merchandise, and probably keep the details in our email accounts. We log into websites with our google or Facebook accounts. We keep calendars, address books, and other info on line. There is so much of our stuff out there that we probably hardly realize the extent of it all. And, this is just our personal use. It’s possible that many could lose even more critical and expensive work related things.

Just me… a retired person with a blog and the usual other stuff. This blog has 8 years worth of photos and experiences, and I would hate to lose all that. My google account has my mail, calendar, address book, photo storage, and who knows what else. My Facebook account also has years of experiences and is my main way of staying in contact with family and close friends. Heck, I’d even lose Google Keep where I keep my running shopping lists, and the many calendar reminders that keep me on top of things.

What do we do? Do we send copies of anything important to backup accounts? We have so much of our lives on line and with these huge companies that don’t seem to have human beings to go to. How do we protect ourselves?

So, here’s a project to keep us all busy. Figure out what you really don’t want to lose, and then figure out a way to back it all up. After decades of using computers I should know that nothing in technology is fool proof or loss proof, but this article was still a wake up for me.

Any advice? experiences? comments? anything to add? Write it in the comments! We will all thank you.

I hope you all are having a good Halloween weekend. I know there can’t be the usual festivities but hopefully you all can find something enjoyable for the occasion. Here in Panama they don’t officially have Halloween, but every year I see more Halloween decorations, costumes, and festivities so Halloween fun is more and more of a thing here too.

You all take care of yourselves and each other! See you next time.

Good morning. Happy Monday. What’s going on with you all? I don’t read the news much because so little of it is good, but I have a general idea. So many of you are dealing with more virus surges, along with everything else mother nature throws at us and whatever else we do to each other.

Here in Panama thing are changing as they open up more and more of the economy, but other things are not changing, thank goodness. Our virus numbers (knock on wood!) are staying pretty steady. There continue to be strict requirements of businesses and individuals to avoid spreading the virus. Thousands of tests are done every day, and teams go house to house for contact tracing. Hotels are available for those who aren’t sick enough to go to the hospital but need to be separated from others. Care packages are given to people in homes (medicines, vitamins, food, thermometers, etc.) and there is follow up to be sure they have what they need so they don’t go out while quarantined, and to monitor their recovery. Hospital censuses are staying stable, and mortality rates continue to be considerably less than world averages. It’s difficult for everyone, and terribly difficult for many who haven’t been able to earn money but things seem to be working, and people are generally very cooperative.

The borders and airport have opened, but there is only a fraction of the usual flights coming and going. But, it’s a start and it’s going well. People arriving need to have a negative COVID within the last 48 hours, or they will be given a rapid test on arrival (word is it takes about 30 minutes and costs $50). If you test positive you will be quarantined in a hotel for 7 days (paid for by the government). If a second test in 7 days is also positive you will be quarantined for another 7 days. Otherwise you are free to go.

Curfew has been changed from 7pm to 11pm, and now includes weekends (we had been restricted to home all weekend. Yesterday was the first Sunday in many months that people have been allowed out, and the first time in many months that I have been out at all for something other than exercise and necessities. I went with my friends to help them tend their land and fruit trees a bit north of Dolega and it was a beautiful and wonderful day!

But, except for the above we have been home all the time, and the internet has been our main source of information. One great source is Bob Adams, who has been here for years and makes it his business to know what’s going on in the country. Check out his YouTube channel at this link for info on the current situation and a multitude of other subjects. https://www.youtube.com/user/globalist426 ..

It’s interesting… an aside here…. it’s interesting how much people here follow what’s going on in the USA. For the last few weeks, every single person who I’ve had a conversation with has brought up the subject. They are very polite and gently find out my views before saying anything for or against, but once they feel free to share their feelings they let me know that they are very worried about the virus and other issues in the USA, and they are watching the upcoming election closely. I don’t want to start any discussions on politics here, but I have to say I’m very tired of explaining that I cannot explain what’s going on in my home country.

So, that’s about all I have to report at the moment. We continue to be thankful every single day that we are here for a multitude of reasons. I miss my family terribly and look forward to the day when we can be together again, but I know this is best for everyone at this time.

Meanwhile, we live in an absolutely gorgeous place! Here’s a few from my day yesterday.

You all take care of yourselves and each other. I know we are all so tired of all this, but we still have to deal with it so be kind to each other, and help those who are having a hard time. And, remember especially to take care of yourself!

Today, eight years ago, I arrived in Panama. Has it been good? Oh yes! It has worked out better than I ever imagined it would.

I don’t have that feeling that I’m in a *gasp*… foreign country any more. I know my way around, I know how most things are done, and I have warm relationships with many people here. The language has been the biggest challenge but I can finally understand most of what is said to me, and I can say what I want to say most of the time.

But, there is still always something new and that keeps life endlessly interesting. There are the people, their lives, culture, humor, their ways of thinking. There’s new food, plants, birds, bugs, and new places to explore. And, there are also my non Panama specific interests – learning to play bass, books to read, things to study, biking, blogging, painting, photography, and other interests that I never have enough time to do. I’ve often been asked – now that you are retired, what will you DO all day?? Ha! Not a problem.

I’ve come to look at getting older as a huge blessing. If you are healthy and financially OK, you can be free! You don’t have to work. You don’t have to answer to anybody. You have to do very little that you don’t want to do. Your time is your own. You can sit in the yard all day and watch the birds fly by, or you can study nuclear physics. It doesn’t matter if what you do brings in money. You can do what you like just because you want to do it.

It’s been very interesting to see my home country through the eyes of others. How could some little country in Central America compete with the USA, the best and most powerful country in the world (or so we are raised to believe)? But, what is “best”? The priority here is family, friends, and enjoying life. People work, often for long hours for little pay, but they don’t seem as stressed, as pressured by the “time is money” mentality. Everyone has a hammock and there is no shame in using it, or in just hanging out with family and friends. Those studies that determine that happiest countries in the world, that list is always topped by many Latin countries.

I feel so much kindness, inclusion, respect, and friendliness here. I’m very different in many ways, but the people have welcomed me as one of their own without judgement. I don’t worry about having enough to pay the bills, or worry about affordable, good quality, rapid health care if I need it. I don’t worry about natural disasters. I don’t worry about needing help and not getting it. I don’t worry about loneliness among these friendly people. Even in the middle of this pandemic, I don’t feel like I have much of anything to worry about.

People sometimes ask if I will return to the USA to live at some point. No, not by my choice. Give all this up? for life there and all the stresses that go with that? Are you kidding? No. I think not. We wake up every single morning giving thanks for this life here.