Comments for Panama Retirement: Not for me at http://www.thepanamareport.com , comment 1 to 52 out of 20 comments http://www.thepanamareport.com Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:15:01 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2463 After reading your comments on Panama I am sure the Panamanians are thrilled you will not be among them. A BIG ADIOS TO YOU - Dr Disc Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:39:10 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2458 I retired , and decided to move to Panama because that was my dream return to my country. Due to problems with neighbors and a bad guy I have to sell everything and return to the US. Some people has change a lot........when I was in my 20s, people used to be nice and friendly, I did see that anymore...........I love my country but I am very sad because a drug user woman everytime she walked by my fence she insulted me for no reason (there is no a law to punish this people). I was told by a the bad guy to leave my house. Never in my life I though that I have to leave my own country this way. - BELLA SOLANKA Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:22:07 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2448 Having been to 47 different countries,including Panama and much of Central and South America I've come to believe that you get out of a place (such as Panama) that which you put into it. If you're looking for 5-star amenities on a budget and U.S.-style service levels, then most of Latin America or southern Europe is probably not for you. Stay in the USA and shop at the malls. However, if what you seek includes natural beauty, lower levels of stress, cuktural depth and the company of people who enjoy life rather than a homogenized, bland routine (perhaps what you term "laziness") then there is a world of life experience to be had, whether in Panama or a dozen other Latin American destinations. Taste the fruit, rather than complain about the tree. - Beno Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:03:10 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2414 I am 50/50 with a US Father and Panamanian Mother. I was raised in Panama (Canal Zone) and moved the USA 11 years ago because my Dad convinced me and not because I needed it. I am still here and I am very thankfull for the opportunities this country have given me and my 2 teenage boys I have made friends and I have a good job. But I miss my Panama so much... I just cant wait for my younger son whom is 14 y/o to turn 18 and graduate from Highschool...So I can go back HOMe to my beautiful country with my beautiful people, where everybody knows each other..when if your child goes a few blocks down the street the neighbor from the corner will keep an eye on and protect from any danger. Where you know the names of everyone and trust most of them. Where you can ask your friend to watch your child if you have an emergency and they wont charge you and still be sure your child is safe. Where if you have no money you can take a mango from your own backyard tree or from your neighbors and wont get in trouble with the police.Where you eat not processed but healthy non processed food at a cheap price. Where you can go Fish at any river or ocean and be sure that you can cook that fresh fish and you wont get sick because it is contaminated. Where you can go swimming in most of the rivers in the country for free and see animals in their natural habitat without having to pay and entrance fee to a park. Not like here that you live for years at a place and don't even know the name of your next door neighbor even though you see them every day. Here that if you want to take your children to see animals you better go to the ZOO and pay $15each entrance fee +you can't take your own food nor beverages. Here where you dont even eat half of what you used to eat back home and gain twicw de weigh because of al the processed food.. I been back to visit several times My Beautyful Panama... and truly don't understand why if Panama is so bad according to this gentleman that posted this note...why is it full of so many immigrants, people from countries all over the world, just like in the U.S ?..Anyone pretending to move to Panama like any other country most be willing to understand and adapt to the country and the people. I know they are customer service standards etc etc...but when you move to a different country you must adapt to it and not pretend to the ountry and the people from that country adapt to you and your standards. Panamanians likes to make everyone feel at home..anda lot of times that is misinterpret like lack o customer service or ghetto or not having good manners...panamanians are natural and they will treat you like family. But some pople don't understand that concept. If not...just ask all the Spaniards,Indians,Venezuelan,Dominicans,Italians, Colombians etc etc that have immigrated and continue immigrating to Panama why they like it so much. - JAC Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:28:24 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2406 Rude people, horrible weather, bad food, bad customer service, lack of cultural activities, thugs eveyrwhere, lack of night life, no culture at all. I totally agree, Go ahead gringos, go to Panama, you ll be sooo dssapointed. - Ricardo Centinella Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:04:41 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2403 Of course Big Macs don't come with catchup. Maybe you are expecting too much and a natural complainer. - frank burns Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:25:32 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2394 Judith: I, among others so tastefully have written above, have lived and visited countries around the world. I have been researching for the past four years of a retirement area, and I believe have done my due diligence. I feel I have won "impulse buyer of the year" award many years in succession. Funny thing is...I have not regretted one thing. We travelled to Costa Rica for two months last year, then onto Panama for one month and were thoroughly enthralled with the area of Boquete. We visited Volcan and found it exciting in a "Sandspit=misty, rainy, in the shadow of the volcano Baru" kind of atmosphere, and chose not to stay but ran back to Boquete. Yes, there are inequities, however the pluses far outweigh the minuses in my opinion. I am though, an optimist (some describe "an optimist is a poorly informed pessimist"). Seeing the good in people is in my blood. Yes, there are more expensive homes in Boquete or in some of the outlying subdivisions. Beautiful -indeed they are! However, we chose a simple home, in a simple subdivision. One that we can put in our own character to make it our retirement villa. The majority of residents are Panamanian, with a mix of Gringos = fellow Canucks, Americans, etc. which will make for a fun mix! We are eager to learn Spanish and yet still wish to be involved with the English speaking communities/groups that are really active in the community at large. Boquete is only 45 min from the Pacific coast and 4.5 hrs from the Caribbean. Not too shabby! It is small, simple and quiet. PERFECT! Not being ones to live and die for the complex urban lifestyle, we are anxious to start our pensionado program soon. Excellent real estate service, excellent legal advice. Fresh food, simple lifestyle, more than ample rainfall, decent infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, stable democracy...what we all long for...