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| Name: |
Mona Sutherland |
| Email: |
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| Hometown: |
Los Altos, California |
| Birthday: |
1982 |
| Panama Province: |
Panama |
| Panama Phone: |
6678-5358 |
| Interest(s): |
Travel and Leisure |
| What first brought you to Panama and what were some of the deciding factors?: |
My undergraduate degree is in psychology and I wanted to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. After many hours preparing for the GREs and filling out applications, not to mention the volunteer and grunt work I did for professors as an undergraduate, I did not get accepted to any university. However, I realized that I wasn\\'t upset, but rather relieved since I was free to do something different. I have always loved traveling and being abroad, so I decided I was going to live and work in another country. I was set to go to Buenos Aires, but my parents informed me that they had invested in a small start up in Panama, and suggested I go there to participate. So, I did! |
| How long have you been living in Panama and how long do you see yourself here in the future?: |
I have been living in Panama since July 2005. I don\\'t know if I\\'ll live here forever, but my home is here right now. |
| What are the positive aspects of life in Panama?: |
-Lower costs
-Interesting people
-Nature
-Great Mediterranean food (random, I know)
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| What are the negative aspects of life in Panama?: |
-Traffic
-Service
-People throw their trash out of their cars
-Minimal attention to detail |
| What one aspect of your life in Panama makes it all worthwhile?: |
Tropical clouds and sunsets |
| Was it difficult to become "legal" or achieve residency for you in Panama?: |
Yes! It takes a long time and money. |
| Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's necessary in order to succeed in Panama?: |
I speak fluent Spanish and think it makes a difference. Though you can survive without it, Panamanians appreciate it when you speak their language. |
| What are your future plans in Panama?: |
I just started a business and real estate consulting business, so I will work to make that succeed. |
| Favorite restaurant in Panama: |
This is difficult...Currently, Sushi House because the sushi is good, inexpensive and they deliver. |
| Talk about where you live: |
Obarrio, right behind the Dante Mansion off of Calle 50. It is a nice neighborhood and relatively expensive. However, it is near many things. |
| How are you received by the locals in Panama? |
Well, for the most part. |
| Do you ever miss home and if so, how do you best cope with it? |
Yes, I miss football, Halloween, Thanksgiving...I miss my home country\\'s traditions. |
| Do you have any tips for people thinking about moving to Panama? |
Visit first!!! Spend a month! Don\\'t believe everything you read and the pictures you see on the internet. |
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| Your favorite Panama website: |
http://www.land-in-panama.com |
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