Prices in Panama are really UP !

I wish I understood economics and financial trends, and I wish I had even a trace of business savvy.  But unfortunately I am worse than worst in these areas and fear I'm just too old to learn at this stage of my life.   That said, I'd give anything to understand why prices skyrocket as they do in Panama.  It's accepted that prices will increase over time, even in the states.  But it seems to me, they do so alot less drastically. Wish there were a clear explanation. 

Today, at the supermarket I reached for my favorite cheese, which routinely has cost $5.69 for a standard, round, waxed mold.  My jaw dropped when, practically overnight, the price tag read $ 7.49.  The price for my favorite wine had also risen  $.50.  And my favorite cut of beef, up $0.65 per pound from prices a few weeks ago.  Checked the same items at different stores, in David as well as Boquete, but the prices were consistent.

Wondering if it has to do with tourist season, or if there's some other rationale.  I remember learning somewhere perhaps 40 yrs ago that when demand increases, inflation goes up and prices rise.  Can't believe demand on these items went up that much that fast.  All I know is it isn't getting any easier to live here than in the states, and that's an important consideration.   The cheese I like so much---made next door in Costa Rica---is cheaper at the local Mexican supermarket in the states than it is right here, or even in Costa Rica, for that matter.   Can someone explain this to me?

Could You Please Tell Me Where I Am?

Did I mention  I love having my own Panama vehicle?  There's so much to see, but until recently, no way to get there.   Today,  I drove out to Caldera.  The plan was to investigate how different the weather was from Boquete.  But Caldera (the town) is a lot smaller than  imagined.  Nice, but barely there.  Two sneezes and you'll miss it.  The surrounding areas are captivating, however.   

One thing lead to another and I found myself driving for nearly 4 hours over hill and dale and dusty trail.  Got thoroughly lost.  But stopped frequently and enjoyed the sights along the way.   Here are some of them.

Eventually ended up on the road to Bocas del Toro and stopped in a small town somewhere past what may have been Gualaca.  There I was able to get directions back to Boquete.  It was a wonderful excursion, the car held up, and I met some very nice Panamanians.

The Feria is Still On....

It's 3:15 am on a Wednesday night and I can't sleep.  I live about 5 minutes by car from the Boquete Fairgrounds.  The music and noisemaking from the Flowers and Coffee Festival is keeping me awake. Sounds as if it were coming from two houses away rather than several miles...

I visited the fair last Sunday afternoon.  This was the least enjoyable of the four festivals I've thus far attended.  Less vendors than usual, no artisans to speak of,  only one plant kiosk worth stopping at, and just run of the mill junk in the international arena.  Not sure what's happening, but it  appears the municipality is running out of steam when it comes to organizing these fairs. The noise seems to have incremented, however, so perhaps the real fun is with the nighttime activities.  Downtown Boquete is all decked out for the occasion.  Lights all around central park,  newly planted geraniums in the flower boxes and along the roadway entering town.  I'm not feeling the love, though.   Four more days and counting.....

Playa La Barqueta---For What Ails Me

Although the Boquete weather is struggling valiently to improve, I'd still had enough and needed to go somewhere warmer.   The annual Coffee and Flowers festival is in town for the next two weeks.  Tried to visit, but couldn't find a parking space and just gave up and came home.  I'll go on foot another day.

Headed out to Playa Barqueta to see what it's all about.  I am sooooo happy to have a car and be able to get out and explore finally.  Although the trip from Boquete to David was heartbreaking due to all the ecological destruction being done in the name of progress (translation---highway expansion from 2 to 4 lanes) I managed through it.    I wanted to cry every time I saw the mutilated carcasses of centuries-old native hardwood trees strewn callously about the shoulder of the road or piled high against a hillside of dry red dirt where lush tropical vegetation used to grow.  The countryside from Boquete to David is forever scarred.  Levelled, cleared, it reminds me more of the Arizona desert than the tropical paradise I fell in love with.

