If you are curious about how different living in Panama is versus life in the USA, check out this video. th-cam.com/video/JfCCRi7Y0Xk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9twZd4cLGp48YAT6
@@AbroadAbility- I grew up watching our Citizens Protest and Strike in an effort to Improve the Quality of Life for Everyone. Much like everywhere else it’s Not Perfect but it’s Still a Beautiful place to Live 😊
Oh Lord, I have so much to say, I'm sorry LOL. I'm so glad you got stocked up. Please stay that way at all times. I don't know if it because I live in Southern Louisiana or what, but I was really truly surprised at the number of expats in different areas that didn't have a stock supply. But then I remembered small kitchens, limited storage and other things I noted about a lot of the homes I visited there. Here I keep years' worth of food at all times. I rotate frozen and can food by date, using the oldest first then replacing it. You know why... hurricanes. We also keep extra fuel for the generator and cases of drinking water... same reason. But I get not being able to live that way in Panama, just another thing for me to think about when I finally get to settle there. Yes, these protests are different than the ones in that past, but still, for the most part they have been better than what happens to people when they protest here and that I find refreshing. I just continue to pray for calm minds and actions. Glad the metro is running for the sake of the Panamanian people. For many that is their only way to get work, period. No metro equals no pay. Another piece of advice that my former boss told me MANY years ago (I'm old) when I first started to travel for him internationally. No matter how peaceful and well maintained a country is you need to be prepared to leave in less than 36 hours on any given day, preferably you should be able to bug out in 12 hours. I know no one wants to hear that and feel its overly dramatic. But I have done the things I need to do to leave the USA in under 18 hours if I needed to and never look back. I pray I never have to implement those plans. But better to have them than not. As my boss told me, remember those images from the fall of Saigon. You don't want to be the person being airlifted out over the resident's heads. For the noise, invest in Loops.... best invention EVER. I got teargassed, milk not water works best. Just FYI. Peace my friend, praying for a safe resolution. One final note.... its hasn't flown over my head the mine is on the Caribbean side of things and I'm proud of the Panamanians FROM ALL OVER the country are protesting. It shows they are a united country not divided by cultural differences.
I forgot to mention, yes I understand over doing it. I passed out in Sam's Club.... so embarrassing to wake up to stranger holding your head. But I had overextended myself and knew it but instead of sitting down I thought I would "push through the pain". I have learned now to know my limitations and just stop. So glad you know when to sit and let others help you. That is so hard to learn.
Lol. I laughed at you apologizing for the long response ahead of time. 🤣🤣🤣 I am glad you shared all of that. I love the advice of being able to leave in under 18 hours. I never thought about that. It is almost similar to having an emergency bag packed and ready to go at all times. I am going to look up Loops. Thanks for sharing my friend!
Hola, Paul. Yeah! I was only making short form content but felt the need to share this story so I quickly made it. Hopefully, this will get me back into the swing of making longer videos again.
I love Panama, too. I lived there from 1984-1987 and witnessed the protests to remove then President Noriega. I felt safe during that time period and did not feel threatened. Personally, I prefer to live in Panama as opposed to CONUS. I returned for a visit in March 2023 and my love for Panama was reaffirmed. I still hope to relocate there in 2024. I pray that Panamanian leadership listen to the people and do right by them. I appreciate the information and your thoughts. 🙏
Wow! Thanks for sharing that. You are the second person to say that they were here during the invasion. There is just something special about Panama and I am proud and humbled to call it home. 🥰🇵🇦
Thank you! After my nerves calmed down and I got used to my morning routine, I have felt much better. You would enjoy the nighttime music. I am like, wait, is that Bounty Killa and then they change the words to one’s in Spanish lol.
Thaks for watching and I am glad that you found it to be helpful. It is different than my other content but felt like I had to share my experience during these times.
I have lived here 13 years. That was an excellent video, no opinions pushed on the listener, and you are very well spoken. Hopefully the situation can be resolved. Panamá is a beautiful country, and the people are so friendly. Stay safe...abrazos
Thank you so much! This was truly a hard video for me to make. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Gracias! 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦
Thank you for sharing that. Wow! You lived here during the invasion! I can’t even imagine what that was like. Most of my friends and family have said the same thing, they hadn’t heard about it in the news.
@@guillermogouldburn763 yes and it is unfortunate. I would think it would have been picked up with the importance of the canal but I guess most news outlets don’t think people need to know about it or feel that it isn’t news worthy…..
@AbroadAbility US news only pays attention if it affects Americans, like the Canal running low on water causing delays in arrival of merchandise destined for American consumers. It's more about America than it is about Panama. If you have a one day nationwide protest in Israel it would be leading news on all news outlets in the US.
thanks for your input lovely.. i feel the same,.. this is my home now and i'd rather be here than there! Pedasi is small but the the people are making an impact, as are the rest of the towns around here.
@@AbroadAbility we get a lot of our produce shipped in also from boquete, etcetera but there are farms we can glean from and the people here have more of an option because they grow on their properties. there is a lot of Green space here. The trucks the trucks getting in intermittently on a humanitarian run, like last year. The propane trucks were allowed in.
