Back to Ab-normal

[Cap'n Jib]

The in-laws are out, having returned to Colombia. The month they spent with us here in Panama went extremely well. Ok…it was a blast!

Where are thou Romeo?

Received a call from the airport from the woman now calling herself Mrs. Jib (nka MJ). She asked me how I was and more particularly WHERE I was?

Need to digress a bit here. We all have these blind spots (character traits?} and one of mine is regressive dating. This is where the subject (moi) is told by someone “I’ll be there in three days.” The subject then starts counting backward from the date of the call…thereby missing the appointment by six days. My kids are well aware of this foible and have implemented advanced techniques to protect themselves…..from me. They call me repeatedly to make sure I get the message. Most of the time I am required to repeat back to them what they said. What ever happened to trust and respect of the parental unit?

Ok, I am an hour late at them time of the call. MJ could not believe I was not on my way. I am always extremely punctual…..unless of course I am late or forgot. She waited an hour before calling and it takes me an hour to drive to the airport. ‘Dé la bienvenida A Panamá’ future In-Laws!

We all had a one “Ja” laugh at my expense. Naturally the story of my ‘oversight’, was repeated to any and all who were stopped in stores, on streets, or telephoned.


Playing Taxi for the Tourists

One Sunday, we took a road trip to the ‘Frontera’ between Panama and Costa Rica. It is a modern four lane highway (Interamericana) and hardly any traffic. This drive is much like the ones’ taken many years ago in the US. Just nice and enjoyable.

Paso Canoas, about 50 km from David, Panama, is much like you would expect a border town to be. Costa Ricans walk across the border and ‘shop’ at the ‘Dollar’ mall located on the Panama side. Almost everything is cheaper in Panama, and so shopping is a big ‘industry’ in the border towns. There are two streets that parallel each other. One on the Costa Rican side and the other on the Panamian side. Separated by 20 feet of ….well nothing really. It is possible to walk or drive your car from one country to the other without ‘clearing customs’. Very informal.

There are many small fruit & vegetable stands ‘built’ in this “no mans’ land”. The quality and selection of produce is very good. Costa Rican families stroll through the area and must be a favorite past time for them.

The Other Side of the Mountain

Visited the town of Volcan (pop. about 7,400) on the other side of the mountain from Boquete. This town has plenty of room to spread out, if it wanted to. Hardly any security bars on the windows here. Can only guess that security is not a major issue here.

Towards Volcan are many excellent places to stay with perhaps Bambito being the most well known. This is a large modern complex and well worth the visit. Further up the road toward Cerro Punta are many places to visit. Cerro Punta is one of the largest farming areas in Panama.

[HonkyTonk]

Cap'n, I love these little out of the way excursions. I didn't realize the border was so open between Panama and CR. Kinda like Leticia, Colombia and Tabatinga, Brasil.

Is there no delay on the PanAm Highway between these 2 countries, or were you off the beaten path? I know the delays can be terrible between CR, Nicaragua, San Salvador and Honduras.

Thoughts?

[Cap'n Jib]

The formal immigration border between Panama and Costa Rica is much like any other(Inter-American Highway). There is the mile or two of cars and trucks waiting to go through customs. There are inspection pits, puppies peeing all over the place as well as sniffing for drugs. They are now upgrading their communications network to do Interpol checks right at the border. The delay at the border can very from a couple of hours to more than six.

In addition, there are a few National Police hiding behind buildings, Coke machines, and in one case a small grove of bamboo. What they are specifically looking for is the odd truck or van ‘skirting’ the formal border entrance and entering into Panama. (Costa Rica could care less if Panamians enter their country and I did not spot any police in hiding.) :detective:

Watched the Panamian National Police in “action” for over an hour (the gals were off shopping). The Police barely glanced at people walking across the border. From time to time, they would stop a taxi (Costa Rican of course), van or truck near the border but other than that this was extremely casual. However, the formal border could be VERY formal indeed. Saw trucks and cars being sent back from whence they came.