Once past David, things looked less violated. The scenery was open and flat, but green and comforting.  There's a huge planned community slated for Playa La Barqueta, and expansive homes and gated entrances keep the casual visitor out of the nicer spots.  But since the beach is public domain, one can enter through the public access point and walk along the beach to explore the community on foot, if desired.   I've visited Coronado and Vista Mar resorts near Panama City, and found Las Olas to be in the same league, but on a smaller scale.  The best news is it's so much closer!

Public Access Beach

Photo taken from Hotel Las Olas beach entrance

Transitory Rainbow

My friend, Ardie, has a personal writing project she calls "Kisses from God".  She explained that it's a journal of all the special things that happen in her life that she knows are more than coincidences.  She feels they are direct answers to her prayers to God. She's keeping this journal to share with her children and grandchildren when she's no longer around to relay them herself.  I've encouraged Ardie to share the stories now, not only with family but perhaps with others who would also be inspired by her personal accountings.  I thought it would be great  if she could set up a blog with the same title.  She's "thinking about it".   

I don't want to plagiarize her idea nor steal her thoughts.  But today I experienced one of Ardie's "Kisses from God', and wanted to share it.  Once her blog is established, she can copy this post with my blessing.  I'll  be the first to follow it, and I know others will quickly join me.  Ardie,  it's time to get  Kisses from God up and running.  You're the perfect person to do it!

I didn't actually pray for the gift I was given, but it definitely feels God-sent.
  
For nearly a year, I'd been trying to find someone to teach me about a subject for which I have great interest, but no experience or talent.  I inquired everywhere I could think of & even asked a few professionals if they would consider working with me.  But I kept reaching dead ends.  Finally, I just let it go, stopped trying to force the issue, and decided to explore my interest on my own.  Now, as I'm gaining some momentum, the perfect teacher suddenly appeared and has agreed to give me lessons at a cost & frequency I'm able to afford.  We reached an understanding today. After wrapping it all up this afternoon, I opened my back door to take deep breath and look at the sky.   This is what greeted me... 

After seizing my camera to record this kiss, "my" rainbow gradually ascended upward, over the mountain, and  into the sky.  It was gone within 30 minutes.  

Feliz Año Nuevo !

New Year's in Panama is  a lot of fun.  I decided to forego the multiple commercial celebrations, and declined a private party or two,  to stay home and relax.  I say that a little tongue in cheek, because my neighborhood is not known for going tranquilly into the holiday season or the New Year.   The last New Year's eve  spent here was roudy, with parties on every doorstep, a few that lasted 24 hrs non-stop,  and everyone was out in the street at the stroke of midnight to watch and generate fireworks.   From my back porch, there's a 180 degree view of the the skies above Jaramillo and Alto Boquete.  From my front step, there's the same view of Volcan Baru and related neighborhoods. 

This New Year's eve wasn't disappointing.  The fireworks displays were everywhere, and surpassed a lot of "professional" productions I've observed from blankets in crowded municipal parks in California.   Added to the fabulous lightshows were hundreds of small noisy firecrackers lit from just about every home, regardless of economic status. It was a joyful noise, and one couldn't help but get caught up in the emotion.  (Panama is 3 hrs ahead of California---New Year's hasn't yet arrived there.)

Here's wishing everyone peace, happiness, blessings, prosperity, and good will throughout the coming year.   May 2011 be extraordinary!

Panama's Prices----"Things Ain't Like They Used to Be"

I first visited Panama in 2006, but have been coming & going as a part-time resident since January 2007.   Most recently, in anticipation of a long-sought visit from one of my sisters, I've started exploring tourism services again. What a shock!  The cost of hotel rooms and transportation services has skyrocketed in this short time.   The world is focusing on Panama---to it's detriment, in my humble opinion.  

