retired expt. traveled a lot in central america. Bought a lot at the beach in nicaragua. Bosques del Mar. playa marsella, san juan del sur. I call it home. its the best.
Being a Panamanian born but not grown there, I went back as an adult to experience it and I do agree with some of what you mentioned for likes and dislikes.. thankfully though, because I lived in the city- I had no encounter with scorpions, snakes and such.. but it was pretty lonely for me back there after living there ten years and being involved even in a faith community I did not really get to develop meaningful friendships as the people were generally a bit standoff-ish not wanting to get too close but as an ESL teacher, I really enjoyed the teacher/student relationships I had with my students from different parts of the world! I miss that aspect especially. That for me was the highlight of living there as I met so many different nationalities coming together in a classroom setting. I learned so much about their world views and cultures.
Great video. Thank you. I'll be retired in a year. I'm planning and looking forward to a 3 to 6 month trip through Panama. I may eventually join the snow bird club so I can be down there during the US winters. It does look like a great place to retire, but I still have a lot of interests in the US that I would like to continue to pursue.
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I liked that shared not only the good, but the bad about Panama. We're considering Panama as a means for retirement and expat living.
The whole video was great but the summary was the climax, very well done. After spending a month in the highlands of MX I can agree that yes finding scorpions inside the house can be a real bummer. After spending 2 months in Antigua Guatemala, the extremely loud fire crackers going off all hours of the night and early morning was a deal breaker.
Thanks, good video! I can't believe how beautiful it is, the old town in Panama City, Boquete, the mountains. I want to visit this year. As for the pros and cons, yes, makes sense. For me though, I'm only going to be in Panama 3 months a year, so hopefully I will never get bored and will always look forward to my return the next year. ;-)
What a cool couple. I do believe your wife is "latina"....and you are so LAID back and chill. The Panamonte has been there forever and the Chef is/was Charlie Collins....a very good friend of my deceased mother and father. Gourmet food in a beautiful dining room. Is Hotel Bambito still open....I caught some very nice trout there (trucha). I was born and raised in the former Canal Zone, my Dad was American and my Mom was born and raised in Bella Vista, Panama City, Panama. I am looking to retire to Panama.....it's so laid back and I love all the outdoor activities during the "dry season" - middle of December to late April early May. Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. God bless you two with continued good health. FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO ANO NUEVO! P.S. - Since you lived in Boquete, did you ever go up to the Summit of El Volcan Baru? So wonderful up there: on a clear day you can see the Pacific and the Atlantic.
Thank you for your comment and yes my wife is Argentine. Never made it up to the summit, kinda crazy story about the hike that almost happened. We still love Panama 🇵🇦!
@@pointaadventures5361 Hey guys, check out my friend from Trinidad and Tobago's channel. Richard is a wild man.....very intelligent guy who lives in Boquete: th-cam.com/video/bQ_MpP9rP2s/w-d-xo.html P.S. - Tell your wife that I have been to Buenos Aires many times...such a BEAUTIFUL European-looking city. Also went snow skiing in Bariloche....gorgeous!!!!!!! 😋
Loved your video! I’m visiting Panama next month for a possible move early next year. Boquete has been on my list! And Volcan. Thanks for the great information!
That sigh never happened for me and I have visited or lived in 13 Hispanic countries. What happens for me is what I call: reverse culture shock. People in some States are pigs and rude as hell. The first thing I saw was maybe unique but fried my butt… Some people (a family of maybe five) ate there fast food from the back of their pick up and threw all their garbage on the parking lot pavement and drive away. Whereas in the Hispanic countries they sweep their sidewalks in front of their homes every morning. ❤
Agree with most of it. Service is not bad, but I'm from Europe lol. In 5 months (mainly rural) only saw 2 dead snakes, few spiders, but mainly in bushes. It does feel "small", and not much to it. Not cheap either, for most things. Buses & Market produce inexpensive, but restaurants, even street, parking lot types, expect $10 pp min. I like Panama a lot, it's safe & stable, but you will notice ALL video's show the SAME AREAS and most do not show pavements (except Cinta Costera) as they are terrible. Really wish they could spend some of that big money on parks, clearing trash, renovating old buildings, theatres, nice tree-lined avenues with shops etc. How was Argentina? For a country with such a bad economy and crime, Buenos Aires & the culture looks like it's a completely different level and class compared to Panama City.
