From 2005 until the bottom feel out of the US stock market Boquete Real Estate was appreciating at a dramatic rate. Many saw the writing on the wall and knew the escalation of prices couldn’t last much longer. Those who got in early are now enjoying their Boquete Panama Retirement. Those who looked to flip for a quick buck made money until the crash. But for the past year the market has been dead and now more reasonable pricing levels being seen in the area.

Living in Boquete Panama is now attainable for many people and offers some great advantages over the alternatives of high taxes and insurance rates in any of the typical US retirement spots like Florida and southern Cal. Sure prices have crashed in both those markets but you certainly won’t find zero property taxes for up to 20 years as we have in Panama.

Here’s a great example of price adjustments and some of the fantastic buys you can now find for Panama Property – check out this listing => Jaramillo Boquete Panama Property.

On 27 March La Prensa reported that the government has allocated $283 million dollars to expand several highways. The size of the expenditure and the location of the changes broadcasts the intent. Panama wants more residential tourism, more immigration of people with money into the interior of the country.

Divisa to Chitre gets four lanes, this is the gateway to the Azuero Peninsula, a rapidly developing area of beaches.

San Felix to David gets four lanes, this part of the Interamericana between David and the Capital currently has no passing lanes. This will make the trip to David from Panama City much faster and safer.

Finally four lanes from David to the little mountain pueblo of Boquete Panama. I can report the survey crews are all over this project already. I have no idea how or even why they are doing this unless they also plan to eventually continue the road on to Bocas del Toro.

Boquete is now a dead end and although four lanes will make the ride to David faster and less dangerous the current need is not there. This is an investment in Boquete.

If you are here and can remember 3 years back in time and look at the changes and investment in both David and Boquete over three years the effect is startling. David has a major shopping center with a large three story department store, Conway. It has new hotels, it has new restaurants, now retail stores. I notices today a BMW dealer is opening, Honda opened last year. The cow town is in transition, fast.

This government is following through on the expansion of the David Airport so Copa and other airlines can stop here. They want the wild west of Panama to grow, fast.

If you are from the school of thought that says get in when things are about to explode and profit from it, this is the time to jump on Western Panama. If however you are from the group that came here because it was not Florida or Arizona, it might be time to start looking for alternatives.

When I arrived I felt I had entered a time machine and went back fifty years, now it is only thirty, soon there will be continuity with North America. I am not sure if this is good for anyone, except the investors and the people who want to terraform Panama into another mini USA. Panama is an opportunity now but the change might destroy the very essence of why I am here.

By Lee Zeltzer of boqueteguide.com

We had just been in Bocas del Toro and stayed at the Swan’s Cay Hotel there. When the fellow who was touring us around learned were off to Boquete next he made a call to an associate. He was trying to get us into Isla Verde a spot he thought was the nicest place to stay in the Boquete Highlands. Unfortunately they were all booked up as a matter of fact so was everything else in town. So, we ended up at the Fundadores Hotel.

The Fundadores was a little tired but so were we after another days journey! So, we took the boys for a walk and found some delicious ice cream at a place called Annas Sweets and then turned in for an early night.

By morning we hadn’t seen much of Boquete and although the air was cool and comfortable and the mountain jungles absolutely gorgeous we didn’t think much of the town. Of course we had yet to discover Valle Escondido or the Panamonte Hotel or any of the other hidden gems Boquete has tucked away around the next corner or lush green mountainside.

I remember meeting Sam, the developer of Valle Escondido and his comment that he had never seen a mosquito in Boquete. Well that night it seems our young son managed to experience the only mosquitoes in Boquete and they were right there in our room at the Fundadores! But all said it really wasn’t too bad an experience. I think we paid around $40 for our family of four. The large room had a double bed and two singles. The old place had a certain charm or maybe better said, ‘character’ and you could tell it was a pretty interesting hotel in it’s day. The unique feature of a small river (probably the source of the mosquitoes) running thorough the restaurant is quite charming. Now Boquete has changed dramatically and there are a lot more Boquete Hotels to choose from so I’m not sure very many people still stay at he Fundadores Hotel in Boquete but it still retains memories for me!

In fact, almost everyone we know who has come to retire in Panama has capitalized on the opportunities here, and many have begun businesses of some sort…guesthouses, property developments, resorts, eco-tourism projects, forestation projects, charter dive operationseven boat repair outfits.

If your plans in 2010 and beyond include starting a businesslook to a Panama Business. If you don’t yet have a good business idea of your own, Simon Black, below, shares some of his.

Panama Business Opportunities

By Simon Black

I see a lot of opportunity in Panama right now for entrepreneurs and small businesses; in fact, I see more opportunity here than in just about every other country in the western hemisphere with few exceptions.
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Why?

Panama has two strong emerging consumer markets.

The first is the obvious low hanging fruit: foreigners. Their ranks in Panama are growing by the day, swelling the country with their capital and their consumer demands. Simply put, they are accustomed to certain products and services, not all of which are available in Panama. That spells opportunity.

Sure, there are droves of foreigners here already posing as real estate agents trying to sell the next expat on an overpriced, generic condo in Panama City…but that business model is dead for now. There are better options.

