Living in Panama, we do it (and write about it) every day. The Panama Life (like everywhere) has it ups and downs. Read some of our articles to help you out.
My Casco Crossfit
My Casco Crossfit Take a look below. You’ll see a young man on your far left confused and vulnerable at Panama’s Flash Mob in Multi Plaza. That was me. Panama Flash Mob Seeing that photo changed my life for two reasons: First, it dashed any dreams I might have had of becoming a professional dancer. Even though I think I possess better-than-average... [Read more of this review]
Azuero Reforestation Road Trip
Azuero Reforestation Road Trip Most people take vacations at the beach. My friend Jon (a former Peace Corps volunteer living in NYC) had another idea. He convinced me to visit Jake’s (another former Peace Corps member) farm: Jon: “Evan, lets get outta the city.” Evan: “Where do you wanna go?” Jon: “Wanna do some farming with Jake?” Evan:... [Read more of this review]
You Are A Rich Gringo
You are a rich Gringo. Recently, a friend from Costa Rica stayed with us in Casco. She was basically the girl version of me: college age traveler who fell in love with a foreign country. She stayed and started a small business in Latin America. She’s just a bit older, and a lot better looking than me. Gringa: “Evan, I’ve lived in... [Read more of this review]
Let’s Be Honest About Your Spanish
A recent conversation I had over dinner with a good friend: Me: “So, how’s your español coming along?” Friend: “Basically fluent.” Me: ”Really?!” Friend: ”Yep… I understand it better than I speak it. But, I’m basically fluent.” {insert waitress} “Bienvenidos Señores. Que... [Read more of this review]
Who Killed Casco Viejo?
Who Killed Casco Viejo? The Casco Killer Lovers of Casco Viejo (Casco), I have troubling news. I’ve caught the killer of Casco. Sure, this photo looks like an innocent steel survey platform. But, don’t be fooled. On the portable platform they are plotting to kill Casco. Digital devices stationed here will release data detailing... [Read more of this review]
Retirement Blog: Brewin’ Boquete Coffee
A tour at Dos Jefes Finca in Boquete. I am from the Coffee Capital of America, Seattle. Where coffee is truly appreciated. In fact, we proudly boost that we are responsible for the popularity of gourmet coffees, expresso stands, and trendy coffee cafes. Enjoying coffee to me is every bit as wonderful as savoring a fine glass of wine... [Read more of this review]
Panama’s Divided Dinner Party
Panama’s Divided Dinner Party I’m sitting at the middle of a dinner table. It’s my friend’s birthday party. She has invited about 20 people. Both Spanish and English speakers. We’re having a good time. To my right are Gringos. These are not solely Caucasian North Americans. This group of “Gringos” also includes people... [Read more of this review]
Our First Four Words
Our First Four Words You may have noticed a pattern. There’s a commonality in the first four words Gringos and Latinos learn. Sure, the very first words we all learn is a language’s bad words and pleasantries (Hi, bye, how are you, etc). But, I’m talking about the post-pleasantries vocabulary. There’s a pattern to these words. Evan Terry... [Read more of this review]
Problems Being El Patrón
Problems being El Patrón El Patrón: Directly translates to “the landlord”. But, it is more commonly referred to as a Boss/King/Ruler of a particular universe. A Panamanian friend, “Evan, you are too nice.” Me, “I know. I’m sorry.” A Panamanian friend, “You can NOT be nice to people who work for you.” Me, “I understand. I’ll... [Read more of this review]
My Lively Casita
My Lively Casita Come, take a walk with me. See how life is in mi new casita. My alarm is set for 6:45am. It’s way too ambitious. The previous night I had stayed at a BBQ until late. It was a little too much for a Sunday…. I hit the snooze button. Evan Terry Forbes Now, it must be after 8am. I’m guessing by gauging the rising temperature... [Read more of this review]
King Of Panama For A Day
King Of Panama For A Day. If Panama were to make me King for a day, it would be glorious. The night prior to my reign, we would all have a giant fiesta. Everyone would sip on pintas (beers) and enjoy free papas fritas (french fries). Ohh, how glorious it would be! But, seriously, after the hangovers wore off, there would be work to be done.... [Read more of this review]
Building The Concrete Jungle Of Yesterday
Building The Concrete Jungle Of Yesterday Why would you spend hundred of millions of dollars on building the city of yesterday? Good question. Yet, Panama City is currently contemplating doing just that. The government is pushing plans to build a 4 lane highway around its city’s historic colonial district. It’s a terrible idea. Panama is building... [Read more of this review]
My Failed Attempts To Friend Panama’s Yeyés
My failed attempts to friend Panama’s Yeyés. “Yeyé” is a subculture in Panama, one of its most exclusive. The definition of Yeyés would be preppy, wealthy people who like to show off a lot. Thus far, my attempts to understand Yeyé culture by befriending them have been unsuccessful. Even though I have many friends... [Read more of this review]
Where To Live? Question From A Reader
Question from a reader. “Hey Guys, My names Alex I’m a 25 year old dude from Colorado in the states. I’m moving down to Panama tomorrow to work as an English teacher. I’ve got some interviews in the City of Knowledge next week, but I was wondering if you could give me advice on where to live in Panama CIty. I don’t speak... [Read more of this review]
Panama Cooking Classes
Bored of cooking for the family? Worried about feeding visitors for the next week? Too busy with work to make healthy, home-cooked meals? MiniJaja Gourmet can help with all of the above, and more. Offering a range of services including cooking classes, special events catering, and weekly meal preparation, MiniJaja Gourmet can make your life a little... [Read more of this review]
Panama Travel Guide – 2 Weeks
Panama In 2 Weeks – Updated December 2011. Panama Suggested Travel Itinerary: Only have two weeks in Panama? Here is our action-packed, yet frugal travel suggestions. Day 1: Fly into Panama City Day 2: Panama City: See Panama City Sights. Day 3: Panama City: San Blas for the day. Day 4: Panama City: Jungle Tour Day 5: Panama City/El... [Read more of this review]
Chiriqui vs The Rest of Panama
Successful Gringos lessons: Understanding the rivalry between Chiriqui and the rest of Panama. People from the province Chiriquí (Chiricanos) have Panama’s most distinct subcultures and prideful identities. The Chiricanos separatist spirit would make a Texan proud. Their we-are-the-prettiest-people-of-this-damn-country is comparable... [Read more of this review]
9 Good Gringo Habits
The How To Be A Successful Gringo: lessons continue. 9 Good Gringo Habits. I’m an incrementalist. Small steps or small changes in habits provide an action plan to accomplish my goals. In Panama, one of my goals has been to immerse myself in the local Panamanian/Latino culture. You should too. These 9 good gringo habits will make you….... [Read more of this review]
Things To Pack For Panama
Here is my recommended list of things to pack for travelers coming to Panama. 1. Electronic Reader - A E-reader allows you to travel considerably lighter. 2. A Small Cross Body Bag – Women bring small purses and end up not using them at all. Instead carry a very small cross body bag. It fits your passport, phone, credit card, ready... [Read more of this review]
Parking Tickets – Culture – Successful Gringo Part 3
Here are some behavioral contrast between an unsuccessful and successful Gringos. By no means are these occurrences daily in Panama, however most cultural high transparent people have experienced a few of these situations while living in a low transparent society. White collar corruption: Government officials and other people of power... [Read more of this review]