I own 18 Tarantulas, and scorpions. So that would be cool for me. Wondering though, I'm thinking of retiring down in Panama. I want to visit first, which area do thinking is a good spot to visit for someone considering retiring too? Thnx
Cost of living depending on your lifestyle is very similar to the US, with the exception of fresh foods. Packaged food in the grocery store can be more expensive than in the states.
Spiders, scorpions and venomous snakes??? Oh my. I'm ready to cancel my one week trip just to panama city. Yuk. Great video, THANKS for sharing these gems.
Check Gorgona Beach. It is near the extremely popular and expat filled Coronado. But as of now it’s kind of an undiscovered gem! Best of luck! Happy to help with additional questions.
yes there are plenty my friend if you want beachfront houses in the city they are a lot in coco del mar, punta pacifica, paitilla, costa del este but you cannot swim there, if you want beachfront houses with clean ocean that would be coronado, punta chame, buena aventura which is the best, rio mar, bijao, gorgona, playa blanca, lago mar, vista mar etc..
I have been trying to decide between Panama and Serbia, and you answered my question in the beginning. "They still treat covid extremely seriously here, and most wear masks." I want to escape the woke cult. Unfortunately, this takes Panama off the list.
You live in Asheville? What brought you to Asheville? We're out in Marshall. We sometimes think of living as expats after I retire (my husband is already retired). Maybe we'll run into you sometime----perhaps in Marshall.
I worked remote with a Production Team that was in the US and also traveled to the states for shoots. My wife continued her education and became a certified life and weight loss coach. I also focused on my artwork.
I meant it was difficult to make friends with local Panamanians. They have large family lives. But we did make great friends that we still love to this day
I wouldn’t trade our experience! Having said that, it is definitely not for everyone. If you or your significant other likes the comfort and convenience you find in the US, it can be challenging. The other side is, it’s a beautiful and diverse country!
Yes.. its true all what they said. I lived 40 years in NYC and now, I came back home. Panama is beautiful but as any new place you go, there is always a culture shock, specially with the customs, language and interacting with people. No matter where you go in the world is very hard to make new friends and expats is no exception. The norm is that usually people gather together around family members everywhere you go. Having high expectations to make friends is always bound to disappointments. Its better to keep an open mind and just go with the flow wherever you live or decide to move and enjoy your life.
I have a felony so I don't think they'll let me in. I'd like to because there's an American T-Cell clinic there that does miraculous things for the body. (Joe Rogan Mel Gibson episode) We'll see.
if you want to know the 5 things.... go to 18:30
Thanks
Ty
retired expt. traveled a lot in central america. Bought a lot at the beach in nicaragua.
Bosques del Mar. playa marsella, san juan del sur. I call it home. its the best.
Being a Panamanian born but not grown there, I went back as an adult to experience it and I do agree with some of what you mentioned for likes and dislikes.. thankfully though, because I lived in the city- I had no encounter with scorpions, snakes and such.. but it was pretty lonely for me back there after living there ten years and being involved even in a faith community I did not really get to develop meaningful friendships as the people were generally a bit standoff-ish not wanting to get too close but as an ESL teacher, I really enjoyed the teacher/student relationships I had with my students from different parts of the world! I miss that aspect especially. That for me was the highlight of living there as I met so many different nationalities coming together in a classroom setting. I learned so much about their world views and cultures.
That’s a beautiful takeaway. We also had many international friends and loved learning from them as well.
Great video. Thank you.
I'll be retired in a year. I'm planning and looking forward to a 3 to 6 month trip through Panama.
I may eventually join the snow bird club so I can be down there during the US winters. It does look like a great place to retire, but I still have a lot of interests in the US that I would like to continue to pursue.
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I liked that shared not only the good, but the bad about Panama. We're considering Panama as a means for retirement and expat living.
Currently in London and found your channel to learn more about Panama. It’s been in my mind to travel there.
Happy to Answer any questions as best I can!
What a beautiful city. I was imagining Panama being all beaches like at the beginning of the video. Definitely have to go to this city
The whole video was great but the summary was the climax, very well done. After spending a month in the highlands of MX I can agree that yes finding scorpions inside the house can be a real bummer. After spending 2 months in Antigua Guatemala, the extremely loud fire crackers going off all hours of the night and early morning was a deal breaker.