@@AbroadAbility the protests have been very subdued here , on the weekends it seems that they will gather at the the park or in front of the Pedasí , and they just walk the usual route that are parades walk here. I see my friends walking, and it is difficult having to take a neutral stance but they see me hovering in the distance or standing on the side in front of the bakery, like an observer, in a white t-shirt, blue pants and my red Converse All Stars...
Very helpful. No place is perfect but good information is a superpower. Thanks for sharing your experience and coping strategies and also for letting us know that you are ok. 🙂
Thank you for your story. I visited Panama in August for the first time. I fell in love with the country and am seriously considering Panama as my retirement destination. It is sad to see this and I hope things settle down soon. Please stay safe!
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. There is just something special about this country that makes so many of us fall in love with it.
Great video! I'm so glad you decided to make this video. I'm sorry to hear that you've been on edge but thanks for providing some much needed context. I definitely understand your trepidation though. Our experience at the beaches is definitely different. Thanks for the shout out! I'll be referring folks to your video as well on my next update.
Hello to my TH-cam friend! I am thrilled to hear that you liked this video. It truly was a hard one for me to make. The shout out was WELL earned! Your video provided a different perspective that people need to hear and understand. Thanks for referring my video to your audience on your next release. I can’t wait to watch it!
Awwww thank you so much, Fletcher! It is great to hear from you and I am happy to hear that you found this to be very professional and balanced. Your comment is very much appreciated! 🥰🇵🇦
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. There is just something special about this place. And I too knew I was moving here after a scouting trip. 🇵🇦🥰🇵🇦🥰
❤im mobility challenged and I desperately need your personal info. Pls answer me because I’m being influenced by ex pats and their info on TH-cam? I was moving there last week! Thank you again 🩷
Love your transparency and well thought out honest perspective. Smart of you to stock up early. Praying for you and a speedy resolution for the Panamanian people 🇵🇦!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I am glad to hear that you loved my transparency and honesty. I think people need to hear various first hand experiences so that they can make informed decisions. Thanks for the prayers! 🥰🇵🇦
Thank you so much for this video, very informative. I think all the things that you are doing to navigate the protests are smart, keep doing what you are doing, and stay safe.
Thank you so much! I felt like people needed to hear what it has been like for me. Panama is my peace of paradise but it does have its problems like everywhere else. Thanks for the encouragement and well wishes!
Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. I felt like people needed to hear this perspective and I am happy with the fact that viewers are receiving my firsthand perspective so well. 🙏🏽🇵🇦🥰
It is nice to see Panama people standing up. I would be neutral on politics if i lived there. Because that is the reason a lot of people leave USA. This may be the only way for some of us to stay positive. Hopefully good prevails.
I applaud your courage. These are very difficult topics to cover on TH-cam; people tend to view things through predetermined lenses, and then tell you all about it! Anyways these are great insights presented in a very fair and balanced way. Thanks
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yeah, I struggled with the best way to approach this video and then I figured my experience could give a unique perspective. I glad to hear that you found it to be balanced and fair. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙏🏽🇵🇦
Yes, I was house hunting in July 2022, in fact I got there (2) days before the protest! 🤦🏻♂️, I was stuck on the Interamericana Hwy for (5) hours! That protest was just as bad as the current one going on. But, sadly, people didn’t learn from last years protest to take some preparation measures. Like, buying a single/double electric hot plate, large pots to boil hot water, getting an extra propane tank or two. But, majority of expats and locals didn’t heed the warning of the protest.
Oh gosh! The horror stories of people getting stuck on the highways is mind boggling. Your comment has inspired me to make another video so thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I am going to give you a shout out in it. 💪🏽🎉
I'm in La Chorerra. One thing I hate about Panama is they always block the roads. They're just hindering people's right of passage. People still need to get places. My dad and I missed very important cardiology appointments in the city because of it. Since I was a kid, they'd always block the roads over whatever hot button political issue comes up. Blocking the roads is stupid mob mentality.
Oh gosh. I am sorry to hear that your dad missed his appointment. I had to reschedule mine as well. I don’t know what the right answer is but a lot of people are hurting right now. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@AbroadAbility I've already made other Panamanians mad at me for calling it out. I'm not opposing their right to air grievances, but not at the expense of hindering others lives.
Well I grew up in the Canal Zone and I love Panama. But the USA helped Panama a lot. The Mining in Panama is detructive on a Beautiful Country. But I have no home town anymore
You mentioned your hair. I planning on retiring in Panama. I typically visit twice a year. Desperately looking for a hairdresser. Any recommendations ?
@@AbroadAbility Panama City. I have fine hair. I will typically get a perm every 5 to 6 months. I usually get it flat-ironed or a roller set. Thank you for your response.