One possibility is a professional property management company. There are thousands of new condo units in the city whose owners might only visit a few times a year. During the vacant periods, there are bills to be paid, maintenance to be performed, and in many cases, tenants to be found and managed.

Only a few companies in Panama focus on this business model, and they’re completely slammed. The market could use some competition, especially considering all the new construction coming online in the next 12-months.

Another consumer demand that needs to be addressed is high-end storage. Panama’s heat and humidity can be disastrous for sensitive belongings like wine, paintings, and antiques; thus, a high-end self-storage facility would likely do quite well here, and it would be fairly inexpensive to start up.

One idea that I have been considering myself is providing services for companies involved in Panama’s two major construction engines right nowthe Canal expansion project, and the Panama Pacifico redevelopment project.

(Panama Pacifico is a $1 billion mixed use commercial/residential development on the former Howard Air Force base just outside of the city near the Canal.)

These two projects are attracting a myriad of foreign companies, and right now there are limited options available for corporate services, especially lodging for business travelers.

Nearly every reasonable hotel in Panama province is tucked inside the city, making for an unreasonable commute, and the first business class hotels outside of the city aren’t due to be rolled out until 2016. A well-located existing structure could be renovated, marketed, and profitable as a business-class hotel within 12-months.

The second consumer market worthy of an entrepreneur’s attention in Panama is its emerging middle class, and this is another group that is growing by the day thanks to the income effect of Panama’s growing economy.

The wealth of most developing countries is concentrated in the hands of the few, leaving the remainder of the population living on scraps; these types of markets should generally be avoided by smaller enterprises.

The mark of any well-developed country is a solid middle classroughly 60% to 80% of the population that earns enough to provide a comfortable standard of living, savings, and discretionary spending.

Panama is clearly moving in this direction; middle class households earn between $800 and $1,500 per month, which is enough for them to buy a house and car while having plenty of money left over for savings and mindless consumption.

One clear opportunity is the current shortage of housing units for middle class Panamanians, which fall in the range of $60,000 to $80,000. The government projects that roughly 70,000 units are needed just in the area around Panama City; existing approvals show only around 8,000 in various stages of planning or development.

Retail opportunities also exist; by nature, Panamanians are a consumptive groupas a culture, if they have money, they’ll spend it. It seems like everyone has a new car these days, and given how poorly everyone drives here, there’s opportunity for maintenance and body shops.

Assisted living facilities and elderly care is also a fantastic opportunity, particularly when targeting the Panamanian middle class; for the first time ever, this group now has the income to outsource the care for their elders, and they’re starting to do it. The few facilities that offer this service in Panama are booked solid.

These are just a few small business ideas in Panama that I’ve noticed recently; if you spend much time on the ground here you will probably come up with several more on your own.

One thing I would caution you about is running any employee-intensive business; Panamanian labor laws, while relatively relaxed in comparison to the rest of Latin America, clearly favor the employee.

Between the mandatory “13th month” annual bonus, 40+ days off, increasing minimum wage, and Byzantine termination rules, it’s in your best interest to keep the workforce slim and/or temporary.

Of course, it’s not really “hidden.” In fact, some of Panama City’s oldest and most affluent families have been coming here for years.

But if you’re not in-the-know, you’d probably never hear of this place. Jessica gives you the scoop, below.

Panama’s Best Kept Secret

by Jessica Ramesch

A cool breeze tickles my neck as I take in the view from Gaital Hill. The sky is a gingham pattern of crisp blue and white now that the mists have dissolved in the afternoon sun. The fauna is deeply green and seems to cover everything. At the foot of the hill lies my destinationthe valley.

Panama's Hidden Valley

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The drive into El Valle is my favorite part of visiting here. In the morning mist, the view of the Gaital Hill and Nature Reserve seems to appear out of nowhere as I follow the road that snakes into the town. The houses below are camouflaged by trees, so all I can see is green and more green. That is, until I reach the famous market, a riot of color bursting with flowers and sweet tropical fruit.

From its once-mighty volcano to its minuscule golden frogs, El Valle is a treasure of a town. Residents, many of them retired members of the Panamanian elite, rave about the strategic location and Spring-like climate.

Perhaps the best kept secret in Panama, El Valle is tucked into a crater five miles wide. About 2,000 feet above sea level, El Valle boasts fertile volcanic soil and a misty mountain clime. The combo makes this a gardeners dream. Best of all, this cool oasis is only 45 minutes by car from Panama’s best Pacific beaches.

A tiny town, El Valle has grown in past years and today hosts a growing expat community, including North Americans, Europeans, and South Americans. Though theres not much of a night life, the expat community in El Valle and the surrounding beaches has become much more active over the past two years. Expat events in the region include festivals and charity work, concerts and gourmet cooking classes, and much more.

Plus, El Valle is a true paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Whether or not youre a bird watcher, youll marvel at the sheer variety of species. Tanagers, hummingbirds, and rare birds such as the mottled owl are frequently sighted here. Its also the perfect place for plant lovers; city dwellers flock here to buy orchids at the weekend market.

