Colorful birds swoop in and out of the trees of the rainforest landscape. Combined with a blue sky, it makes a soothing palette—perfect for days that flow like honey, slow and sweet. We sit on the large terrace, sipping wine and chatting about life in small, sleepy El Valle, Panama.
About a month ago, I packed up my things and left Panama City for a rented house in the countryside…and it was glorious. I wrote to friends about the peace and serenity of “my little Quietville.”
Earlier this evening I walked across a plaza to meet a friend. There was an elegantly outfitted brass band playing for a group of dignitaries. The centuries-old Hotel Central—newly restored to its former glory—was the perfect backdrop.
"Are you serious? Grrr!” This was my typical response when first faced with the mañana culture of Latin America. Technically, mañana means tomorrow. But you’re better off translating it as “not today.” For example, when a plumber tells you he can’t make it today, but he’ll be there mañana…he’s just as likely to show up the day after tomorrow.
You look out your balcony to the sapphire-blue waters of the ocean below. Closer to shore, the water is lighter... it’s warm and perfect for bathing. When kissed by the light of the setting sun, it turns to liquid gold.
When I first arrived in Panama in 1990, I was surprised at the level of comfort and convenience that I found in everything from shops and supermarkets to telecommunications services. That was in 1990—things are even better now.
Panama City has enough sights to keep a body busy for days. Not to mention a remarkable number of restaurants, park areas, and a UNESCO World Heritage historic district.
When Harry Segil first got off the plane in Panama in 2007, he had half a mind to leave. “My glasses fogged right up,” he says, adding that the humidity was a surprise. “I thought, I’m getting back on the plane!”
In 2012, Connie and Mikkel Moller planned a trip from their hometown of Auburn, California, to Panama without checking the local calendar. They flew into the busy hub of Panama City, and hopped on a bus to the fishing village of Pedasí. Little did they know it was Carnival season…one big, nationwide party, with the biggest concentrations of revelers just minutes from the town center.
Lorelei Kusin has seen four Panamanian presidents come and go during her 14 years in Panama. But she lives on an island in Bocas del Toro province, and in this part of the Caribbean, time seems to stand still.