Gregory Locker On The Hot Seat! |
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| Written by Editor |
| Monday, 28 August 2006 13:05 |
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Ok I'll admit it, when I go ClaroCom I not only do work and surf the web but I eaves drop! I am always on the look out for speakers of that funny little language- English. I can't help it! The other day I was on the computer watching a one of kind video of a South African Surfer getting his board ripped from under him by great white shark when I heard something interesting behind me. One of the workers at Claro com was telling this man seated at a table with a laptop that all women want in Panama is a muscular man with a nice car.
I thought to myself, duh it's like that everywhere, though I think they
look for a good personality too. The ClaroCom guy looked over to me and
said “what do you think?†I said nah, it's not all like that. I turned
to the American guy with the lap top and said, “what part of the states
are you from?†He said, “New York.†And another HOT seater was born. It turns out his name is Gregory Locker. Greg's is from Brooklyn and has a humble presence about him. He's an extremely nice guy who listens intently to every word you say.
TPR: What are you doing in Panama? GR: I am here on both business and vacation. I am working for an automotive school down here in Panama. I just come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. I get more done here in 1 week than I do in months. TPR: Do you have any relatives who are originally from Panama? GR: No TPR: If you are looking to invest what are some of the reasons drawing you away from New York? GR: Prices are good down here. Real good. TPR: What is your feeling of Panamanians as a whole? GR: I think Panamanians have a ways to go when it comes to friendliness. They also have to catch up with what's going on in the rest of the world. They have a laid back attitude. But they must keep up with the skills of today. TPR: Do they seem accepting of foreigners or of different ethnicities and races? GR: In Panama it's a money thing. Once the money is gone they will go into differences and prejudices. TPR: Where are you from? GR: Brooklyn- Crown Heights TPR: How did you find out about Panama being an investment and vacation hotspot? GR: Panama was suggested to me from a Panamanian. He said I should visit his country. TPR: If we were trying to reach other people like you in New York, are there any other websites where you would recommend we begin our search? Are there any influential people to contact? GR: No. The people who know about Panama's real estate are keeping it on the down low so there are no papers, no websites, and no forums. Info is solely transferred from word of mouth among confidants. TPR: Since you are from New York does that make you more of a Letterman fan? GR: I am actually more of a Johnny Carson fan TPR: What has been the most impressive thing about Panama to you? GR: It's beauty. Right now it's not very touristy. So if you like quiet now is the time to go. Taboga is beautiful and there is hardly anyone there right now. And if you want to see traditional Panama go to Las Tablas. TPR: Where did you go to college? GR: I went to ASU. I took Spanish there and a little in high school. Greg thinks I can be fluent in Spanish if I stay down here longer. . TPR: How does life at home differ than life at home? GR: Here there is a real lack of cultural institutions. A lack of museums, lack of libraries etc. I am used to having libraries just down the street all over the place. At which point I said that New York is a really different city to make comparisons to. Greg smiled and “I know.†TPR: How are they similar? GR: There are a ton of stores here. You can rent cars, go to malls, they have great beaches. It's also a party here 24/7 much like New York. They got Dunkin Donuts and a lot of American hotels. We started to digress a bit and here is what came out of the digression: Greg: Another great thing about Panama is it's location as you can use it as a base to travel to and from S. America. TPR: Would you recommend Panama to your relatives and friends? GR: Yes I would. There is going to be tons of money flowing in to Panama. Right now real estate is sky rocking. TPR: On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your Spanish? GR: I'd give it a 6 TPR: If you are comfortable with answering it, how much do you spend on rent and utilities per month at home in New York. GR: about $58 for electric and $650 for a one bedroom TPR: How does that compare to Panama City? GR: Renting is a lot cheaper here. New York is much more expensive because it has better locations. TPR: How do you think Panama will change in the next 5 years if at all? GR: It's going to be more American. The traffic will get worse and there will be more condos, apartments, and hotels. It will grow a lot and more people will start to immigrate here. TPR: How long have you been coming down here? GR: For about 2 years now. The first time I came here on vacation. The second time was for Carnival and the third time was for parties. I stay here 45 days each trip now and I'll be back in January. TPR: Ok, Greg thanks for spilling your guts to us. I'm sure I'll see you around the neighborhood. GR: I'm always here, so.... Probably. Take care! HOT Seat
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