One of the nicest places to visit is El Nispero Plant Nursery and Zoo. Youll find more than 200 orchid species, as well as peacocks, storks, serpents, crocodiles, and the famous golden frogs that are unique to Panama.

Panama's Famous Golden Frogs

If the walking trail at El Nispero doesnt whet your appetite for adventure, there are more challenging trails on Cerro Gaital. Or hike to the 125-foot waterfall, Chorro El Macho. The waterfall empties into a cool creek, the perfect spot for a swim or a summer day picnic. Or seek the therapeutic heat of the thermal springs and mud baths just off the main road to El Valle. Locals sit in the springs and then plunge into cold river water.

If youre interested in indigenous culture, visit the El Valle Museum or La Pintada, a site where undecipherable petroglyph baffle historians.

Round out the day with a gourmet dinner at the hotel La Casa de Lourdes, known for its tasteful Tuscan dcor.

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Going Fast: $30,000 Homes as Forgotten Peninsula Becomes Exclusive Retreat

A famous French architect is about to transform a quiet tropical peninsula into one of the worlds most exclusive retreats for the rich and famous. New York Magazine has hailed it: the latest eco-playground with panache. And now a torrent of big-name Hollywood stars have begun to descend on the area including Mick Jagger, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Eddie Murphy, Brad Pitt, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. But you can still buy homes today along this peculiar piece of paradise for as little $30,000! Read More Here!

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Not so. The town of Cerro Azul, where Paul lives, was one of the trendiest places to have a home until the late 1980s or early 1990s. Then, for no apparent reason, the elite turned its attention to beach locations like Coronado, making Cerro Azul feel like something of a ghost town. From 2004 to 2008, when real estate prices all over Panama were steadily rising, Cerro Azul stayed surprisingly affordable. This was probably because expats flooding the country didnt know about it. They were too busy in trendy locations like Boquete and Bocas del Toro.

But little Cerro Azul couldnt remain a secret forever. Word got out, little by little, and a small expat community began to grow here. Today, Paul says at least 70 expats live in Cerro Azul. The effect has been a revitalization of sorts. Members of the Panamanian elite have rediscovered Cerro Azul as a weekend destinationjust 30 minutes by car and you’ve left the city and its madness behind. And the full-time population continues to grow…

I went recently to check it out. The drive out of Panama City was easy, thanks to the excellent road. As we ascended, it seemed we were driving up, up, up into the clouds. Passing dairy farms and ranches, we came upon a colorful Chinese archan exotic accent amid the greenery and a signal that we were there.

Some people say that Cerro Azul is an energy center, and that in certain areas you can watch your compass go haywire. Perhaps this is why local groups come here for yoga and other spiritual retreats. Or perhaps they come simply because the pines and mountain peaks are an uplifting sight, complimented by jewel-toned hummingbirds and ginger flowers as tall as a ten-year-old.

You will find plenty of property for sale here, and if you get here now, youre sure to uncover some real bargains. One lot for sale is just off an unpaved road and has water and energy service already installed. The lot is in a residential zone and is well over a half acre. Asking price: $17,600. For $40,000 you can get a half-acre lot in a gated community. A creek runs through the lot, which is in a cul-de-sac and has a distant ocean view.

If you prefer to buy a house and move right in, youll find even more options, from inexpensive cottages to big mountain mansions. One home is on offer for $80,000 and comes furnished. The four-bedroom, two-bath home comes with maids quarters with separate bath and a covered terrace. Another four-bedroom home is on offer for $90,000. It sits on a lot of nearly half an acre and comes with a pool, storage locker, and two covered terraces.

If your budget is in the $100,000 to $150,000 range, you will have even more options to choose from. One Swiss-style chalet is $120,000. It has four bedrooms and two baths, a balcony, and a patio.

Almost anything grows in abundance, from orchids to bromeliads that pop up wherever you look. It’s close to Panama City and to the international airport, but quiet and peaceful. Far from the city’s light pollution, you can actually see the starsand there’s no noise to keep you from hearing the nightly symphony of frogs and crickets.

Most importantly, Cerro Azul may be right for you if you want breathtaking views but dont want to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for property.

Where did I find these great property listings? Here!

The Chiriqui Mall in David opened just prior to our arrival back in 2003 and it’s still going strong today. We always like going down to enjoy an English language movie in the six plex theatre then wandering the mall and typically stopping over at PriceSmart (the Latin American version of CostCo) to stockup.

The Chiriqui Mall is on the Pan-Am Highway just west of PriceSmart. It has wi-fi, the movie theatre, a great food court and a variety of stores that unfortunately don’t attract very many customers. I don’t know why. I really like this mall and can’t understand why it isn’t full. Maybe it’s too far form downtown David to draw the local population?

Here are some of the stores you will find at the Chiriqui Mall on the outskirts of David, Panama:

Yadi – A pharmacy that also carries some household decor.

Theatre – Six-Plex modern movie theatre with A/C. Most movies are new features in English with Spanish sub-titles – a great way to learn Spanish.

Super Baru – Grocery store with an awesome import & gourmet foods section.