Thanks, good video! I can't believe how beautiful it is, the old town in Panama City, Boquete, the mountains. I want to visit this year. As for the pros and cons, yes, makes sense. For me though, I'm only going to be in Panama 3 months a year, so hopefully I will never get bored and will always look forward to my return the next year. ;-)
I think you hit the nail on the head! Three months a year would be incredible! I do miss living there.
Thank you for this informative video!
What a cool couple. I do believe your wife is "latina"....and you are so LAID back and chill. The Panamonte has been there forever and the Chef is/was Charlie Collins....a very good friend of my deceased mother and father. Gourmet food in a beautiful dining room. Is Hotel Bambito still open....I caught some very nice trout there (trucha). I was born and raised in the former Canal Zone, my Dad was American and my Mom was born and raised in Bella Vista, Panama City, Panama. I am looking to retire to Panama.....it's so laid back and I love all the outdoor activities during the "dry season" - middle of December to late April early May. Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. God bless you two with continued good health. FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO ANO NUEVO! P.S. - Since you lived in Boquete, did you ever go up to the Summit of El Volcan Baru? So wonderful up there: on a clear day you can see the Pacific and the Atlantic.
Thank you for your comment and yes my wife is Argentine. Never made it up to the summit, kinda crazy story about the hike that almost happened. We still love Panama 🇵🇦!
@@pointaadventures5361 Hey guys, check out my friend from Trinidad and Tobago's channel. Richard is a wild man.....very intelligent guy who lives in Boquete: th-cam.com/video/bQ_MpP9rP2s/w-d-xo.html P.S. - Tell your wife that I have been to Buenos Aires many times...such a BEAUTIFUL European-looking city. Also went snow skiing in Bariloche....gorgeous!!!!!!! 😋
Loved your video! I’m visiting Panama next month for a possible move early next year. Boquete has been on my list! And Volcan. Thanks for the great information!
Enjoyed the video. What I took away was when you returned to the states you had a sigh-of-relief. Am I close?
That sigh never happened for me and I have visited or lived in 13 Hispanic countries. What happens for me is what I call: reverse culture shock. People in some States are pigs and rude as hell. The first thing I saw was maybe unique but fried my butt… Some people (a family of maybe five) ate there fast food from the back of their pick up and threw all their garbage on the parking lot pavement and drive away. Whereas in the Hispanic countries they sweep their sidewalks in front of their homes every morning. ❤
Thanks for the honesty
Nice video. Looks beautiful like everywhere good/bad nothing is perfect 🥰 but overall great country 👏
Agree with most of it. Service is not bad, but I'm from Europe lol. In 5 months (mainly rural) only saw 2 dead snakes, few spiders, but mainly in bushes. It does feel "small", and not much to it. Not cheap either, for most things. Buses & Market produce inexpensive, but restaurants, even street, parking lot types, expect $10 pp min. I like Panama a lot, it's safe & stable, but you will notice ALL video's show the SAME AREAS and most do not show pavements (except Cinta Costera) as they are terrible. Really wish they could spend some of that big money on parks, clearing trash, renovating old buildings, theatres, nice tree-lined avenues with shops etc. How was Argentina? For a country with such a bad economy and crime, Buenos Aires & the culture looks like it's a completely different level and class compared to Panama City.
You guys are Outstanding, moving there next year , RETIRED !
Thanks! And enjoy your retirement! feel free to reach out with any additional questions.
Thanks for the video !
Our pleasure, thanks for watching!
I own 18 Tarantulas, and scorpions. So that would be cool for me.
Wondering though, I'm thinking of retiring down in Panama. I want to visit first, which area do thinking is a good spot to visit for someone considering retiring too?
Thnx
You did not mention the cost of living, shopping for food, clothing etc., renting, buying, transportation etc. But I did enjoy the video.
Cost of living depending on your lifestyle is very similar to the US, with the exception of fresh foods. Packaged food in the grocery store can be more expensive than in the states.
Rent is cheaper, Services are cheaper the rest is 30% higher.
So in other words ,the video is filled with fluff but not much useful information as other sources.
Wonderful videography. Keep up the work your subscriber base will grow. Your introduction is a little long.
Jay
Spiders, scorpions and venomous snakes??? Oh my. I'm ready to cancel my one week trip just to panama city. Yuk. Great video, THANKS for sharing these gems.
I have lived in a condo in the Coranado area for more than six years and have never seen any thing like that other than an occasional house spider
We lived in Altos del Maria which is much more remote. We had those kinds of visitors often.
