July 2021

July 2021

The midday sunshine makes the balcony look cheerful and bright. A table and chairs beckon. “Come on out,” they say. I’m tempted to listen. To pour a glass of chilled rosé to accompany my simple lunch. But I know better. Today is hot and yesterday’s breeze is gone out to sea. I’ll eat my salad in the apartment’s cool interior.

June 2021

June 2021

In your November 2020 missive, we discussed rumors that the government would be making changes to Panama’s most popular non-pensioner visa, known as the Friendly Nations Visa. Now we have more concrete news for you. Just days ago, the changes were made official via an executive decree. You’ll have until August 19 to apply under the old rules. If that’s something you want to do, don’t wait—get in touch with your Panama attorney right away.

May 2021

May 2021

For much of last year it was difficult to travel and explore within Panamá, as only people on official business were allowed to drive west out of Panama City toward the provinces of Panama Oeste and Coclé. So to celebrate my birthday last month, I was eager to get out of town and go back to one of my favorite haunts, the mountain village of Sorá.

April 2021

April 2021

This year, thousands of Panamanians will celebrate Semana Santa (Holy Week) from March 28 to April 4. If you’re from the U.S., you’ve likely always worked regular hours during the workweek preceding Easter. In Panama however, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are important holidays.

March 2021

March 2021

Over the 15 years that I've been living in and writing about Panama, David and Panama City have both grown in popularity. Retirees, remote workers…expats of all ages who prefer city conveniences are looking to these destinations. Each compares favorably to good-weather cities in the U.S., at a fraction of the cost. But how to choose between the two?