I've written elsewhere about destruction of the landscape and flora in Boquete, and how highway expansion in the area is destroying the very reason for creating a better road into town.  Panama's beaches are getting overpopulated and pricey as well.  Panama City is already ahead of everything else.  It's sad but inevitable, I guess.  Just a few examples:  

One of my Panamanian friends spent six months researching new apartments in Panama City,  and finally settled on an 800 sq foot, 1-bedroom space on the 7th floor of one of the new high rises centrally located.  She feels she got a good deal, and works in the industry so she should know.   She paid 180K for the construction and received the unit with stark white, flat-painted walls, a thin-partitioned, provisional front door,  closet-sized bath, no kitchen appliances, no air conditioning, no hot water, no fans or light fixtures, no washer/ dryer or laundry sink.   All these items are extra and the responsibility of the homeowner post-purchase.  My friend has been busy for the past few months shopping and arranging to have them installed.  Other additions she's made include crown molding, a custom, burglar-proof front door and security gate, decent paint in all the rooms,  construction of closets, and installation of vertical blinds and window treatments.  Once completed, she  will be able to address furnishings and design.  Another 15K, minimally, has already been spent since receipt of the keys.  But the unit is far from ready for occupancy still.

In 2006,  I stayed in a very nice 4-star hotel near the Panama Canal with balcony views of the ocean  & canal, for $ 89. a night.  Today that same accommodation is $ 158 a night and I couldn't be guaranteed the room I reserved will have the canal/ocean view.  It all depends on availability at the time of arrival.  Eight months ago,  a clean, secure, decent economy hotel room in the city center with hot water and air conditioning cost me $ 55 a night at the height of carnival season.  That same room is now $ 85.50 for the end of the tourist season. 

In 2008, a partial-transit Panama Canal tour cost under $ 80 per person. Today that same tour costs $ 115 per person.   Prices for food and other requisite items for day to day living have also increased exponentially in comparison to  wages, and Panamanian's  as well as ex-pats  are feeling the pinch.  

Conceivably,  the costs I'm citing will still seem reasonable to most Europeans and North Americans.  But it bears noting that what seems reasonable at this time is unlikely to remain reasonable much longer.  Panama is no longer the bargain it once was.   And the tranquil beauty & laid back lifestyle previously attractive to so many foreigners,  likewise is being eradicated  in the interest of progress.

Is it time to head for other shores....?

Christmas in Costa Rica

Since I'm away from home and family this Christmas, and my 90-day tourist visa is about to expire again,  I decided to take advantage of the paid holiday on 12/24/10 and head back to Costa Rica.   Arrived in Golfito around 2 pm and spent a few hours getting settled in and wandering around town looking at the lights and Christmas scenes.   They were few and far between, unlike the situation in Boquete.  These days the park in Boquete is ablaze with lights, a huge Christmas tree, and decorations on the adjacent municipal building    Here, there are a few houses that are lit up, but otherwise it's business as usual.  I went to both supermarkets in Golfito, and had one tough time finding bottles of champagne to purchase.  

Why was I looking so ardently for bottles of champagne?  Because I'd been invited to a potluck brunch for Christmas Day.  And since I hadn't the ingredients nor the inclination to cook anything, I agreed to bring some drinks.   Hands down the preferred beverage was mimosas.  After getting the manager's assistance at the chinese supermarket, we managed to locate only two bottles.  They were of Concha y Toro, a Spanish champagne, that would have been 300% cheaper in Panama.  Luckily orange juice was plentiful.  

