Most of us have already read the plethora of articles about Panama, not to mention the “About Panama” section on the websites of all the real estate agencies promoting properties in the region.
There is no doubt that Panama has numerous advantages, including its strategic geographic location, incentive program for retirees, and a relatively low cost of living, among others. However, some of the reasons I particularly enjoy living in Panama may not be when I look for the more obvious reasons, like the Panama Canal (After showing my 4th visitor the Miraflores Locks, the ride becomes a bit monotonous) or its proximity to Miami (I’ve never been to Miami in my life!). Certain pleasures can only be recognized after living in Panama as a foreigner for some time.
Although I appreciate the similarities that Panama and the “western world” share, I also appreciate the differences, as they are what make my life here truly unique and exciting.
Here are 13 reasons why Panama makes life so interesting:
1. Old Town
-Casco Viejo is 100% different from the towering skyscrapers scattered along Balboa Avenue. Casco Viejo has an interesting mix of architectural styles, most notably ornate buildings with Spanish and French influence. However, in addition to the stunning views and unique architecture, there is always something quirky about “el Casco”! My roommate is the president of Panama 9º80º, a travel and lifestyle magazine about Panama. His offices are in Casco Viejo and I love leaving it some mornings. It’s not often that I laugh so hard I almost wet myself at 7:30 am Much better than coffee! (Okay, that was overkill. Sorry, coffee.)
One of my favorite “helmet moments” happened one morning when I was dropping my friend off at work. Turning the corner on Avenida A, we saw a boy about 7 years old urinating on the street. What made this pee-pee different was that he was not facing the wall or partially hidden among the narrow alleys, but was on the edge of the sidewalk, practically on the street, facing the traffic! As we got closer to the situation, we saw a projectile yellow liquid coming out of his body and said, “That can’t be!” However, it was. To this day, that little boy and his “needs” still put a smile on my face.
2.Wine
-South American wine, from Chile and Argentina, is much less expensive than in the United States. However, who said you can have your cake and eat it too?
My friend and I were succumbing to our vices one night, and we went to buy wine and ice cream at El Rey supermarket. As we were leaving, the $3.50 appeared on the screen as the price of wine. I told my friend, “How nice it is to live in a country where a good bottle of wine costs $3.50!” Then the ice cream came and $8.50 showed up. My friend and I were completely shocked and in disbelief. Since then, we have looked for other, less expensive means of satisfying our sweet tooth.
3. Sushi Itto
-Sushi delivered to your door… Need I say more? If you think there is no sushi in Panama, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Sushi Itto, IMHO sushi snob, is the best sushi delivery in Panama. The Philly and Edamame rolls are extremely delicious.
What’s even more interesting is when I’m walking to work or walking my mini schnauzer and the Sushi Itto delivery guy honks his horn and waves as he zooms by on his little red motorcycle. It must be a small world after all. Now I order a lot of sushi!
4. US Dollars
-This is a commonly cited “reason” why Panama is so great, and I wholeheartedly agree!
For foreigners, especially Americans, it’s great because it doesn’t become “monopoly money.” It’s easy to know exactly how much you’re spending. There is no labor-intensive addition, subtraction, division, or multiplication to calculate the price of a soda. So in Panama, it’s easy to understand the value of what we buy, instead of throwing our Monopoly money any chance we get. This is especially useful if you go to the casinos!
15. Chips
-Patacones are twice fried plantain patties and incredibly delicious. I had not discovered them until my arrival in Panama, and I am a self-proclaimed patacón addict!
5. Albrook Mall
-Albrook Mall is a large, air-conditioned indoor mall offering a wide variety of discount stores and boutiques, as well as a carousel food court. Be sure to visit El Costo, Oca Loca, and Conway for great deals!
These stores are great for retail therapy. You can walk away with about 15 shirts for $20. Even if you use them just once, it’s a lot cheaper than Target.
6. Opportunities
– Panama is like the Wild West of Central America. There is a wide variety of employment, business and investment opportunities waiting to be taken advantage of. After being in Panama for an extended period of time, everyone catches entrepreneurial fever.
7. Slang
-Although I am not in the habit of using it in my daily speech, I must confess that I love the faces of Panamanians when they see a full-fledged gringa speaking as if she were from the neighborhood.
8. Cable TV with ABC and CBS
-All the great stuff from Panama fused with Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Grey’s Anatomy. It gets better?
9. Taxis
-Finally, cheap taxis! Taxis in Panama are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, with the fare costing between $1 and $2 to most places in Panama City. However, meters are rarely used, so it is recommended to negotiate the price before you leave. If you understand and speak Spanish, you can listen and participate in a series of colorful conversations with the drivers.
10. Zapatilla Cays, aka. Zapatila Key
-Zapatilla Cay is a small island located an hour by boat from the main Isla Colón in the province of Bocas del Toro. Cayo Zapatilla is staggeringly beautiful, with spectacular views, crystal clear waters, and white sand. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite places in Panama.
11. fireworks
-Back in the States, the fireworks were reserved for the 4th of July and some shows at Sea World. In Panama City, it is not a bazaar to see fireworks every night of the week. On New Years, the entire city, and I mean as far as the eye can see, lights up with the colorful flashes and sparkles of thousands of fireworks.
12. Compliments
-What is a compliment? I have yet to find a direct translation that suits me. Some dictionaries translate it as “accomplished,” though that’s a serious euphemism. Piropo is a word that represents what men do to a pretty girl when she walks by. Flirting, not really. Torment, it could be. Most Westerners would agree that this is a “Latin thing.” I usually can’t stand it and want to make fun of everyone who whistles, whistles and yells “Ay mami” while I’m walking. However, on days when I get out of bed and my hair is messy, I have to say I feel less horrible while waltzing and I still get the “Yeah baby.” I know it’s done to all women. Once I was in a taxi and the driver whistled and hooted at a couple of women who looked to be in their 70s. I don’t want to say that they weren’t attractive, but the taxi driver was about 25 years old! The moral of the story is a place to get an ego boost.
13. The movement of the fingers
-Everyone knows the movement of the finger, a way of indicating disapproval of something. The movement is usually carried out by moving the index finger from left to right, considered by most to be incredibly rude and demeaning. Well, the Finger Wag is back in Panama! The best way to say no never!
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