Traveling in Panama: INFORMATION GATHERING IN PANAMA

Boquete Baru - Lunch and dinner favorite!

EATING AND NETWORKING

Turns out that eating and networking in Panama are one in the same. As we eat our way through all the local Boquete restaurants, bar and grills, buffets, bakeries and ice cream shops we find new acquaintances with a brains-trust of know-how on all things Panamanian. One caveat - we have found that conversations prior to Happy Hour yield better advice!

Thanks to these mealtime meetings, we have:

Boquete Square just out front of Central Park.

Central Park - go there for breakfast. Good coffee and hojaldres - fried dough!

secured for ourselves a lovely rental condo and are working on a "pet-friendly" home for our return in January with our two pups, Sammy and Polly
got the skinny on where to buy the best meats, fish and vegetables
joined Price Smart (Panama Costco and worth it!)
gotten some direction on things we can do to earn some money here - some interesting developments
found out that there are MANY micro-climates here - so when looking for land/homes be sure to visit them several times. Temperature, wind and rain can vary substantially within just a few miles.
come to know where you can "potentially" receive your license plate from Panama City which you've been waiting for for quite a while, but still have not received!!! (see earlier blog on buying a car in Panama) - more on that later.....
discovered that Boquete is just like any "small town". Everyone knows everyone, so be careful what you say (or write on your blog)!! Make sure it's true and meant kindly.
enjoyed laughing with locals while we try to communicate together. Laughter can transcend geography, age and culture - who doesn't like to have fun!!! You have to be willing to humble yourself and be silly sometimes.
discovered that there are still many people who are generous of spirit, kindhearted and give of their time, talents and energy for nothing more than a sincere thank you.
worshiped with the family of God in several Boquete congregations. Thankfully, the family is here as well and we have received a warm welcome everywhere.

This is Finca "I can't remember the name!" LOL

$125/NIGHT IN HIGH SEASON!

WHAT WE DO BETWEEN MEALS!

We spend part of everyday driving a new road through the mountainside. Searching for rental homes, investment opportunities, etc. Yesterday, we found Boquete Plantation which was gorgeous and this sweet boutique hotel was just next door. The owners of the property, which is still a working coffee finca (farm) are originally from Norway and the architecture reflects that. Each lovely unit includes a small front porch with your own wood-burning fireplace. Only about 10 minutes from downtown Boquete. The final two pictures are reflective of what we see all around us here - farmland and livestock. The condo we're living in right now is right on the main drag heading into Boquete, but still very rural. I was up early this morning reading my bible - the sun was just starting to rise, but I had a hard time concentrating with all the racket! The dogs were barking, the roosters were crowing and the cows were mooing!!! Pretty funny.....