Food Court – the usual fare found in pretty much any mall food court.

Sebastiano – Clothing and shoe store.

Valla Actives – a TV Cooperative.

Digicel Kiosk – Cell phones, calling cards, service.

Roly Lab – Medical Testing

Sportline – Athletic apparel; shoes; sporting goods

Kardy – Clothes store

Pretty Kidz – Kids clothes

Melo – Pet and farm animal supplies; garden stuff too.

Shoe Outlet – shoes!

Autoridad del Transito – drivers license office.

Passarela – Women’s Clothes

El Hombre de la Mancha – Book store

World Time – Watch store

Guess – Men’s, womens and kids fashion Clothing

Centro de Capacitacion – Driving school – cars, trucks, bus, etc.

If you’re thinking you want to get a retail business going in David there are at least 8 vacant store fronts available in the Chiriqui Mall, David Panama.

A Conway store just opened up in the Terronal Plaza which is right at the intersection for the road to Boquete from David. They have a lovely Rey grocery store and a ‘Do-it’ Center which is very handy.

Casa Ruiz keeps records of research and development activities as a method for increasing understanding among all the groups of people working in thiis coffee organization. This allows locals to understand better what is known about coffee at all stages, and how the final product is evaluated in the hands of a knowledgeable and serious coffee connoisseur. In-house training process and passing-on practical experience is an ever-present activity. The quality standards are strictly enforced. This philosophy of business instills in the personnel a sense of pride in their work, especially when that job well done is recognized by national and international visitors.

There is always something new within the many activities in the coffee industry. National and international practitioners and experts recognize the quality of the local effort, as well as the knowledge and expertise. They also recognize how an organization offers a structure of development and personal progress for those who show initiative and interest on moving ahead on their own path. International micro-roasters, roasters, baristas, and chefs receive training in Casa Ruiz about the capacity and potential of coffees grown in Boquete. Casa Ruiz, S.A. proudly represents a Boquete coffee tradition at the highest quality level possible.

Volunteer Boquete has developed a campaign that was officially kicked off on December 24^th with the first Community Cleanup in Boquete. With the new campaign, the foundation will be hosting a community wide event on Earth Day (April 22). We have found a need in the community and we plan to address it because it needs to be done said Kaytee Hoverson, project coordinator. In the meantime volunteers from the program, as well as local volunteers, have targeted areas of litter and attacked them head on.

A group of dedicated volunteers picked up litter on Christmas Day and then again the first week in January. While this hearty band of volunteers separates recyclables out of the trash picked up, they plan to further coordinate with Boquetes recycling program ReALBoquete.

Project plans include researching joining forces with Boquetes workforce for a more concerted effort, placing trash cans around the city in problem areas, building a regular volunteer base to pick up litter on a regular basis, and working with schools to educate young people about the litter problem.

As of this writing, a meeting was scheduled with Mayor Manolo Ruiz, to present him with a very concise 17-point topic list, outlining detailed solutions to litter problems in the Boquete area.

This is not just a group picking up trash, states Hoverson, but a long term project to make Boquete the cleanest, most beautiful town in Panama.

More information about how you can be a part of this important program is available at www.unexpetctedmomentsofmagic.org or by calling 720-1025.

The Festival seeks to create a scholarship fund that will help young Chiriqui musicians attend workshops at the annual Panama Jazz Festival and provide them with musical instruments. The Festival also hopes to fund other projects like the Summer Music Camp and programs for children at risk.

Antonio Singh, director and founder of the Boquete Jazz Festival, says that the working committee, residents of Boquete and David, is working on the final details of the Festival.

The 2010 Festival will feature international artists such as: Atila, a young Englishman with a voice that is captivating the stages of Europe. He recently released his debut album, Hello Young Lovers, and despite his youth has been impressing audiences with a sound made famous by artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others. Atila begins his tour of the Americas with his quintet by participating in the Boquete Jazz Festival.

The Jon Day Jazz Quartet, based out of South Carolina, performs everything from jazz standards to modern jazz to original compositions.

Led by the smooth sounds of the internationally renown Canadian trumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger, Jon Day, this quartet will entertain and capture the imagination of all music lovers, leaving them eager for more.
Bannaba Project de Panama fuses the rhythms of the flutes of the Kuna with the saxophone, producing a vibrant mix of sounds and cultural dance. This group has been recognized internationally for its performances in the United States.

Local bands participating in the 2010 Festival include: Outside Chiriqui Jazz Band, directed by Quelvn Delgado, one of the winners of the Danilo Perez Foundation Scholarship; Sin Ensamble Jazz Quartet, featuring saxophone and guitar playing Jazz and 8 to 14 years old playing Latin Jazz; and the Fantasy Jazz Band, comprised of members of the Festival committee and outstanding young musicians from David playing Jazz standards.

Tickets are available in Valle Escondido, Boquete Bistro, Anas Sweet, Oasis Hotel & Restaurant and Cocina Rica (David) and Radio Chiriqui.