I am from Chiriquí, Panama, Panama is on fire!! , Everything started a strike to NO to Mining but now everything has switched to the indigenous village blocking the Main road that connects the Province of Chiriquí to Panama for more than 21 days , the community of Chiriqui is facing is thousands and thousands of dollars of agriculture loss just in the town of Volcan the indigenous have week schedule to enter and leave the town, a lot of business have shut down people losing the jobs, CHIRIQUI IS PARALIZE ! due to the road blocks the indigenous have taken over the streets No Gasoline , Propane, Food , for the medicine to get to the hospital was a challenge , everything is low on stock , Boquete and Bocas is known as a Tourist town now is ghost town. Chiriqui is depending on the Costa Rica to get fuel with no jobs and no money people are paying doble just for a gallon of gasoline transportation rate went up a doble, people the live day by day are suffering and lots people without money and food, Chiriqui is crying for Help to open the Roads WHILE the other Provinces including Panama City Protest they Still have food, gasoline, Propane tanks food and their Jobs, what is worse that each section has a Indian Leader - they cannot make their minds when to open the roads one minute they say they are going to open the streets to let food in and another minute some other chief says NO and we are back to 00 Again, the Police or the Government the Governor No one gives is a response to help Open the roads, is very drastic situation in Chiriqui we are Kidnap in our own province with nothing coming in only by plane with a very High price, Chiriqui is Desperate for the Roads to open again without backing out of the no Mining Strike, let's not forget the School is shut down the teachers are also on strike and kids are not getting Education ** Talk about a Caos with a no end...... **
It is sad to see and hear about what some are dealing with across the country. Chiriqui, Bocas and some other areas, like you said have been cut off and paralyzed. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I was visiting Panama during the time when the protests first started. I will say it was interesting to see and experience to some extent. When speaking to the local Panamanians, their perspective helped to shed light on the seriousness of the protests and why the people are protesting. The street in front of my hotel was shut down by protesters and the police did come out to disperse them by using tear gas. There was one evening after having dinner, it was a bit of challenge to catch an Uber to take my friends and I back to the hotel because the roads were blocked by the protesters. And in that moment, at no time did I fear for my safety. The police were visible and no one bothered us. I am thankful for my Uber driver who knew how to avoid the road blocks and got us back to our hotel safely. The only time I felt anxious was when there was some comments by Panamanians that the airport could be shutdown if the protests really got out of hand etc.! That had me on edge because I did not want to be stuck in Panama beyond my stay. In all, I enjoyed visiting Panama and I do intend to visit again soon. ☺The people were very nice, the food was delicious and the country is beautiful! There's so much I did not get to see and experience that on my next visit, I'll be sure to be more strategic. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your perspective as an expat living in Panama!
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your experience while hear during the protests. People need to hear all perspectives to be able to form their own opinions. Yeah, those airport rumors are a nerve wracking mess.
I am getting my Passport in a month to leave the USA for good !! But it will the Lord's decision if it's Panama or the Philippines??? And I am not a big or large city person and either place it will be the Highlands !!!
Congrats on getting your passport in the near future! I tour a lot of Panama when I was researching if i wanted to move here or not. I haven’t been to the Philippines yet.
Saludos amigo de parte de un Panameño. Para compartirle a cerca de Panamá. En Panamá no existe el Racismo. Todos se abrazan unos a otros sin diferencias social ni color de piel. Es un país muy alegre. Las personas. Quizá no somos hipócritas al expresar falsos sentimientos y eso es lo que nos diferencia del resto. Tratamos y expresamos con la mirada tal cual como sentimos en nuestros corazones. Panamá es muy seguro, tanto social como naturalmente, no es propenso a desastres naturales. Ni ataques de animales a Personas, muy seguro. Se puede dormir en los bosques y amanecer vivo y sano. Hay lugares con climas agradables. De -13 a 20 grados. Chiriquí, Santa fe, La Yeguada, Las Comarcas, Chitra, Antón, Penonomé. Le invito a visitar Panamá y experiméntelo primero, mediante vacaciones. Pero luego de que todo se solucione. Saludos!
I do not care WHAT you say 🙅♂️ (as far as the various “benefits” to/of Panama 🇵🇦,….This is the MAIN reason why I will NEVER want to Retire with/to Panama. I don’t mind the overall “concept” (and veracity) of protesting - since in the USA there are VARIOUS places, that have protest 🪧- BUT…. it is NEVER to the point that it SHUTS DOWN (the ENTIRE county). So, you can HAVE your country 👎👎👎 (Panama), which is CRAZY 🤪 (due to this one ☝️ reason).
That is the beauty of our planet, so many countries to choose from. Crazy is all relative lol. Many think the US is crazy for several reasons. Good luck on your country search for retirement. 👍🏽
Well sorry you may have a bad experience with the peaceful protest. Yes they where peaceful compared to other l has seen. In USA we have domestic terrorism were the norm is to burn, loot and do drive by shooting and call it in the name of justice. Not so here, from all accounts it was peaceful and yes l did joint them on the streets in from of my apartment. At not time did I felt threaten, but enjoy the real people of Panamá singing, dancing and waving their flag. Better that then guns and Molotov cocktails like in other countries. Panamá culture is that one of friendly and politeness. The only time things really change is when then become taxi drivers and then it’s everyone for there selves! This kind of reminds me of the fours days of carnival that comes later and then the elections after that. Lots of fun times. I live as a Gringo for four years now and really don’t fear what’s going on. The people here are expressing there feelings about their country and letting the elected officials know how they truly feel. No real harm has happened and l think it’s day 12 now of peaceful protest and time to get back to reality, time to get back making money. Please visit Panamá and experience the wonderful nature of the culture here. The police have done a very good job of keeping control of a potential danger situation. The masked demonstrators were quickly CS (tear gassed) and dealt with. No water cannons, no dogs no horses or massive arrests were made.
