Anticipation deja vu 03-16-12
Christmas is over, the moose was eaten and we are at it again .... as we are once again anticipating warmer climates, adventure and certainly some time swinging ....for those of you whose minds went right into the gutter on that, ...... I am talking about time in a hammock! We will be going to Panama to check out the country and expat communities/opportunites. There is quite a large expat community in Panama from around the world including US, Canada, Europe, South America and Central America. Why? Did you know: Panama has the best retirement program ("Pensionados") around? Is a First World country at third world prices? Economy is growing around 8% a year or better? Unemployment is in the 5% range? The Panama Canal is being widened now to be finished in 2014 to let the newer larger tankers in the world go through instead of all the way around South America ...caching-caching.... So, we are soon going to be off to check out Panama CIty, The Canal Zone, The Pacific beaches and islands where the worlds largest pearls come from (The Pearl archipelago), some mountain areas that are springlike all year round (70 to 80 degrees). Will also be going to the Carribean archipelago of Bocas del Toro to check out the Carribean coast as well. Below is more on the Pensionado program from International Living Magazine:
In Panama, qualified pensionados or retirees are entitled to:
- 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events)
- 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
- 25% off airline tickets
- 25% off monthly energy bills
- 30% to 50% off hotel stays
- 15% off hospital bills*
- 10% off prescription medicines*
- 20% off medical consultations*
- 15% off dental and eye exams*
- 20% off professional and technical services
- 50% off closing costs for home loans, and more…
*Unless insurance applies.
Oh yeah, AND Banks and other places have special lines for Pensionados so they don't have to wait in the normal lines.
Stay tuned, we will be posting on our journey as we go.