For more information, visit the Festival website at http://boquetejazzfestival.comTechnorati Tags: Jazz Fesitval, Boquete Panama

I was going to do a complete review of what happens when you get sick in Panama – hospitals, emergency care, health insurance, etc. but then I was reading Richard Detriches Blog, a fellow ex-pay who lives on and off in Panama, and I discovered Richard had done a great story on all of those things. What is cool is that he focused on health care services in Chiriqui, Panama so you can get a good idea of what it is like to get care when you live in Boquete or somewhere between Boquete and David, the Panamanian provincial capital.

Here’s Richard’s explanation of health care in and around Boquete Panama -

Hospitals: David, Panama

In David, the third largest city in Panama, 45 minute drive from Boquete, there are four large hospitals. The Maternal & Child Hospital is a National Hospital focusing primarily on material and pediatric care. It is only two years old and was a gift from the people of Taiwan, with whom Panama has diplomatic relations. Almost next door is the Social Security Hospital which serves people who are working in Panama and paying into the Social Security system. Just down the Pan American Highway is Hospital Mae Lewis, a private hospital that is used by locals and gringos. And a few blocks off the Pan American Highway is Hospital Chiriqui, a private hospital that is generally preferred by expats because of their insurance program (more on that later). Hospital Chiriqui. Additionally, scattered around David, there are almost a half dozen tiny private hospitals owned and run by a consortium of doctors. In some ways it isnt very efficient, yet the hospital costs are low. A private room runs about $60 a day! Of the private hospitals, Hospital Chiriqui has the most bells and whistles including a state-of-the-art MRI machine, one of two in Panama.

Unlike in the US, in Chiriqui any doctor can practice in any hospital and you are not limited to only certain hospitals where your doctor happens to be on staff.

Emergency Care in Panama

Here is where things can get a little dicey.

If you happen to be one of the very few people to get bitten by one of our famously poison snakes, like the fer de lance which is fairly common in Chiriqui . . . and let me quickly add that your chances of getting bitten by a poisonous snake are about the same as your chances of getting struck by lightening or winning the lottery! . . . if you are bitten by a snake anywhere in Panama you are generally about 45 minutes from a Social Security hospital which is where the anti-venom is kept. So you have plenty of time to get to the hospital where you will find that rather than immediately giving you anti-venom there is a long waiting/observation period while they test your blood and wait to figure out what kind of snake bit you and what type of anti-venom you need. Almost everyone, except for Indians living in very remote areas, recovers. So although the fer de lance and bushmaster can be deadly, your chances of dying if you get assistance are very slim.

OK, we got that out of the way!

When we first came to Panama my wife asked our Boquete doctor, So if Im having a heart attack, what do I do?

His response: First you call me. Ill come to your house and call an ambulance. Well stabilize you in David, and if necessary, once you are stabilized, we will fly you to the Panama City where the hospitals and doctors who specialize in invasive procedures are located.

Good enough . . . but when we say ambulance do NOT think of ambulance service in the US! There have been times in Boquete when we had four different ambulances . . . and none were working! And an ambulance here is primarily a means of transportation. Dont think a team of trained EMTs on call . . . or an ambulance with any sort of equipment on board. Over the years weve been in Boquete the expat community has worked hard and raised money to improve ambulance service, but it still is nothing like what we were used to in the States.

One Couples Panama Health Care Experiences

One afternoon my wife started having some kind of episode. She was dizzy, had no feeling in her arms, was weak, and couldnt stand up. It looked like some kind of allergic reaction and I feared she was going into anaphylactic shock. (We have experience with this: I am highly allergic to shellfish of any kind in any amount, and my daughter is highly allergic to chocolate.) Without 911 or any similar kind of emergency help, I called our friend Brad, and together we carried Nikki to my car, and I went to the doctors office (the same guy who treated her when she was thrown off the horse . . . the story I told yesterday). It turned out the good doctor was on vacation and the gal who was filling in not only didnt speak any English, but wasnt that familiar with his office. Eventually she found the oxygen mask, started an intravenous drip, got Nikki stabilized and agreed we needed to get to the hospital in David. She called the ambulance . . . and the fun began.

The doctor called the ambulance, then said to me, They dont have any gas. They want to know if you can pay for the gas? Yes!!!

So the ambulance and attendants arrived . . .

First problem: the doctors makeshift treatment room and the gurney that wouldnt fit in.

Second problem: the ambulance crew hadnt the slightest idea how to move a patient from a bed onto a gurney. Somehow we managed.

Third problem: Nikki was too big for the ambulance. Panamanians are shorter. So they couldnt close the back doors of the ambulance all the way. She wouldnt fit! So the creative solution was for the ambulance attendant riding in the back to wedge himself between the side of the ambulance and press his feet against the gurney to keep Nikki from sliding out the back doors, which were flapping in the wind.

Fourth problem: Nikki had an IV drip going and there was no place to hang the drip in the ambulance. The attendant in back was busy trying to keep the gurney from flying out the back, so Nikki had to hold her own IV bag.

OK, we stopped and got $20 worth of gas. Then we began racing down the mountain to David with lights and sirens going.,

Fifth problem: Nobody in Panama is going to move for an ambulance! Only the expats will pull over out of force of habit. So Im in front, the driver is laying on the horn so people eventually will move out of the way.

