Peninsula Azuero / Pedasi and Los Tables

This has been the "wow" portion of our trip.  So named, because every turn brings a new vista and an accompanying "wow"! We left Coronado on Thursday morning and made our way north and then west down onto the Azuero Peninsula into the "dry arch".  This particular area receives much less rainfall than other areas during the rainy season which is now just beginning.  We have to agree with the folks who described this area as having a look similar to Tuscany.  Of course, I have not actually been to Tuscany, but based on photos I have seen, I would agree.  The Pan American Highway winds through green, gently rolling hills dotted with broad shade trees, low stone and tree-lined fences and lots of pasture.  The cities of Chitre and Las Tablas were bustling - included all the usual medical, shopping, etc.  Nothing like American cities of course, still very quaint and all with their own town square dominated by one or two large church buildings.  Pedasi, where we are now, would be about a 4-5 hour drive from Panama City.  Coronado area is only 1.5 hours from Panama City and so has a huge influx of weekenders.  There is an airstrip in Pedasi and may have commuter planes within the next couple of years - seems to be tied up in government approval process.  Tremendous amount of building, especially roads from Panama City to Coronado and especially between Coronado and Pedasi.  They seem to be preparing for a lot of population growth!!  Pedasi was a tiny fishing village up until about 15 years ago.  There is still fishing, but the town business is now more organized around tourism, I think.  It is quaint, very tidy and neat with many small boutique hotels, restaurants and shops.  Their first real super market is just getting ready to open and everyone is VERY excited.  Meals can be had at all price points.

Cows Grazing in Pedasi

We had lunch at Dulceria Yely and had tasty sandwiches for $2 each along with savory and sweet pastries (fantastic pie crust) for 60 cents each.  Some restaurants are definitely priced for the gringo crowd, but we are trying to stick to where the locals go.  Will be visiting Casa Marghuerita tonight for happy hour to network with expats who are living here - great source of info on what it would be like to live here.  Everyone we've spoken with so far mention that: their health has improved dramatically (better diet, walk more), stress level and blood pressure much lower, seeing the journey to get something done as important as the end result and enjoying people along the way.  Real Estate: seems to be less expensive here than Coronado.  Pretty funny cause everyone is a realtor here.  Properties are listed by multiple realtors, all at different prices, no MLS.  Joe and fellow traveler, Mara, are off checking out the snorkeling at one of the islands just off the coast here - supposed to have great reef and many colorful fish.  Will report tomorrow.  Pura vida!  

I will do it Manana!

MANANA

Will start blogging Manana! Enjoying things too much then getting too lazy to sit down and blog.

It is hot but not as bad as many made it sound before we got here. The stress is oozing out of our bodies and the color of our skin is slowly starting to darken. Our first home in Panama City is right along the canal at the Country Inn & Suites which is an excellent place to stay. Thanks to Karen Hicks for the recommendation. Fortunately they upgraded us to the bay side so we could sit on our deck and watch the ships go by heading into and out  of the canal. There was a constant line of container ships (and the occasional passenger
liner) gliding past our balcony.  Have to throw in a few facts here cause they are unbelievable.  Each ship that passes through the series of locks uses 52 Million gallons of water.  Cost to pass through the locks?  Just around half a million dollars for the average cruise ship.  More than 20,000 folks perished during the construction of the Canal; most from Malaria and Yellow Fever.  It was a Cuban doctor who finally figured out that the mosquitoes carried the diseases and began a campaign to eradicate the breeding grounds for them.  What an impact this one discovery made!!  Walked around Casco Viejo and it was a great mix of old and new with many of the old buildings being renovated and many more right next to them needing renovation. But, they seem to be maintaining the beautiful old "shells" of the ancient buildings which is fantastic because they are so cool. Anyone familiar with the charm of Beacon Hill or old town London - this has the same or more potential for charm!! The few restaurants that have sprung up are high quality and chic. It does have a french quarter of New Orleans feel with the wrought iron balconies.  Took a trip to the Miraflores Locks to watch a small ship go through. The downtown area buildings are pretty cool with some interesting building shapes and a very cosmopolitan skyline. Not too many cities that I would describe as attractive; Sydney Australia would be one and this would be the second; very pretty with interesting walkable parks and rec areas amidst the high rises and then as you snake down into the antiguo (ancient) city.  Headed out to the beaches, over the bridge which was next to our hotel but took us about an hour of driving around the city before we found the access to the bridge, kept going around in circles. Once over the bridge we had no problem finding our way out to Coronado and El Valle. Spent a couple of nights in El Valle, a small mountain/volcano town and just enjoyed sitting, reading, looking at the flowers, looking at the birds, taking a dip in the pool and wandering around town checking out the locals and talking to a few expats. Then yesterday afternoon we headed over to the beach community of Coronado (Pacific Side) and we are in a high rise condo about 21 floors up, the roof pool is just above us. and the views of the surrounding community are awesome.
See for yourself:

High rises are few and most of the area is made up of single family homes with lovely, landscaped yards.  Going to look at some investment opportunities today.  Being from a real estate family, I love looking at homes; actually who doesn't - thus the popularity of HH International and HGTV, yes?  So far Panama has far exceeded my expectations. We loved Costa Rica, but just a little too third world - Panama has far more excellent infrastructure, sanitation and yes, I think even more charming!  People are welcoming, sweet and polite.  Everything you can imagine available in the markets and grocery shops and the international nature lends to much more variety if you want to dine out.  Love to cook, but are trying to eat out more than not to interact with the expat community.  Of note, definitely need to learn Spanish.  Not as many bilingual folks here in the hotels, restaurants, etc.