To drive a car into Costa Rica, one has to FIRST secure proof of ownership from the National Police. This is in addition to the normal registration and license papers. Then there is the $80 charge for the auto to enter Costa Rica. The car is fumigated, doesn’t matter if it is a new car or not, which will make the car stink for a couple of days. On the return trip, another $80 charge for leaving Costa Rica by car. Panama will also fumigate the car because they do not want ANY of those Costa Rican germs in their country…..Panama started this game first.

The activity of these border towns can be some of the best entertainment a person could ask for. These types of towns have a life and style all of their own. I can highly recommend sitting with a couple of beers and watching the show.

[HonkyTonk]

Jib, just sitting there and watching their world go by while nursing a few beers as the ladies shopped sounds like a great way to pass time to me!

[Cap'n Jib]

Tonk,

Don't just take MY work for it. Come down and see for yourself!

[Guero]

i have read that panama has just made the residency and immigration laws quite a bit tougher. whats your understanding of the new changes?

[Cap'n Jib]

Yes there have been some changes made recently here in Panama that does not bode well either for the tourist business or the retire to Panama crowd. A thirty day visa is NOT sufficient for those who would like or need to spend 3 or 4 months in Panama.

The change is like changes in all countries….'time to gore someone else’s ox'. Once the Politico’s get their financial spiff, things will most likely revert back to the center of the pendulum swing.

We look at Latin America and we often see corruption and we don’t understand it. We think that THEY should be more like us. Maybe….maybe not. The non-bid contractors [Halliburton anyone?] supposedly can not be investigated for financial irregularities (53 Senators voted against the measure…..WHY?).

http://www.halliburtonwatch.org/

For anyone thinking the above link is a leftist stooge link, well that is what you are going to think any way. However, I humbly submit that ALL this can’t be Leftist crap…sure smells like a lot of burnt PORK.

Oh, lest I forget, Halliburton is moving it’s corporate headquarters to the United Arab Emirates, which does not have an extradition treaty with the U.S. Talk about a lucky break. Doesn’t that make your Patriotic American Ass all goose bumpy? Sure does mine!

[Lostagain]

Why is this not surprising???

Maybe George II will go there to after he leaves the White House. ...kind of like the presidents of othr third world countries who always go into exile to avoid the consequences of their malfeasances while in office. Where did that pesky Carlos Salinas end up???

[Cap'n Jib]

Back to Ab-Normal (dieux)

One of the best things about having the in-laws visiting here in Panama was the opportunity to see everything again for the first time. Showing people, not familiar with the country, around and be quite stimulating. At least it was in this case.

They are quiet and appreciative people who made this month visit appear to rush by. Through their efforts, we have met additional locals. Guess mountain people get along with mountain people no matter where the mountains are. As meeting people has not been a problem for us, it was just a pleasant change to have someone bird dogging for us.

Ya’ll Come On Down

For the period of June 2005 to May 2006, Panama had issued 11,300 or so permanent visas for foreign nationals. That number really isn’t that large when you consider the number of foreigners one comes in contact with during a week. The majority are from the US but also many Europeans, In fact as a group it is possible that the Europeans moving to Panama out number the US nationals.

CNN reported that 150,000 British each year become ex-pats. London has the most expensive real estate in the world right now so those who are able to cash out are apparently taking the money and running. Spain is their first destination with Italy being the second highest in numbers. Then comes Latin America.


Oh Manuel….we knew you so well

One of the LESS brilliant things the US did was to leave the existing political party of Noriega in power. They apparently belong to the George Bush 1, school of ‘a kinder and gentler’ ilk. They had recently passed a law that NO MATTER the crime; if an individual was over 70 years old that individual would not have to go to prison but serve ‘house arrest’ instead. Care to guess WHO is over 70?

They even got a bit a free press when a couple of guys ‘volunteered’ to spiff up Noriega’s old house. Apparently these guys lasted about three hours washing the outside fence and then disappeared. Good help is hard to find even if you are an ex-general.