It has been fascinating to watch, experience (from a far) and to compare to those in the USA. I feel safer here with these protests than I would in the USA for sure.
People protest in several countries that are not considered to be “3rd world”. I consider Panama to be a developing country but can you please explain what you mean?
@@AbroadAbility I live just outside of Las Tablas near Pocri and know how 3rd world Panama is. The culture is "Juego Vivo" which basically means screw over whoever you can. Panama is regressing not developing. The cultural mindset limits Panama. BTW I speak fluent Spanish unlike most foreigners here so I actually have assimilated and have local friends who readily attest to the points I make. During Covid people were locked inside and the streets were empty; if the police wanted to open the roads to allow medicine, food and fuel they could. Clown show always in Panama. I await the tired response of " If you don't like it leave". Yawn😴
@@mwaynerowe4782 thanks for sharing that. I always need some sort of context to some of these comments and you took the time to give me a very detailed one. I appreciate that! I never tell people to leave. We have one life to live and it is our choice with what we do with it. I am sad to hear it is regressing here (I feel the same way about the USA) but as a new resident here, I am slowly learning and finding my way.
@@AbroadAbility I have been here since 2009. There is a learning curve with Panama and that usually starts when the honeymoon period ends. My friends here run from politicians, police chiefs, bank managers and local fisherman. I can tell you that they take criticism of Panama well and actually are more critical than even the most jaded expat can be. One thing for sure is that they find foreingers always defending Panama as very condescending. They are not children and they don't need gringos who didn't grow up here defending them. It's a form of bigotry that happens daily on forums. The pasty white Boquete crowd are always the first to jump to the defense of Panama and the poor Panamanian who can't speak for himself lol. Most gringos have no idea how insulting it is to the locals. The I've got a Social Security check and and degree from Canada or USA so I am better than the locals and more equipped to defend them. Like my Police friend and fishing buddy always remind me 90% of the population just see gringos as a meal ticket, that's why gringo pricing on everything is more.
@@mwaynerowe4782no te canses mas, vete😂 Ah cuando los mejicanos migran a tu pais son " migrants" cuando son ustedes los que migran son " expats". 😂 superior complex?, first and thir world dont exist, is construct words to etiquet people, are " so called first world people" from transnational company who STOLE AND DESTROY OTHERS COUNTRY LAND AND RESOURSES, . you think they are superior ?. NO, and you too.
If you are curious about how different living in Panama is versus life in the USA, check out this video. th-cam.com/video/JfCCRi7Y0Xk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9twZd4cLGp48YAT6
I really appreciate you being the kind of Expat that shows the Good AND the Not so Good!
Oh wow! I appreciate that. I think it is important to be truthful so that people can make their own decisions.
@@AbroadAbility- I grew up watching our Citizens Protest and Strike in an effort to Improve the Quality of Life for Everyone. Much like everywhere else it’s Not Perfect but it’s Still a Beautiful place to Live 😊
Oh Lord, I have so much to say, I'm sorry LOL. I'm so glad you got stocked up. Please stay that way at all times. I don't know if it because I live in Southern Louisiana or what, but I was really truly surprised at the number of expats in different areas that didn't have a stock supply. But then I remembered small kitchens, limited storage and other things I noted about a lot of the homes I visited there. Here I keep years' worth of food at all times. I rotate frozen and can food by date, using the oldest first then replacing it. You know why... hurricanes. We also keep extra fuel for the generator and cases of drinking water... same reason. But I get not being able to live that way in Panama, just another thing for me to think about when I finally get to settle there. Yes, these protests are different than the ones in that past, but still, for the most part they have been better than what happens to people when they protest here and that I find refreshing. I just continue to pray for calm minds and actions. Glad the metro is running for the sake of the Panamanian people. For many that is their only way to get work, period. No metro equals no pay. Another piece of advice that my former boss told me MANY years ago (I'm old) when I first started to travel for him internationally. No matter how peaceful and well maintained a country is you need to be prepared to leave in less than 36 hours on any given day, preferably you should be able to bug out in 12 hours. I know no one wants to hear that and feel its overly dramatic. But I have done the things I need to do to leave the USA in under 18 hours if I needed to and never look back. I pray I never have to implement those plans. But better to have them than not. As my boss told me, remember those images from the fall of Saigon. You don't want to be the person being airlifted out over the resident's heads. For the noise, invest in Loops.... best invention EVER. I got teargassed, milk not water works best. Just FYI. Peace my friend, praying for a safe resolution. One final note.... its hasn't flown over my head the mine is on the Caribbean side of things and I'm proud of the Panamanians FROM ALL OVER the country are protesting. It shows they are a united country not divided by cultural differences.
I forgot to mention, yes I understand over doing it. I passed out in Sam's Club.... so embarrassing to wake up to stranger holding your head. But I had overextended myself and knew it but instead of sitting down I thought I would "push through the pain". I have learned now to know my limitations and just stop. So glad you know when to sit and let others help you. That is so hard to learn.
