In Panama, it’s WHO you know
Whoever said, “It’s not what you know, but WHO you know” must have spent time in Panama. For survival in a place like Panama, you definitely NEED to know these people:

Filed under: Culture on March 31st, 2008 | No Comments »

Is the real estate party be over in Panama City, Panama?
With worries of Panama’s city condo market overheating, investors are looking to lesser-known destinations throughout the country where more affordable property prices exist. While an argument can be made for some of Panama’s established hot spots, the following is my personal list of the [...]

Filed under: Business, Real Estate on March 31st, 2008 | 5 Comments »

This is not meant to be a negative article, but to avoid travelers showing up in Panama and being severely disappointed, it might be helpful to forewarn them about the following things that are, in my opinion, ghastly overrated.

Panama has some wonderful things for the visiting tourist. Many of which aren’t even listed [...]

Filed under: Reviews on March 30th, 2008 | 9 Comments »

Panama City, Panama- Pubic Transportation in Need of Change
Recently, the press has been filled with claims against Panamanian President Martín Torrijos, stating that his promises for an improved public transit system have gone unfulfilled.  Judging by the current state of affairs, its seems to be sad, but true.  The public has spoken and will rally [...]

Filed under: News, Politics on March 29th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Sunday, March 30, the famous punk band, The Bouncing Souls, will be playing at GURU in Panama City, Panama.

Filed under: News on March 29th, 2008 | No Comments »

I remember a young man from my days in college who everyone referred to as Reef because of his intense obsession with marijuana. Reef would smoke a joint of marijuana around fifteen times a day and I once overheard him describing the dependable feeling as euphoric.

Filed under: Country Guide on March 28th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

 
Last Year’s Miss Reef Panama Contest
Who doesn’t like a bikini contest?  On March 29th, lovely ladies from Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina and host country, Panama will compete for the $1,500 first prize and the title of Ms. Reef Panama. 

Filed under: Sports on March 28th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

 
Panama City, Panama skyline
According to a recent article by the Latin Business Chronicle, business between China and Latin America grew a staggaring 49% to over $51 BILLION in 2007.  Brazil is the top trade partner with the Asian Tiger, boasting $29 billion in trade with China.
The growth by percentage in trade with China among Latin [...]

Filed under: Business on March 28th, 2008 | No Comments »

Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama 
After spending nearly a decade in the travel business, I know very well that everyone has a very different idea of what a “dream vacation” means.  Some folks like pure relaxation, others prefer adventure.  Some travelers enjoy a more “authentic” experience, while those more likely to be defined as “vacationers”  often don’t mind an [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on March 28th, 2008 | 4 Comments »

I bet you thought that reggaetón came from Puerto Rico. Actually, it originated in Panama!

Filed under: Culture, History on March 28th, 2008 | 13 Comments »

1. The mojitos at Twist. Best I have ever had!
2. Calle Uruguay. On a Friday and Saturday night it is positively bumping with energy. I love that tons of great bars are lined up making it easy for a great pub crawl!

Filed under: Culture on March 28th, 2008 | No Comments »

If you like to read things made out of paper like I do (call me old fashioned!)…
1. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs by Ulrich Keller.
Merging cultural and socio-political elements that contributed to the Panama Canal’s history, this extensive text and 164 historic photographs tell the fascinating story of the Canal’s construction.

Filed under: Reviews on March 27th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

1. 30+ women with braces. How do you go to business meetings? Tell your children to go to bed? Go on dates? How?
2. Men selling children’s maps in the middle of the road. Is the demand really that high?
3.The lack of Valentine’s Day candy…I know this is a bit dated, but my commercial heart felt [...]

Filed under: Culture, News on March 27th, 2008 | 12 Comments »

Senora Camaña has spent her entire life on the storied passageways of Casco Viejo. The large wooden doors to her home, a first floor apartment with three rooms, are always open to the narrow cobblestone of Calle Quinta: her literal and figurative window to the world.

Filed under: News on March 27th, 2008 | No Comments »

Panama Luxury Vacations owners in San Blas
To celebrate the opening of their newly opened service center in Panama City, a local agency is offering incentives for travel to Panama.  For selected vacations* purchased before April 12th, travelers will receive one free tour during their stay.

Filed under: Business on March 26th, 2008 | 1 Comment »