Sixth problem: We start to get one of our famous, afternoon rainy season cloudbursts when the water is coming down in torrents. In front the windshield wipers are barely working and in back the doors are flapping in the wind and the water is coming in soaking Nikki and the attendant who is bravely still holding the gurney in place with his feet.

The reality: Supposedly laughter is the best medicine and Nikki, although the center of the drama, couldnt help but find the humor in the situation.

Fortunately we arrived at Chiriqui Hospital and into the tiny emergency ward. It took a while, but Nikki was stabilized and a team of internists eventually discovered that she had developed an allergy to aspirin. She spent two nights in the hospital, before coming home. The ambulance ride:(for those of you who remember the original Disneyland . . . definitely an E-ticket ride!) $20 for gas, and another $5 (in gratitude) for beer for the guys. Hospital: emergency room, two nights, and physicians $225.

Yet another story . . . my wife keeps things interesting!

Nikki was experiencing tingling in her arms, chest pain, yada yada . . . with her history . . . Come on, Nikki, dont be a hero! Lets get it checked now. If its nothing, fine . . . if its not, golden hour and all that stuff. So we go to Boquete to the new clinic for such emergencies that Hospital Mae Lewis has opened. The only problem is theres only a receptionist staffing the clinic. No doctor . . . not even a nurse . . . receptionist and janitor. The receptionist informed us that the doctor was going to be coming in an hour and that we could sit and wait. OK, so this is to be an Emergency Clinic . . . right. And if it is a heart attack, were going to sit here and twiddle our thumbs for an hour and hope that the doctor actually does show up as scheduled . . . which, in itself, would be somewhat of a miracle anywhere, let alone in Panama. And Im about to have a Richard-goes-ballistic attack . . .

I remembered that a friend I had met because he had read this blog, lived in an apartment upstairs. He is a retired neurosurgeon who still consults via video cam in complicated surgeries around the world. Although he wasnt a cardiologist, I knew he had his own personal encounter with a massive heart attack and open heart surgery, so I went upstairs and asked him if he could just come down and take a look at Nikki. Gracious friend that he was he put on his slippers, found his stethoscope and came down and took a look. His verdict, I cant say what is going on, but I can say with 99.9% certainty that she is not having a heart attack.

So . . . forget paramedics and 911.

As oldsalt1942? commented about yesterdays post, You get better or you die, and thats the reality of health care in the vast majority of the world. You get better or you die. Period. And lets face it, you cant take life too seriously because none of us are getting out of here alive.

Health Insurance in Panama

Folks handle insurance in different ways. People who worked for the Canal or the US military in Panama have their own insurance. Some people worked for companies who still provide their retirees with the insurance they were promised when they retired. Some have their own policies from the States or some international insurance policy. Like most insurance when you are trying to get insurance after retirement you find that the insurance companies dont cover preexisting conditions, which is exactly what you are worried about. And by the time most people reach retirement age they have preexisting conditions.

When you turn 65 of course and are collecting US Social Security you have Medicare. However, Medicare only covers treatment in the US. So unless you want to return to the US when you need medical care, which some folks elect to do, you are not covered. When I looked at the cost of Part B for me, and what all was not covered by Part B, I decided that for me it was cheaper to just pay the full amount for the procedure in Panama. So we, basically, self-insure . . . with a couple of exceptions.

Panama Travel Health Insurance

Since we travel a lot, we purchase annual travel policies from a company in Scandinavia that cover us when we are away from Panama for emergency medical care except in the US. When you include the US the cost is prohibitive, and at least when I am in the US, I could use Medicare. My wife is too young for Medicare! Since we are on ships a lot, it is important for us to have insurance that covers medical evacuation. I think anyone is crazy who takes a cruise without having travel insurance that includes coverage for evacuation. The cruise line wants you off the vessel and into a hospital as soon as possible, firstly for your own medical welfare, and secondly to avoid legal responsibility. A medical evacuation from a ship by helicopter can easily run $10-15,000! Get insurance!

Hospital Chiriqui does have an insurance scheme called Medical Services Chiriqui, or MSChiriqui which we use. It is not really insurance but more of a discount plan. A doctor visit that usually would cost $40 with a MSChiriqui coupon costs us $20. There are discounts on almost all hospital services and treatment, somewhat akin to a major medical plan in the US. In our case when my wife required an angioplasty and stents, because the procedure is not available at Hospital Chiriqui, we went to Hospital Paitilla in Panama City and the MSChiriqui plan covered half of the cost. After you have belonged to the plan for 2 years it does cover pre-existing conditions. The plan now costs us about $1200 per year for both of us.

As more and more people catch on to what Boquete proper has to offer, you need to look elsewhere in the region for the best deals.

That said, you can still find good deals on older, established farms and tiny pockets of property near Boquete, but sellers can have unrealistic ideas of what prices should be. Remember, in markets like this one, youve no reliable way to do comps. So owners dont have any real idea of what their land is worth. They take their chances when a gringo buyer presents himself.