Lol. I laughed at you apologizing for the long response ahead of time. 🤣🤣🤣 I am glad you shared all of that. I love the advice of being able to leave in under 18 hours. I never thought about that. It is almost similar to having an emergency bag packed and ready to go at all times. I am going to look up Loops. Thanks for sharing my friend!
Thank you! I will keep everyone in prayer🙏🏼❤️💫🇵🇦
Thank you so much for watching and for your prayers. Viva Panama!
What a sweetheart of A nice sincere honest lady trying to give accurate commentary.
Thank you so much for the nice comment. I wanted people to at least hear one perspective of what it has been like in the city.
Haven't seen a video from you in a few months. Nice to see you! Thank you for all of your perspectives. Also, I love the outtakes!
Hola, Paul. Yeah! I was only making short form content but felt the need to share this story so I quickly made it. Hopefully, this will get me back into the swing of making longer videos again.
Thanks for all you shared. Glad you are safe and still content in your beloved Panama. Continued Blessings to You 😇
Aww. Thank you so much for your blessings and kind words. 🥰🇵🇦
Great breakdown of everything! We're black expats living in Panamá as well, and we couldn't have said it better! Thank you, and keep it going
Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. It was a hard topic to cover it I felt like it needed to be shared.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching. I hope it was helpful!
I love Panama, too. I lived there from 1984-1987 and witnessed the protests to remove then President Noriega. I felt safe during that time period and did not feel threatened.
Personally, I prefer to live in Panama as opposed to CONUS.
I returned for a visit in March 2023 and my love for Panama was reaffirmed. I still hope to relocate there in 2024.
I pray that Panamanian leadership listen to the people and do right by them.
I appreciate the information and your thoughts. 🙏
Wow! Thanks for sharing that. You are the second person to say that they were here during the invasion. There is just something special about Panama and I am proud and humbled to call it home. 🥰🇵🇦
Stay safe as possible. Seems like need to be always prepared in the city. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! After my nerves calmed down and I got used to my morning routine, I have felt much better. You would enjoy the nighttime music. I am like, wait, is that Bounty Killa and then they change the words to one’s in Spanish lol.
@@AbroadAbility I wonder if its Bounty "Fed Up"
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. Very informative.
Thank you so much! These are interesting times and I felt my perspective needed to be shared. I appreciate you watching. 🥰🇵🇦
Thank you for sharing your experience. Keep taking best care..
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate the well wishes.
This keeps me aware of checking countries' political issues before traveling. Thanks for sharing. Very informative.... Still, I want to travel there!
Thanks for that perspective!
You are most welcome! Thanks for the interview you did!
This is a good and helpful Update !!!
Thaks for watching and I am glad that you found it to be helpful. It is different than my other content but felt like I had to share my experience during these times.
Thank you !!! Thank you !!! Thank you !!! 👏 👏 👏 !!! And I do speak English and Spanish and go to both Churches on Sundays !!!
So I liked and Subscribed to this Channel !!!
Awwww. Thank you so much!!!! 💪🏽🇵🇦😀
Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, my friend. I figured it needed to be said. I remember how I felt last year and there wasn’t really much out there on it.
I have lived here 13 years. That was an excellent video, no opinions pushed on the listener, and you are very well spoken. Hopefully the situation can be resolved. Panamá is a beautiful country, and the people are so friendly. Stay safe...abrazos
Thank you so much! This was truly a hard video for me to make. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Gracias! 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦
Love the throw pillows ❤
Thank you. I will send you his info! 🇵🇦🥰
Well presented Thank you
Thank you for watching and I am glad to hear that you feel it is well presented. I struggled with how to best organize this one.
Thank you ever so much for the mui sabia information🙏🏽
De nada! I am glad to hear that you liked the information.
Thank you. Most of us in America have no idea this is going on. I lived there during the 1989 invasion as a teenager. Thank you. One Love....❤
Thank you for sharing that. Wow! You lived here during the invasion! I can’t even imagine what that was like. Most of my friends and family have said the same thing, they hadn’t heard about it in the news.
US news is more concerned with what happens in Europe and the Middle East, especially if Israel is involved.
@@guillermogouldburn763 yes and it is unfortunate. I would think it would have been picked up with the importance of the canal but I guess most news outlets don’t think people need to know about it or feel that it isn’t news worthy…..
@AbroadAbility US news only pays attention if it affects Americans, like the Canal running low on water causing delays in arrival of merchandise destined for American consumers. It's more about America than it is about Panama. If you have a one day nationwide protest in Israel it would be leading news on all news outlets in the US.
Listening in Australia Thank you
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Australia is a country that is on my list to visit.
thanks for your input lovely.. i feel the same,.. this is my home now and i'd rather be here than there! Pedasi is small but the the people are making an impact, as are the rest of the towns around here.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. How has it been in Pedasi? I haven’t heard much from that area since the protests have started. 🇵🇦🇵🇦
@@AbroadAbility we get a lot of our produce shipped in also from boquete, etcetera but there are farms we can glean from and the people here have more of an option because they grow on their properties. there is a lot of Green space here. The trucks the trucks getting in intermittently on a humanitarian run, like last year. The propane trucks were allowed in.
