Never a dull moment here in Panama…

…even during a pandemic. Jen and I have been remaining busy through the ups and downs of lockdowns and curfews. If you have been following us through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my newsletter, you probably already know some of what I will share in this post. I sometimes have trouble getting motivated to write a blog post, but it seems that I had more to share than is possible on my weekly newsletter. If you are not getting the newsletter every Monday perhaps you have not yet subscribed to the get my blog in your inbox. It is well worth the effort. I share special deals, statistics on the virus as it pertains to Panama and much more. Just click the link below to subscribe and put in your e-mail address. You can leave your name if you wish. I do not share information with anyone. You will get an e-mail follow-up to confirm your subscription.

The feature image for this post is a sunrise over the Pacific. The photo was taken by Tom Gripman.

I have been attending a writers workshop nearly every month which encourages me to keep writing. Lynda Allison’s workshops are great and she offers them at Tranquilo Retreat . Lynda was instrumental in helping get my book published. Several of us write at each workshop based on prompts that Lynda provides. Once we finish in the allotted time, we each read our piece and the others offer feedback. We all agree never to share the work of anyone else (what happens at writing workshop stays at writing workshop). It is a totally safe and an non-judgmental atmosphere. Often the feedback I get encourages me to use more colorful and descriptive language. As I work to improve my writing, I find myself depending on pictures to enhance the readers pleasure. In March we will be hiking to a remote mountain waterfall where we will write.

Despite the lockdowns on weekends and curfews, we have been fortunate to be able to enjoy the amenities of the resort where we live. That is the benefit to belonging to a private club with its own restaurants, bars, pool, spa, golf and tennis facilities. When we are unable to go outside the complex, we find everything for a good time right here on the property. The pictures below are just a few of our recent experiences here in Coronado.

On Thursdays, we get together with two other couples for lunch and Mexican Train. That activity started in the middle of the complete lockdown. It was a mechanism to help all of us cope with the isolation. The six of us consider one another within the same “bubble”. More than once, one of us has stated that this was the single most important thing every week to maintain our personal sanity. We take turns cooking and rotate homes. These people rock!

Jen and I have been blessed to be able to help others with our experience. One thing that we did was to help an expat couple secure a vehicle before their final move to Panama. This is not something that I would like to do often, but these people are special to us. Our friend, Marc Vargas, found an excellent vehicle for them, and in the process, made us wish for a new car as well. Marc kept a watchful eye on the market and was able to find us a great deal on a “new to us” car. This past week we were able to take delivery of it. It is most likely the nicest vehicle that either of us has ever owned or hoped for. Thank you, Marc, for all you do for us.

I was able to buy a nice toolbox a few weeks ago. That kept me busy for days with assembly and organization. There was literally 1000 screws, and that was just for the assembly of the box. Once it was put together, I was able to organize my small tool and hardware collection, putting things away so that I always know where to find them. My deposito has a bunch more room now that things are boxed and labeled. We also, realized that without my tools in a closet in the condo we have more room to organize there.

In other project news, I finished painting all the doors and trim in the condo. I completed the project in the guest room, which has 12 louvered doors. Jen wanted me to lighten them up and give them a beach like look. I had to get a lesson from You Tube for this. I used a crackle medium and painted all the louvers with random beach colors. The result was unbelievable. We ordered new hardware and it changed the whole look of the room. I really like having projects, but this one was almost overwhelming.

Recently a friend of ours here in Panama wrote and published a book that is another point of view for expats. It is “An Expat’s Struggle – Making a Home in Panama” by Diane Maxwell.

Her book gives a point of view that is the opposite of mine, “2 Retire in Panama?”. Where everything went so smoothly for us, Diane had more than the usual difficulties. Many people categorize her book as a single woman overcoming adversity. She told me that several readers have contacted her saying the they had a similar experience, so it is not a unique story. She wanted to help anyone thinking about living abroad by presenting her solutions to issues. She deals with what the realtors won’t tell you. She talked to one relocation specialist, who said, “people who come on my tours don’t have any struggles at all.” That is exactly why she wrote her book.

Expats coming into a foreign country are usually unfamiliar with the customs, making everyday tasks even harder. Add in a language barrier and everyone struggles. One chapter of her book addresses cultural differences and how to live with them. Another chapter summarizes Panama’s history, putting an expats position among the Panamanians in perspective. She had to deal with legal issues including firsthand accounts of the court system. Her experience in both public and private hospitals compare quality and expenses. And the main theme is buying a home and dealing with the real estate market.

Her book has received 5-star ratings with very positive comments.  Amazon selected it as the #1 new release in Panama travel guides. Along with the usual attractions of the Panama Canal, a visit to an indigenous tribe, and Panama City tour, she takes readers along on trips all over Panama. She sails around Bocas del Toro, lounges on the beach near Pedasi, visits a rum factory, takes in the turquoise waters of San Blas, and feels the excitement whale watching off the Pearl Islands. If interested in more obscure getaways, she visited an archeologic dig, soaked in hot volcanic springs, and shot the rapids in the rainforest while contributing to a reforestation project.

I found her book informative and enjoyable. The contrast between her experience and ours was very interesting to me. I recommend her book which is available on Kindle and at Amazon. Kindle Unlimited customers can read it free. Click here to get a copy.

I appreciate all the great feedback and reviews on my book. I hope that everyone who reads it takes away a little knowledge of what it may be like to retire abroad. Jen and I do extensive research prior to everything. It is easier to prepare in advance than have regrets. If you have not had an opportunity to read it, please get your copy here.  And, by all means, send me a selfie with my book so I can include you in a future newsletter.

If you are enjoying this blog for the first time, please like and share it. I love sharing our experiences and adventures. With the lockdowns and curfews loosening up, we hope to have some new adventures to share soon.

Blessings from paradise,

Greg and Jen