One Liner:
I moved to Panama as a college student and ended up staying and I LOVE it!
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What first brought you to Panama and what were some of the deciding factors?:
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I first came to Panama with my father, a real estate investor, spring break when I was a Sophomore in college. I enjoyed the trip so much that I immediately looked into what Study Abroad opportunities there were for American students wishing to study in Panama/learn Spanish. I came across Florida State University (FSU) and enrolled in a summer study program. I enjoyed it so much, I stayed and continued for 3 total semesters at FSU. After graduating from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, I moved to Panama to live for good.
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How long have you been living in Panama and how long do you see yourself here in the future?:
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I've been in Panama for going on five years now. My husband is originally from the Panama Canal Zone. We both have our companies based out of Panama City, Panama so we know that Panama is part of our long-term plan.
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What are the positive aspects of life in Panama?:
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Panama is a wonderful place to live, invest and have a family! If you're American, you'll be able to find pretty much all the conveniences/brands/etc. that you're accustomed to in the United States. For the entrepreneur, Panama has an endless array of business opportunities just waiting to be discovered! Prices are still relatively low and affordable for most things. I have a full-time, live-in-maid and she does absolutely everything from cooking to cleaning and it's quite affordable!
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What are the negative aspects of life in Panama?:
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Things move slowly. It's a Latin country so you need to be patient because there's not a whole lot you can do to get anything done promptly. The traffic in Panama City can be annoying, but again, be patient and just fill up your iPod with your favorite music! Driving in general is pretty insane. Next to no one uses their blinkers so you just need to be prepared to have 50 people pull-out in front of you at any second.
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What one aspect of your life in Panama makes it all worthwhile?:
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Panama is convenient! You can actually hire someone to do just about anything you need. Maids to cook and clean, a gardener to tidy the garden, a mensajero (messenger) to go to the bank and fetch your dry cleaning. And you can even get personal masseuse, and manicurist to make regular house visits. Most people even have drivers/chauffeurs to help getting around the City.
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Was it difficult to become "legal" or achieve residency for you in Panama?:
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It's a slight pain just because again, everything moves so slowly. Just the immigration office itself is one of the most annoying experiences you can possibly have in Panama. Again just be sure to bring your iPod (make sure you charge it good, because you'll be sitting a while) or a good book. Some Purell hand sanitizer is also recommended.
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Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's necessary in order to succeed in Panama?:
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I do now. I didn't when I first arrived. However, I studied it in University and made an effort to really learn Spanish. I studied with a private tutor, four days per week in Panama. Part of the total experience is the language and being able to share and communicate with everyone makes living in Panama so unique. If you're not willing to learn Spanish, why is that you want to move to Panama? Get a book and study it. Practice with those around you and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learning a new language really can be quite fun!
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What are your future plans in Panama?:
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To retire at the beach.
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Favorite restaurant in Panama (include brief review por favor):
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My favorites are:
-- La Posta (must try the Atlantic Salmon);
--Pepperocinni Di Mare (Giselle's Favorite filet and the Campo salad);
--Tomato, Mall Multi Plaza (Ensalada Baby Blue);
--Crepes & Waffles (Ensalada Portofino)
--Ego & Narciso (Tuna)
--Athens Pizza (any of their pizzas or giros are devine!)
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Talk about where you live: location, type, neighbors, costs, amenities, conveniences?:
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I live outside of the City and the housing is actually priced at the same prices as Punta Pacifica; nevertheless we love where we are!
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How are you received by the locals in Panama?:
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We'll always be "gringos" but as long as you're sweet, you smile and you're polite, you'll get along great with no problem! I have many, many more Panamanian friends than I do Americans here in Panama!
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Do you ever miss home and if so, how do you best cope with it?:
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Panama is my home. I miss being here when I'm traveling! It's a crazy little place and like anywhere, it's nice to travel to other places. But I do have to say that coming "home to Panama" is by far the best.
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Do you have any tips for people thinking about moving to Panama?:
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Be open-minded and stay positive! Remember that you're a guest in another country. Make a serious effort to learn Spanish.
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