@@AbroadAbility the protests have been very subdued here , on the weekends it seems that they will gather at the the park or in front of the Pedasí , and they just walk the usual route that are parades walk here. I see my friends walking, and it is difficult having to take a neutral stance but they see me hovering in the distance or standing on the side in front of the bakery, like an observer, in a white t-shirt, blue pants and my red Converse All Stars...
@@christinec.2376 I think many share in your sentiment about being on the sideline.
Very helpful. No place is perfect but good information is a superpower. Thanks for sharing your experience and coping strategies and also for letting us know that you are ok. 🙂
I love this Honest nice girl telling it like it is
Thank you for your story. I visited Panama in August for the first time. I fell in love with the country and am seriously considering Panama as my retirement destination. It is sad to see this and I hope things settle down soon. Please stay safe!
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. There is just something special about this country that makes so many of us fall in love with it.
Great video! I'm so glad you decided to make this video. I'm sorry to hear that you've been on edge but thanks for providing some much needed context. I definitely understand your trepidation though. Our experience at the beaches is definitely different. Thanks for the shout out! I'll be referring folks to your video as well on my next update.
Hello to my TH-cam friend! I am thrilled to hear that you liked this video. It truly was a hard one for me to make. The shout out was WELL earned! Your video provided a different perspective that people need to hear and understand. Thanks for referring my video to your audience on your next release. I can’t wait to watch it!
Always love your videos. Very professional & balanced - every time. Thanks❤
Awwww thank you so much, Fletcher! It is great to hear from you and I am happy to hear that you found this to be very professional and balanced. Your comment is very much appreciated! 🥰🇵🇦
Thank you so much for the updates! I'm so glad you are safe. 💗I told my husband I still want to move there! Sure do! One 10 day vist is all it took.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. There is just something special about this place. And I too knew I was moving here after a scouting trip. 🇵🇦🥰🇵🇦🥰
btw- Love ❤ the Mario Saldaña Pillows!
Omg. I love his work!!! When I saw he had pillow cases I was like I must get them!
@@AbroadAbility His Mural by Mercado Neri is my Favorite 🤩
@@MYTYIAALLEYNE I love that one too!!!!!! It is breathtaking!! 🥰🥰🇵🇦
❤im mobility challenged and I desperately need your personal info. Pls answer me because I’m being influenced by ex pats and their info on TH-cam?
I was moving there last week! Thank you again 🩷
Love your transparency and well thought out honest perspective. Smart of you to stock up early. Praying for you and a speedy resolution for the Panamanian people 🇵🇦!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I am glad to hear that you loved my transparency and honesty. I think people need to hear various first hand experiences so that they can make informed decisions. Thanks for the prayers! 🥰🇵🇦
Thank you so much for this video, very informative. I think all the things that you are doing to navigate the protests are smart, keep doing what you are doing, and stay safe.
Thank you so much! I felt like people needed to hear what it has been like for me. Panama is my peace of paradise but it does have its problems like everywhere else. Thanks for the encouragement and well wishes!
Fantastic video. I love your firsthand perspective living through these protests.
Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. I felt like people needed to hear this perspective and I am happy with the fact that viewers are receiving my firsthand perspective so well. 🙏🏽🇵🇦🥰
I forgot to say THX for the S/O!
It was such and important piece that it had to be mentioned for those who want more insight.
It is nice to see Panama people standing up. I would be neutral on politics if i lived there. Because that is the reason a lot of people leave USA. This may be the only way for some of us to stay positive. Hopefully good prevails.
Agreed. Many left the USA to get away from politics and how toxic they have become. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. 🇵🇦
I applaud your courage. These are very difficult topics to cover on TH-cam; people tend to view things through predetermined lenses, and then tell you all about it! Anyways these are great insights presented in a very fair and balanced way. Thanks
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yeah, I struggled with the best way to approach this video and then I figured my experience could give a unique perspective. I glad to hear that you found it to be balanced and fair. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙏🏽🇵🇦
Where are the billions of $ from the canal going?
Yes, I was house hunting in July 2022, in fact I got there (2) days before the protest! 🤦🏻♂️, I was stuck on the Interamericana Hwy for (5) hours! That protest was just as bad as the current one going on. But, sadly, people didn’t learn from last years protest to take some preparation measures. Like, buying a single/double electric hot plate, large pots to boil hot water, getting an extra propane tank or two. But, majority of expats and locals didn’t heed the warning of the protest.
Oh gosh! The horror stories of people getting stuck on the highways is mind boggling. Your comment has inspired me to make another video so thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I am going to give you a shout out in it. 💪🏽🎉
I'm in La Chorerra. One thing I hate about Panama is they always block the roads. They're just hindering people's right of passage. People still need to get places. My dad and I missed very important cardiology appointments in the city because of it. Since I was a kid, they'd always block the roads over whatever hot button political issue comes up. Blocking the roads is stupid mob mentality.
Oh gosh. I am sorry to hear that your dad missed his appointment. I had to reschedule mine as well. I don’t know what the right answer is but a lot of people are hurting right now. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@AbroadAbility I've already made other Panamanians mad at me for calling it out. I'm not opposing their right to air grievances, but not at the expense of hindering others lives.