The brunch was a lot of fun, although I forgot to take my camera.   It was held on a fishing dock, overlooking a huge catamaran and a few other sailing vessels tied to adjoining piers. Attendees were a mixture of expat locals and cruisers that happened to be in town at this time.    A Canadian couple,  a few southern Californians--(Santa Barbara), an Australian woman, an Irish lady, more Canadians, a couple from Kansas, one New Yorker, and me as the northern California representative.   It was unfortunate that I didn't take my camera. The scene was so unique.  In place of Christmas wreaths, mistletoe and holly, we had a gorgeous centerpiece of tropical flora---orange heliconia and red ginger flowers, palm fronds, banana leaves, and branches from an unnamed green and yellow speckled bush outside.  The tiki totems all donned Santa hats. Multicolored rope lights blinked cheerfully as we listened to traditional and Hawaiian Christmas CDs. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm day.  The tide was low, which I learned after commenting  about several potted  plants perched atop 20 foot cement pile-ons.  I was told they get watered and tended when they are at waist level.  The mood was mellow, the company pleasant, and the food a cultural mix. I had the most delicious hearts of palm I've ever tasted.  Having only sampled the canned product, eating a fresh version  from the farm of one of the gringos was a true treat.  Fresh palm heart has a crisp, velvety texture and is nothing liked the canned version.  We also had tamales, grilled ham w/pineapple salsa, sushi,  traditional  potato salad,  multiple veggie dishes & cheese casserole.  And banana bread, and homemade cinnamon rolls, and tropical fruit salad, and muffins.   In addition to the Spanish-champagne mimosas, there was California wine and Old Milwaukee beer.  Not your customary Christmas fare, I admit.  But much better suited to the heat of the tropics.

The Reason for the Season

And last but not least, just found this video on my son's Facebook page and thought it worth sharing. Hope it works...

Car Trouble in the Middle of Nowhere, Panama-style

I had hoped for the best regarding my first long trip with my new twenty-year-old Japanese jeep.   And actually, things did go pretty well.  On the way back though, about an hour outside of Santiago, in the mountainous foothills, the car  broke down.   Unfortunately, I was too distressed to snap photos of where I was stranded, but suffice it to say it was isolated, hot, and full of vegetation.  (I'd managed to use the car's momentum when the engine cut out to get off the highway...).  I waited about 15 minutes, trying to figure out where I was located so I'd be able to tell someone how to find me. --- It all happened so suddenly I hadn't paid attention to where I was at the time.  A peasant happened by on foot and when I asked her to tell me where we were, she looked at me incredulously, then patiently explained we were in Panama.  I thanked her and asked for more specific information, at which point she told me there was a police station down the road about 2 kms.   

I tried to start the engine again, and it fired right up!  So, I headed back onto the highway hoping to make it to the police station.    The car would go a few blocks or so, then lurch and die, then start back up again, go a few more blocks and repeat the process.  I made it to the police station like that.  When I got there,  two very nice police officers looked under the hood,  checked the radiator,  and started the engine. Everything worked beautifully. But I knew better.  I wanted to see a mechanic.  There was ONE mechanic in the small pueblo where I ended up, but he was gone for the weekend.

I remembered my insurance agent told me my auto policy had emergency roadside service, so I called her to double check.  I hadn't been given any number to call when I picked up the policy.  The woman was a saint!  She arranged everything, and while I waited at the police station a tow truck was sent out from Santiago to pick up me and the vehicle and take us back to the city.  It took about three hours, and the shop where we went was closed already, but the mechanic was called in and subsequently fixed the problem .   Repairs cost $ 12. to clean a gas filter in the back of the vehicle near the gas tank.   The tow was free, and I didn't even have to sign for it. 

It was dark by then, though, and being a rather unadventurous soul, I decided to stay the night in Santiago.  Spent the night at the one main hotel in the area and then headed out at 6 am the next day.  As I drove past the police station that morning, the same officer was on duty and he waved as I went by.  

We'd spent a rather enjoyable pair of hours the previous day sharing jelly beans, watching soap operas, and chatting in a small, thatched-roof lean-to where I snapped the above photos. To the very right, about mid-way up in the first one, you can make him out taking down the flag at days end.  He was a sweet, mature 26 year-old with a 7 year-old daughter.  He said he became an emancipated minor at age 16

.  

I arrived back in Boquete around 11 am, to learn there was a major parade happening in town.  November 28th is Panama's Independence Day (one of them, at least) and schools and organizations from all over the country go to Boquete for the parade and celebration.  Unfortunately, I was too tired to go to the parade, and from photos I've seen since, I really missed a great opportunity.