Some believe the market has gone beyond itself in Boquete. I’m not so sure but still I think it’s important to stay informed and why Im looking beyond Boquete. I’d like to introduce you to another town in Panamas inland Chiriqui region offering the same pleasant, spring-like climate of Boquete it’s called –Volcn.

Volcn doesnt have all the amenities and infrastructure of Boquetebut neither does it have the developed (some might say inflated) pricing. Youll spend half as much to own here as you would in Boqueteand youre buying the same spring-like climate year-round, the same fresh mountain air, and the same beautiful scenery.

The small mountain town of Volcn doesnt boast a big expatriate community, grand housing developments, golf courses, or a thriving social scene, but, at 5,000 feet elevation, it does offer a cool climate (something that can be a welcome escape from hot, humid Panama City) and great outdoor activities. It has a comfortable and refreshing small-town feel. This is an area Ill be paying close attention to in coming monthsand that I think is worth a look from you, too, if Panamas interior is of interest.

I explored this area recently and heres what I found:

* An old, rustic blue house on a 1/2-acre lot just outside town–on the market for only $10,000. Its in need of repairs and restoration, but its just off the main road and a two-minute drive to town.

* A 2 1/2-acre lot along the roadside a bit closer to town. This one isnt dirt cheap (its priced at $120,000), but it could be the perfect site for a restaurant or small cantina.

* Just outside town in an area called Paso Ancho, with a view of Volcn Bar, I saw 15 acres for sale for only $200,000. With that much land, you could create your own private havenor invest in your own small development.

* Right in the town of Volcn, I saw 1 1/4 acres, on which is sitting an old, bright green, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in desperate need of a paint job. But its priced at only $50,000. Youd pay at more than twice that in Boquete right now.

Im going to be watching this little town and its emerging market closely. Im sure that, in the coming months, Ill find even more and better deals.

If you are looking for a great place to retire, vacation or invest you may want to consider Panama. This small and often overlooked country has something to offer people from all over the world. Over the past five years people from the United States and Canada have been discovering Panama to be a great place to live and many consider it the best place to retire.

The official language of Panama is Spanish with English being the official second language. Many native people of Panama are bilingual and with plenty of shop owners, taxi drivers, police and government officials speaking English. If you are not comfortable rediscovering your high school Spanish or playing charades with the locals then you may want plan on spending more time in Panama City. However, adventuring out into the interior is nothing to shy away from. Just make sure you carry a good Spanish-English dictionary and a playful heart. The people of Panama are very friendly and gracious. They will go out of their way to understand and to help you. If you are planning to move to Panama, your best bet is to learn at least a little Spanish so you will be more comfortable in your environment and better able to blend in with the community.

Panama uses the US currency which makes it very easy to shop and get around in Panama. No hassles with exchange rates and no worries over the ever changing value of the dollar. The one thing you will notice right away is that everything is cheaper. It’s often unnecessary to break a $20 bill for a nice dinner and thats for a party of two. Food is cheaper and so is travel and accommodations. If you decide to move to Panama you will discover Panama Real Estate for a fraction of what it would cost in other places. You will find beautiful Panama City condos, ocean-side properties, cool mountain retreats and much more.

A booming Panama City is another reason why Panama is considered one of the top places to live. Dont mistakenly think this country is underdeveloped or underprivileged just because it is so cheap to live there. The capital city of Panama has been a major financial center for two decades and it is continuing to grow each day by becoming a popular vacation and retirement spot. New shopping centers, restaurants, night clubs and other attractions are being built in this beautiful area, giving you plenty to see and do.

The sense of community in Panama is strong and vibrant. The people are very friendly and peaceful. Community members work together to achieve common goals and to help their fellow neighbors. Neighborhoods are safe and residents look out for one another. Just another reason why Panama is one of the Top Places to Live. For more Panama information visit LearnAboutPanama.

Boquete did not make this index but it has been a favorite many times on the International Living Best Places to Retire list.

Check out the blog for more details on the 2010 Best Places to Live in the World!

Here are some highlights:

Dr. Blaylock is a board certified neurosurgeon, author and lecturer. For the past 25 years he has practiced neurosurgery in addition to having a nutritional practice. He recently retired from both practices to devote full time to nutritional studies and research.

Dr. Blaylock has written and illustrated three books. The first book was on the subject of excitotoxins, Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills,and how they are related to diseases of the nervous system.

Since the publication of his first book he has been a guest on numerous national and international syndicated radio programs.

