Sixteen years later
As we fly out of Panama, headed for Guatemala, I reflect on what this country meant to me. My life took a turn for the best when I moved to Panama in late 1991, thus evolving from a somewhat protected and sedentary youth to the realization that the world was there to be discovered, experienced and enjoyed (and yes it took me 21 years!)
My dear friends Grégoire and Mayté were our dedicated and thoughtful hosts in Panama City (I'll keep you posted if they open a B&B) and many stories of the good ol' time were told not only for Laura's benefit but also for our sheer pleasure.
"And the time your parachute got twisted by the wind in mid-air... that was scary!" Yep, life was good for young people who spent their weeks planning their weekends.
It's so good to see again this happy couple with their bright and beautiful kids Adrian and Paola.
Panama changed a lot (got lost driving a few times) and keeps growing more modern under American influence. Currently about 150 high rise buildings are planned or under construction in the capital. Also foreign retirees and investors are being offered easy way to gain residency, advertised low cost of living, low taxes, evading the IRS or just getting a place to flee to in case of war or instability at home. And conveniently enough your immigration attorney might even offer a temporary transfer of a 6 digits sum onto your account, to make you appear as a suitable immigrant investor.
One highlight of our short visit was a 24 hour trip to the San Blas. This little piece of paradise is formed of a Caribbean coastline bordered by over 300 small islands, all placed under the authority of the indigenous Kuna community.
Flying there on a small aircraft is part of the adventure, as we gain views of the very modern city skyline, the Panama Canal, then the lush tropical vegetation that resembles cauliflower seen from above, lastly the coast and its numerous white-sand islands that could get as little as the 4 coconut trees they support. The water is turquoise, fishes are colorful and ending the day with a lobster dinner and beautiful sunset didn't suck. Our visit was way too short, but we were too ambitious to visit Mexico and Central America over 9 and 1/5 weeks.
See our pictures here
My dear friends Grégoire and Mayté were our dedicated and thoughtful hosts in Panama City (I'll keep you posted if they open a B&B) and many stories of the good ol' time were told not only for Laura's benefit but also for our sheer pleasure.
"And the time your parachute got twisted by the wind in mid-air... that was scary!" Yep, life was good for young people who spent their weeks planning their weekends.
It's so good to see again this happy couple with their bright and beautiful kids Adrian and Paola.
Panama changed a lot (got lost driving a few times) and keeps growing more modern under American influence. Currently about 150 high rise buildings are planned or under construction in the capital. Also foreign retirees and investors are being offered easy way to gain residency, advertised low cost of living, low taxes, evading the IRS or just getting a place to flee to in case of war or instability at home. And conveniently enough your immigration attorney might even offer a temporary transfer of a 6 digits sum onto your account, to make you appear as a suitable immigrant investor.
One highlight of our short visit was a 24 hour trip to the San Blas. This little piece of paradise is formed of a Caribbean coastline bordered by over 300 small islands, all placed under the authority of the indigenous Kuna community.
Flying there on a small aircraft is part of the adventure, as we gain views of the very modern city skyline, the Panama Canal, then the lush tropical vegetation that resembles cauliflower seen from above, lastly the coast and its numerous white-sand islands that could get as little as the 4 coconut trees they support. The water is turquoise, fishes are colorful and ending the day with a lobster dinner and beautiful sunset didn't suck. Our visit was way too short, but we were too ambitious to visit Mexico and Central America over 9 and 1/5 weeks.
See our pictures here
posted by Thierry | 8:45 AM
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