Had to comment. Tear gas... I and 2 cats got hit due to the wind blowing it to my terrace which got a near direct hit. I live a few blocks from SoHo
@@melodyekurtz3976 whew! That sounds horrible. I hope you and your cats were ok! That wind carrying the tear gas caught me by surprise.
Well I grew up in the Canal Zone and I love Panama. But the USA helped Panama a lot. The Mining in Panama is detructive on a Beautiful Country. But I have no home town anymore
Or destructive
Helped Panama a lot? 😂😂😂 USA dont give nothing, if dont go to WIN somethink.
@@deyaniraruiz well....now we don't we give all our money to Ukraine and we have a stupid president.
We're arriving to Panama on Thursday.
Thanks for the update.
appreciate your perspective as an expat on this matter. Love and Light
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! It is nice to hear that my perspective is well received.
The thing is these are crazy Spiritual times Everywhere in the World including the USA !!!
I have to agree. I am in shock at the current state of our planet.
Thank you for your input.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. It means a lot!
Watch this if you live in or are traveling to Panama! Don’t be me! th-cam.com/video/WLEAbAGStwk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ysXenBoQyAq5cVpu
You mentioned your hair. I planning on retiring in Panama. I typically visit twice a year. Desperately looking for a hairdresser. Any recommendations ?
What part of Panama are you considering and what type of hair do you have?
@@AbroadAbility Panama City. I have fine hair. I will typically get a perm every 5 to 6 months. I usually get it flat-ironed or a roller set. Thank you for your response.
Stay strong and keep making videos.
Thank you my fiend. More to come. 👍🏽
I am from Chiriquí, Panama, Panama is on fire!! , Everything started a strike to NO to Mining but now everything has switched to the indigenous village blocking the Main road that connects the Province of Chiriquí to Panama for more than 21 days , the community of Chiriqui is facing is thousands and thousands of dollars of agriculture loss just in the town of Volcan the indigenous have week schedule to enter and leave the town, a lot of business have shut down people losing the jobs, CHIRIQUI IS PARALIZE ! due to the road blocks the indigenous have taken over the streets No Gasoline , Propane, Food , for the medicine to get to the hospital was a challenge , everything is low on stock , Boquete and Bocas is known as a Tourist town now is ghost town. Chiriqui is depending on the Costa Rica to get fuel with no jobs and no money people are paying doble just for a gallon of gasoline transportation rate went up a doble, people the live day by day are suffering and lots people without money and food, Chiriqui is crying for Help to open the Roads WHILE the other Provinces including Panama City Protest they Still have food, gasoline, Propane tanks food and their Jobs, what is worse that each section has a Indian Leader - they cannot make their minds when to open the roads one minute they say they are going to open the streets to let food in and another minute some other chief says NO and we are back to 00 Again, the Police or the Government the Governor No one gives is a response to help Open the roads, is very drastic situation in Chiriqui we are Kidnap in our own province with nothing coming in only by plane with a very High price, Chiriqui is Desperate for the Roads to open again without backing out of the no Mining Strike, let's not forget the School is shut down the teachers are also on strike and kids are not getting Education ** Talk about a Caos with a no end...... **
It is sad to see and hear about what some are dealing with across the country. Chiriqui, Bocas and some other areas, like you said have been cut off and paralyzed. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I was visiting Panama during the time when the protests first started. I will say it was interesting to see and experience to some extent. When speaking to the local Panamanians, their perspective helped to shed light on the seriousness of the protests and why the people are protesting. The street in front of my hotel was shut down by protesters and the police did come out to disperse them by using tear gas. There was one evening after having dinner, it was a bit of challenge to catch an Uber to take my friends and I back to the hotel because the roads were blocked by the protesters. And in that moment, at no time did I fear for my safety. The police were visible and no one bothered us. I am thankful for my Uber driver who knew how to avoid the road blocks and got us back to our hotel safely. The only time I felt anxious was when there was some comments by Panamanians that the airport could be shutdown if the protests really got out of hand etc.! That had me on edge because I did not want to be stuck in Panama beyond my stay.
In all, I enjoyed visiting Panama and I do intend to visit again soon. ☺The people were very nice, the food was delicious and the country is beautiful! There's so much I did not get to see and experience that on my next visit, I'll be sure to be more strategic. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your perspective as an expat living in Panama!
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your experience while hear during the protests. People need to hear all perspectives to be able to form their own opinions. Yeah, those airport rumors are a nerve wracking mess.
I’m one of those who wants to move tHere. I Im thinking itS stILl safer Than tHe US. True?
I am getting my Passport in a month to leave the USA for good !! But it will the Lord's decision if it's Panama or the Philippines??? And I am not a big or large city person and either place it will be the Highlands !!!
Congrats on getting your passport in the near future! I tour a lot of Panama when I was researching if i wanted to move here or not. I haven’t been to the Philippines yet.
Saludos amigo de parte de un Panameño. Para compartirle a cerca de Panamá. En Panamá no existe el Racismo. Todos se abrazan unos a otros sin diferencias social ni color de piel. Es un país muy alegre. Las personas. Quizá no somos hipócritas al expresar falsos sentimientos y eso es lo que nos diferencia del resto. Tratamos y expresamos con la mirada tal cual como sentimos en nuestros corazones.
