THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN PANAMÁ
THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN PANAMÁ
Traffic can be a nightmare without proper planning. Everyone plans their day around traffic patterns and peaks.
No need to exchange my money, the U.S. dollar is accepted currency (in my opinion it's the main currency- I never saw a Panamanianbill).
The people are warm and friendly
Chinese vehicles are available for purchase. The Jettour is Beautiful, roomy, and comfy. I hope to see the all electric SUV on my next trip.
Although is rains often it doesn't stay that way long.
Grounds keepers perform mosquito warfare rituals each morning
Medisoft insect repellent works well here.
Rainy season heat wasmuggy but more than bareable
Hurricanes are few and far between.
There's no need to exchange your money, they use US dollars more than their own currency.
The airport is modern and effecient but there is a second check point at the gate ( similar to Middle Eastern airports)
No food or drink is permitted beyond that second check point ( different from the Middle East). The bathrooms and eateries are all around but you can not access them after entering. Ugh
The Copa at PTY is beautiful but breakfast selection not so much. Pan (bread) everywhere, one old toaster and eggs with no meat. I heard the coffee/cappuccino, and mimosas are delicious after that water, soda, and iced tea are available- no juices like OK, Cranberry, Grapefruit, etc.
The Black Expat community is growing by leaps and bounds.
Touring the Panamá canal on land was more enriching than I'd imagined... now I'm not so sure cruising through the canal will remain on my bucketlist.
Uber is the way to go. It's inexpensive and a way to bless locals.
The city bus will cost twenty-five to fifty cents... but it's gone be crowded! (grammar intended)
I need more practice SPEAKING Spanish. It's wonderful to understand what folks say but how more more if I could express myself as I'd wish.
CEVICHE HERE IS AMAZING. Chose the shrimp version.
The fish market truly is a market. You can buy fresh fish to prepare at home or sit down and order prepared meals from several restaurants. People will come around selling everything from roses, magnets,songs ( yes a man offered a song for $),to gum, and umbrellas the minute it starts to rain.
Malls are open and popular, some have casinos inside.
Almost no one cleans up after their dogs!!! Watch where you step... I didn't.
Portobelo is in Colon and filled with black diasporic history... real estate signs are everywhere, showing gentrification has already started...sigh
United airlines out of Newark offers non-stop flight to PTY.
There are fights specifically for pet transport into the country but very expensive.
Some people DRIVE from the U.S. here. I'm not interested in highway bandit activity.
When the roads are open people take advantage with great speed lol
One can drive or sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean in an hour or so.
Not all beach front properties are hogged by the rich and selfish... but I pray the ordinary Panamanian can maintain their seaside accommodations.
The Maroons in the country were/are a force to be recorded with - I'm particularly interested in learning more about Luis Mazambique who became governor of the free black town of Santiago del Principe, Panama after freeing himself from slavery.
Panamá screams RETREAT - yall know I'm going to plan one. Message me if you’d like to be notified of when this will happen or if you want to plan your own.
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