• Pregnant Women NOT at Special Risk from Swine Flu
• Initial Studies Show H1N1 NOT Dangerous or Highly Contagious
• Much Fear Mongering
• Australian and New Zealand Experience Prove U.S. is Wrong
• ICU Hospitalizations
• Majority of Children Respond POORLY to Flu Vaccine
• Flu Vaccine DOUBLES Risk of Getting H1N1
• Obese at Six Times Higher Risk from H1N1 Complications
• H1N1 Vaccine is NOT Made the Same as Regular Flu Vaccine!!
• Pregnant Women NOT at Increased Risk, Obese Women Are!!
• Recent NEJM Study of the American Experience
• Underlying Medical Conditions
• Underlying Medical Conditions Risk Factor for H1N1 Deaths
• Pediatric Flu Deaths by Year Made WORSE by Flu Vaccine
• Every Parent Needs to Know Other Vaccines INCREASE Risk of H1N1
• Risk of Serious Illness from the H1N1 Mutant Virus
• What about the Danger to Pregnant Women? The American Experience
• Smoking and Obesity Increase Risk of H1N!
• Bacterial Pneumonia and Swine Flu
• Pregnant Women Given Vaccine Have Babies with More Health Problems
• How Many Cases are Really Swine Flu?
• Actually LESS Flu Deaths this Year
• What Do They Not Know About This Vaccine?
• Vaccine Safety Testing Only Done for ONE Week

This contributes to the safety of Panama and continues to make it the Best Place to Retire.
A preliminary agreement on the bases was reached recently in New York between Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

A final treaty is expected to be inked in the coming days, reported Panama’s La Prensa newspaper, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti.

“The US and Panama will sign before October 30 an agreement on the deployment of two naval bases on the pacific coast of our country to fight international drug-trafficking,” Minister of Government and Justice Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday.

“One of the bases will be located in Bahia Pina…450 kilometers [280 miles] east of the capital, Panama City, and another one – in Punta Coca about 350 km [217 miles] west of the capital,” Mulino added.

The US dismantled all its bases in Panama and withdrew its military forces from the country at the end of 1999 in accordance with the Panama Canal treaties.

Almost anywhere in Panama is affordable provided you know how to begin your search and how to make contact with reputable vendors. Whether you long for active city living, a warm and laid back beach lifestyle or the cool and comfort of Boquete in the highlands of Panama you will find most anything youre looking for all in an affordable range when compared to that of other countries. In addition to cheap real estate, its important to know the many reasons why Panama is such as great place to live and why it can save you so much money.

You may be surprised to hear that Panama is actually one of the cheapest places to live. There are many other great things about this county- including property rights for foreigners guaranteed by law to exceptional retiree discounts. You can live in Panama for a fraction of what it costs to live in many other countries and the best part is that you dont have to sacrifice. With the moderate climate and abundance of fresh local produce and sea food you can live better in Panama on the same amount of money than what you did in your home country. If you buy or build a new house in Panama, in some cases you dont even have to pay property taxes for up to 20 years!

There are other areas where you can save by living in Panama, too. For example, have you ever thought about your food expenses and how much it costs you to buy those convenience foods all the time? You can save on your food costs as well since many fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables are available and very affordable. They are also healthier than manufactured foods. In addition to great housing at affordable prices, there are also numerous off-shore tax benefits to living in Panama.

When it comes to Panama weather you can enjoy a pleasant tropical climate which is mild and sunny most of the year. Not only is this a pleasant place to spend your time but it also helps you save on heating and cooling expenses that come with living in other parts of the world. Panama adopted the US currency back in 1904 and has not printed its own money since. If you are already from the US and moving to Panama, this will be an easy adjustment for you. There is also the added bonus of a Panama retirement and you dont have to wait until you are 60 to make it happen. Moving to Panama is a smart decision for anyone looking for a cheap place to live in the tropics.

Boquete Panama, a unique community in the western highlands area of Chiriqui is 30 to 40 minute drive north from David Panama the capital of the Chiriqui Province. The Boquete climate is temperate and the population is a mixture of ethnic groups from all over the globe.

As the world economic melted down has been happening many are wondering how it is effecting Boquete Panama Real Estate market. Janeth Gomez-Suarez of Casa Solution is one of the most visible real estate brokerages in and around Boquete Panama.

Janeth says houses and properties are selling and even though the prices have fallen in the US and in Panama City to it is surprising to discover that Boquete Real Estate is alive and doing well. People are still arriving in Boquete to shop for houses. Most prices are still in the $200 to $300 thousand dollar range. Sellers are a becoming more open to entertaining an offer and some are accepting less than asking price. However, most vendors feel no pressure to sell just becauase prices are not increasing. Boquete properties are not being offered or sold at fire-sale prices.

Also, there are many prospective buyers waiting to sell in the US so they can move. When the re-sale house markets in the US recover the Boquete Real Estate market is sure to boom.

The big question is ‘How Come?’ There are many buyers coming to Boquete who are not affected by the current politics or econmics. People who are realists and some who are just looking to change their lives. The politically disaffected come in cycles as the politics in US changes. Many Boquete ex-pat residents left the US under George Bush and the new group equally dislike the new Obama administration.

More interesting are those baby boomers who now realize they have less. Lower equity in their homes, less money in retirement savings, but also less need to consume and a great desire for a chance at change in exchange for a simple lwo-cost lifestyle.

Boquete land and homes are certainly not the least expensive in Panama. The cultural and environmental aspects along with a new pro-investment government are becoming encouraging indicators of future growth. The crystal ball for Boquete seems pretty clear, growth is happening now, growth will continue and accelerate.

In July Business Week called Panama the New Florida, their reasoning is a mirror of mine and a harbinger of a bright future for Boquete Panama. Certainly still the one and still thought of by many as the Best Place to Retire.