Panamá es muy seguro, tanto social como naturalmente, no es propenso a desastres naturales. Ni ataques de animales a Personas, muy seguro. Se puede dormir en los bosques y amanecer vivo y sano.
Hay lugares con climas agradables. De -13 a 20 grados. Chiriquí, Santa fe, La Yeguada, Las Comarcas, Chitra, Antón, Penonomé.
Le invito a visitar Panamá y experiméntelo primero, mediante vacaciones.
Pero luego de que todo se solucione.
Saludos!
¡ PANAMA FREE ! ¡ OUT FIRST QUANTUM !
🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦
She's beautiful
🥰🥰🥰 thank you.
Indeed she is... I would date her...
'PromoSM'
I do not care WHAT you say 🙅♂️ (as far as the various “benefits” to/of Panama 🇵🇦,….This is the MAIN reason why I will NEVER want to Retire with/to Panama.
I don’t mind the overall “concept” (and veracity) of protesting - since in the USA there are VARIOUS places, that have protest 🪧- BUT…. it is NEVER to the point that it SHUTS DOWN (the ENTIRE county).
So, you can HAVE your country 👎👎👎 (Panama), which is CRAZY 🤪 (due to this one ☝️ reason).
That is the beauty of our planet, so many countries to choose from. Crazy is all relative lol. Many think the US is crazy for several reasons. Good luck on your country search for retirement. 👍🏽
Long live Panama
🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦
Well sorry you may have a bad experience with the peaceful protest. Yes they where peaceful compared to other l has seen. In USA we have domestic terrorism were the norm is to burn, loot and do drive by shooting and call it in the name of justice. Not so here, from all accounts it was peaceful and yes l did joint them on the streets in from of my apartment. At not time did I felt threaten, but enjoy the real people of Panamá singing, dancing and waving their flag. Better that then guns and Molotov cocktails like in other countries. Panamá culture is that one of friendly and politeness. The only time things really change is when then become taxi drivers and then it’s everyone for there selves! This kind of reminds me of the fours days of carnival that comes later and then the elections after that. Lots of fun times. I live as a Gringo for four years now and really don’t fear what’s going on. The people here are expressing there feelings about their country and letting the elected officials know how they truly feel. No real harm has happened and l think it’s day 12 now of peaceful protest and time to get back to reality, time to get back making money. Please visit Panamá and experience the wonderful nature of the culture here. The police have done a very good job of keeping control of a potential danger situation. The masked demonstrators were quickly CS (tear gassed) and dealt with. No water cannons, no dogs no horses or massive arrests were made.
It has been fascinating to watch, experience (from a far) and to compare to those in the USA. I feel safer here with these protests than I would in the USA for sure.
I can't wait to vote for President TRUMP the GOAT, just saying
What you say has nothing to do with Panama.
3rd world!
People protest in several countries that are not considered to be “3rd world”. I consider Panama to be a developing country but can you please explain what you mean?
@@AbroadAbility I live just outside of Las Tablas near Pocri and know how 3rd world Panama is. The culture is "Juego Vivo" which basically means screw over whoever you can. Panama is regressing not developing. The cultural mindset limits Panama. BTW I speak fluent Spanish unlike most foreigners here so I actually have assimilated and have local friends who readily attest to the points I make. During Covid people were locked inside and the streets were empty; if the police wanted to open the roads to allow medicine, food and fuel they could. Clown show always in Panama. I await the tired response of " If you don't like it leave". Yawn😴
@@mwaynerowe4782 thanks for sharing that. I always need some sort of context to some of these comments and you took the time to give me a very detailed one. I appreciate that! I never tell people to leave. We have one life to live and it is our choice with what we do with it. I am sad to hear it is regressing here (I feel the same way about the USA) but as a new resident here, I am slowly learning and finding my way.
@@AbroadAbility I have been here since 2009. There is a learning curve with Panama and that usually starts when the honeymoon period ends. My friends here run from politicians, police chiefs, bank managers and local fisherman. I can tell you that they take criticism of Panama well and actually are more critical than even the most jaded expat can be. One thing for sure is that they find foreingers always defending Panama as very condescending. They are not children and they don't need gringos who didn't grow up here defending them. It's a form of bigotry that happens daily on forums. The pasty white Boquete crowd are always the first to jump to the defense of Panama and the poor Panamanian who can't speak for himself lol. Most gringos have no idea how insulting it is to the locals. The I've got a Social Security check and and degree from Canada or USA so I am better than the locals and more equipped to defend them. Like my Police friend and fishing buddy always remind me 90% of the population just see gringos as a meal ticket, that's why gringo pricing on everything is more.
@@mwaynerowe4782no te canses mas, vete😂
Ah cuando los mejicanos migran a tu pais son " migrants" cuando son ustedes los que migran son " expats". 😂 superior complex?, first and thir world dont exist, is construct words to etiquet people, are " so called first world people" from transnational company who STOLE AND DESTROY OTHERS COUNTRY LAND AND RESOURSES, . you think they are superior ?. NO, and you too.