You dont see much wildlife in the city. mostly just a shit ton of garbage they never pick up. It is the extremely dirty city.
I can't tell you have never leave the living room of your home 🙄🙄
Spiders, venous snake , scorpion in Panama city??? WHERE! NONSENSE
Is there anywhere in Panama where beachfront property is affordable and available to foreigners from America?
Check Gorgona Beach. It is near the extremely popular and expat filled Coronado. But as of now it’s kind of an undiscovered gem! Best of luck! Happy to help with additional questions.
@@pointaadventures5361 Thank You
yes there are plenty my friend if you want beachfront houses in the city they are a lot in coco del mar, punta pacifica, paitilla, costa del este but you cannot swim there, if you want beachfront houses with clean ocean that would be coronado, punta chame, buena aventura which is the best, rio mar, bijao, gorgona, playa blanca, lago mar, vista mar etc..
Point 2 realestate has some.
i am expat retired, , My home is Bosques del mar , playa marsella, san juan del sur nicaragua.
I have been trying to decide between Panama and Serbia, and you answered my question in the beginning.
"They still treat covid extremely seriously here, and most wear masks."
I want to escape the woke cult. Unfortunately, this takes Panama off the list.
You live in Asheville? What brought you to Asheville? We're out in Marshall. We sometimes think of living as expats after I retire (my husband is already retired). Maybe we'll run into you sometime----perhaps in Marshall.
Yes we are in Asheville. That would be nice to meet up. Maybe we could answer more questions in detail.
No you did not live in Panama. You vacationed in Panama for three years and your wife's 1st language is Spanish.
An Argentinian in Panama?
@@romantico345😂 4 real?
sugar and spice cafe in boquete great place for breakfast.
How much will pay for hour in panama
And iam coming to panama next month for work in fruits packing factory and how the rent in panama
Hi!!! Are you guys still in Panamá.
No we are back in the US, just got back from Greece and Turkey. Will be posting those videos. Did you have any other questions?
Hmmm. Pretty city folk touristy
Any experience with Porto Belo? is it true it's a bad crime area?
Have not had any experience there. For the most part we have felt safe in the areas we have spent time in.
Portobelo is a religious destination and the locals are mostly fishermen.. it's also the Home of El Nazareno(the black Christ)..It's safe.
It's totally safe for trips and a wonderful place
@@emilycruz5290 Depends on the area just like anywhere else.
Did you two work there? Have careers?
I worked remote with a Production Team that was in the US and also traveled to the states for shoots. My wife continued her education and became a certified life and weight loss coach. I also focused on my artwork.
Did you mean you had difficult times to make friends with the lockal people ? or everybody ??
I meant it was difficult to make friends with local Panamanians. They have large family lives. But we did make great friends that we still love to this day
Would you recommend moving to Panama?
I wouldn’t trade our experience! Having said that, it is definitely not for everyone. If you or your significant other likes the comfort and convenience you find in the US, it can be challenging. The other side is, it’s a beautiful and diverse country!
You guys lived there for 3 years I need to hear it from someone who is still lived there.
do you watch the videos of Panama Relocation Tours?
Yes.. its true all what they said. I lived 40 years in NYC and now, I came back home. Panama is beautiful but as any new place you go, there is always a culture shock, specially with the customs, language and interacting with people. No matter where you go in the world is very hard to make new friends and expats is no exception. The norm is that usually people gather together around family members everywhere you go. Having high expectations to make friends is always bound to disappointments. Its better to keep an open mind and just go with the flow wherever you live or decide to move and enjoy your life.
I have a felony so I don't think they'll let me in.
I'd like to because there's an American T-Cell clinic there that does miraculous things for the body. (Joe Rogan Mel Gibson episode)
We'll see.
I am not sure. Maybe that’s something you could google, but a lot of conflicting info out there. Best of luck!
Masks .......
Yep they love their mask here. On the 11th the final get rid of them.
@@kylegrant9980 Do they still wear them ?
@@helenc4537 No they are not required anymore. Some people of course still wear them for whatever reason. Typically just the poor people.
@@kylegrant9980 There's a reason why they're poor, and it's not because they're smart.
i thought you said you didnt make friends.. but you did.. ok..
You have a three years vacation in Panama....A Sabbatical, hiatus . No real reason to stay in the Republic of Panama... A nonsense!
Why are you wearing masks?