Suggestions? Panama or Ecuador?

[rivardco]

This is the reason there are so many screw-ups / misfits in the expat community

A move will not fix what is wrong INSIDE someone.

[Lahry]

Agreed, Riva
Thanks Cap'n. Hope to see you down there one day soon, hopefully before the year is out.
I really enjoyed your report. We are the only nation on earth that visits or lives in other countries and we want to make americans out of everyone. Why? Why not see how they live, live as they do. There are so many wonderful things to be enjoyed, if only we take time to see them. It's like the difference in what you see when you walk or ride in a car. Walking, you see things you never dreamed, and often missed. Take time to smell the poinsettas. Latino people are wonderful. You care about them, they treat you like family. Check that. Better than family.
You go to Panama or places like that and expect to be "oooood and ahhhdd", guess what, you are in for a big let down. They are not nearly as infatuated with you, as you are.
Set your mind to blend. Treat the locals with the same respect and dignity you desire, and you'll find paradise indeed, right under your nose. Believe it.....or not!! - Lahry

PS, listen to the Cap'n. Learn the language, it's fun and they delight that you are trying to learn it. They want to learn your english as well. So enjoy the process and learn it. You'll be glad you did.

[captken]

Cap
I've been living in CR for 7 yrs and thinking of Panama. NOT PC or Colon but maybe David, or Santiago-that area. It's getting expensive here & maybe time to move on. Of course I'm on SS which is short by $72 for residency here under new law. Looking to rent apt or house for arouind $200-250. Problem having SS direct deposited to Panama Bank, can I bring my car from CR and my furniture. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Captken- also old Salt

[happyheart2]

I lived in Las Playas, Ecuador on the beach and loved it. It's cheap and lots of inexpensive services. The people are warm and wonderful but the medical facilities are terrible! Really like the dark ages. I had surgery there and had to return to the US and have it undone and redone and was lucky not to be crippled for life. If I were to live there again, I would definitely get that insurance which allows you to fly home for medical care in an emergency. Other than that, it's a wonderful place to live! Good luck to you.

[Alyzza]

I'm interested in all this too and am planning my first trip there in October. Planning to check out PTY, Bocas, Boquete/David, La Valle de Anton, (and maybe Las Lajas). Here are some of the reasons why I think Panama might be better than other places:

Nice mix of friendly people,
Pretty safe,
US currency,
You have either the mountains or the lowlands,
Choice of oceans not too far away,
Main roads look in pretty good shape,
Seems like a stable government,
Cool or warm weather,
US type standards for airports,
US type standards for medical facilities,
You can drink the water in most places,
They also speak English (I also speak Spanish),
Less seismically active than other areas in Central and South America,
A few hours by air to the states,
What did I miss?