It should be noted for the record that Panama firmly insisted that the US return Noriega to Panama so he can serve his time here. Just kidding. They did say they wanted him back but they certainly did not insist. The last thing they need was the ‘conquering hero’ returning. Besides I have to believe they thought French cooking might better for his health….all things considered.

Panama Number 1 er…..5

International Living just gave the boot to Panama as being the top retirement destination after six years as number one. Mexico is now the bit ONE.

Panama went the same way as Costa Rica by taking away some of the goodies for those retiring. First, a change in the Tax Exemption Law for new construction. Not exactly a good move on their part but like politicians everywhere they got a bit greedy. A gradual phase out of the exemption would have been better than what they came up with. This in itself will effect the new construction industry in a very major way. The standard of living has been improving greatly with the result that Panama is the top Latin American country for standard of living. No sense in keeping that honor…..best change the law to reduce jobs and thereby get that standard of living back down where it belongs.

Second, the tourist visa went to 30 days from 90. Yea sure a person can still apply for an extension to their visa BUT there are no guarantees that you will receive one. UNFORTUNATELY, a number of Europeans have been coming to Panama for the winter months and rent houses or apartments. But no more! They must return to their country of origin for 3 days and then they can return to Panama. They are going to pay for 2 or 3 more air flights not likely. Have been told that booking for the prime season is down because of the change in the tourist visa law. Go figure!

Why Ask Me?

Seems that my name is being bandied about by fellow gringos concerning New House Construction. Talk about the blind leading the blind….still there has to be someone more knowledgeable. I would not want to try remodeling down here. The surprises would be never ending.

What strikes me most about my fellow gringos is their inability to ‘go with the flow’. A few of the gringas are determined to shape up these Latinos to ‘American’ standards. Hell, they already are ‘American’ just a different flavor. North AMERICAN, Central AMERICAN, South AMERICAN. I see a similarity here…..but maybe it is only me.

The ones that really have the most problem are those that start out TRYING to be nice. Sure it is important to be nice…to your spouse…your dog…..and maybe even your kid. However, in building, if you are not stubborn, firm, resolute and a plain asshole, you will be taken advantage of……and it will be your fault. Just because your want to get along does not mean that anyone here will respect you for that view.

My latest one is a lady who keeps saying that “she doesn’t want to go to court”. Guess she wants to be respected….or maybe loved. Good luck!

[Tinto]

CNN reported that 150,000 British each year become ex-pats. London has the most expensive real estate in the world right now so those who are able to cash out are apparently taking the money and running. Spain is their first destination with Italy being the second highest in numbers. Then comes Latin America.

Hey Jib,

Funny you mention that. I'm in Britain now and have been having a jolly good time except for a couple things. One is the weather and the other is the cost of goods here. Friends have told me that it's been one of the worst summers in recorded history. Although it hasn't rained much I've seen very little sun. As an Oregonian, I can put up with a little overcast and drizzle but this weather would stretch the limits of any web foot. The real shocker are the prices here. With the exchange rate roughly two pounds to one dollar it isn't any bargain . A pack of smokes (for all you fag fans) costs about $US10 per pack, a gallon of gas is over $US8, and even my main staple, coffee, is around $US3-4 for a good cup. Is it any wonder that the Brits are getting out of Dodge while they can? Kalel you rascal!

I went to a bookstore the other day in Glasgow and purchased this BOOK on the British ex-pat process and yep, your destinations are all mentioned. Italy, Spain, France, Greece and the islands of Ibiza, Corfu and Fuerteventura. Makes me think what it would be like living in one of these countries with a Latina sweetheart by your side. But that as they say is another story for another day. So Jib, now that Panama has made things less hospitable for people wanting to relocate there what other Latin American countries are worth careful consideration? Anyone else chiming in on this would be most appreciated.

Ray, I would like to propose that Gringotalk be opened up not just to cover the Latin woman but women from all around this world of ours. Gringos started out with an emphasis just on Colombia, expanded to include all of Latin America and recently some discussion on the Philippians since Jim is living there now. I think the board would benefit if we had a worldwide perspective. For example, imagine Nuno sharing what he knows about Portugal!

What say ye gentlemen?