Toyota Prado, a favorite in Panama
Likely a residual effect from the recent real estate boom in Panama and high consumer confidence, new car sales rose 30% in 2007. Incredibly, stats are currently on pace to increase an additional 30% in 2008. This is the story according to the Association of Auto Distributors [...]

Filed under: Business on March 26th, 2008 | No Comments »

aerial view of the world’s largest pool in Chile
Panama never got the memo: giant hotels are out, boutique hotels and eco-projects are IN.
In yet another move that supports the common belief here in Panama that when it comes to beach projects, “gaudy-is-good”, the Playa Blanca resort project is promoting plans to construct the second largest [...]

Filed under: News, Politics on March 26th, 2008 | 7 Comments »

Ruben Tejada, the latest Panamanian phenom
18 year old Ruben “El Rookie” Tejada is doing well in the Major League Baseball farm system. The young infielder from Veraguas has been called up to play in the New York Mets farm league. He reports that he is doing well and has been happy to receive tutelage [...]

Filed under: News on March 26th, 2008 | No Comments »

According to the Contraloria General, Panama’s local stock market or “bolsa de valores” grew a whopping 223% in the month of January vs. last year at the same time.  The overall growth in 2007 was 9.6%.  The re-aquisition of the local bank, Banistmo Shares, in process of liquidation from the merger with banking giant HSBC [...]

Filed under: Business on March 26th, 2008 | No Comments »

Panama’s famous golden frog of El Valle de Anton west-central Panama, may have become extinct in the wild since 2006. A large number of amphibians, including the golden frog, suffered extreme population loss possibly because of the fungal infection Chytridiomycosis that grows on their skin suffocating them. Pollution and loss of habitat may also have [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture on March 26th, 2008 | No Comments »

A good blog, like a good man, is hard to find.

Filed under: Reviews on March 26th, 2008 | 9 Comments »

Panamanian boxing legend, Roberto Duran
Although but a tiny nation, Panama can claim to be the home of some fantastic athletes over the past decades. It was not an easy list to compile, but I present my all-time top 5 favorites:
5. Carlos Lee -The 6′2″, 240 lb. slugger known as “Caballito” (little horse) currently plays for [...]

Filed under: Sports on March 26th, 2008 | 7 Comments »

Baha’i Temple- Panama City, Panama
What is that dome-ish thing up up there on the hill!? There are only 7 Baha’i Temples in the world, one of which is located right here in Panama City, Panama.  After I had that cleared up, I started to wonder, just what is the Baha’i faith?  I knew [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on March 25th, 2008 | 6 Comments »

Anita’s Restaurant- El Carmen- Panama City, Panama
The answer is yes.  Where? At Anita’s, the best hidden restaurant in Panama City.  It’s tucked away near the intersection of Via Manuel Espinosa Batista and Calle Primera El Carmen (one block from Excedra books, heading away from Balboa).  This restaurant boasts an authentic and rustic vibe unlike any [...]

Filed under: Food, Reviews on March 25th, 2008 | No Comments »

Increased globalization in the world has led to a new way of life; one hinged on the pins of technology, communication, and innovative foresight in the world of business, culture, and overall wellbeing. But one small town in Panama City, Panama is living proof that sometimes, turning back the clocks can do a neighborhood just [...]

Filed under: Culture on March 25th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

“Urrego’s” Isla Chapera-Panama
Nelson Urrego, a convicted Colombian drug-trafficker is claiming that current Vice President Samuel Lewis Navarro wanted his piece of real estate heaven and haven, Isla Chapera.

Filed under: News on March 24th, 2008 | No Comments »

Los Camisones Restaurant- Santa Clara Panama
Feeling freakily like Will Smith in “I am Legend” on Easter weekend in Panama City, we jumped into the car and took the long drive to to Pedasi to find some form of humanity, making a stop for lunch at Los Camisones.

Filed under: Food, Reviews on March 24th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Playa Venao, Panama- Central American Surf Championships
I had the pleasure of attending the Third Annual Central American Surf Championship in Playa Venao, Panama this past weekend. The normally barren beach was filled with surfers and fans representing a diverse handful of nations.

Filed under: Country Guide, News on March 24th, 2008 | No Comments »

Panama City, Panama as seen from Casco Viejo
For a country at the center of global investment and tourism chatter, why are so many visitors to Panama getting a bad first impression?
The Republic of Panama, once only thought of as a tiny country with a canal, is now the home of Central America’s fastest growing economy [...]

Filed under: News, Real Estate on March 24th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Gorgeous Views of Cerro Punta, Panama
Cerro Punta, the settlement established at the highest point than any other in the entire Republic of Panama, is the second stop of the Chiriquí trifecta that includes Bambito, Cerro Punta and Guadalupe, three towns that are absolutely charming and well worth the visit.

Filed under: Country Guide on March 24th, 2008 | No Comments »