(well most of us anyway)! Contact us if you wish any further info on Boquete or visit many of the blogs from the locals. They are most informative and helpful. Don - Don Reeves Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:19:37 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2391 Judith Amber wrote: "Most of the comments that were negative were about Panama City." I think you're onto something there. Most Americans really seem to hate city life, which is a sentiment I can't embrace, as I live in the center of NYC. How does Panama City compare to New York with regard to the overall, everyday course of life? - TDH Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:58:30 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2381 Hi. I've been reading the mixed reviews regarding Panama as a retirement destination. My wife and I have justed turned 60. We are looking at Panama ( 7-10 years from now) as a place to spend 4-6 months of the year. Would like to connect with knowledgable realtors about possible areas to either rent/purchase a home/apartment. We love the beach, ocean water but would like to be relatively close to the city. I'm sure there are areas that might be perfect for our lifestyle. HELP!!! STEWART - Stewart Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:16:02 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2377 Having researched retirement places, Panama appealed to me because it allowed lower income retires to live there, which is not the case in Mexico, and because I put a high value on the natural environment. I know that Boquete and Volcan, two places I am considering, have had a recent influx of Americanns and Canadians and for me, that's a plus even though I speak spanish. I am single and will be starting life over and so a place with a highly developed network of social activities-- an electronic "newcomers club" in a way, is appealing. I need dental care I haven't been able to afford in the US and will be able to get same in David, panama's second largest city that is 1/2 hour from Boquete. Most of the comments that were negative were about Panama City. Would someone living in the Boquete area or a smaller beach town care to comment on their experience? - judith amber Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:50:05 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2354 My husband and I try to spend a few months each Winter in Panama. We are hoping to get away from people like Matt. The folks in Panama have been more than helpful to us, with our bad Spanish and lack of local knowledge. They are patient with us; we, therefore, are moved to be patient with them. There are some inconveniences, but we enjoy simplifying our lives and rediscovering each other without all the distractions of the U.S.A. People in general, no matter where we travel, don't have the same work ethic we were raised with. 50 years from now, they will be saying the same about the "younger generation" I'm sure. We love the fresh, affordable veggies and fruits; the more "laid back" way of life, and the warmth of the Panamanian people. Many went out of their way to help us every time we've been there. We plan to spend 4 months there this winter and, hopefully, we will manage to avoid like the plague people with Matt's attitude! - Bertha House Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:07:54 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2353 On a recent visit to Panama I developed traveler's "distress" in part because I was not as careful as I should have been about drinking water and eating fresh produce. However, because I had a fever and was sick several days, I visited a recommended medical clinic in Panama City. There was no long wait, the staff was bilingual, the procedures and sanitation were exemplary, the doctor was courteous. I had urinanalysis, blood work and doctor consult for $35. The meds. were another $15. Medical costs in retirement can be excuriating in the USA and I would think this factor alone could tips the scales to Panama as a retirement option. Granted the lack of infrastructure was in part the reason I was ill but several folks have informed me of wonderful medical and dental care for a fraction of what insurance costs here in the USA. Any thoughts on that aspect? - Cindy Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:44:57 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2333 Hi from Brazil. I have lived in 13 countries and I can tell you that no one likes it when foreigners criticize their land. Which explains some of the "over the top" reactions above. I have not lived in Panama but I hope to starting next year. It definitely has pluses and minuses, just like all other corners of the globe. Everyone's ranking of best places to live will be unique. I love tropical weather, cheap beer, nice beaches, and countries that are not overrun with huge crowds. I love Panama. I worked at McDonalds 35 years ago. Big Macs do not have ketchup so I not understand why this because a special order. - Safadinho Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:20:19 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2328 Big Macs don't have ketchup. - Young Jim Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:51:06 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2327 Merida is a beautiful city of 800,000 that is very safe and has fine services and amenities. The people are proud Mayan descendants and you are a $1 bus ride from gulf beaches. We are planning our 3rd trip and find ourselves tempted to try retirement there - actually, we would live near the beach about a 1/2 hr from the away due to the heat of the city. For the record, after attending festivals with 1000 s of people, our group agreed we all felt safer than in the states --a lovely place and reasonable for someone with a US income. - CH40 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:13:14 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2308 I appreciate all of the constructive comments. Having been on the fast track work program for the past thirty plus years, I have come to the conclusion that slowing down may be something useful to prolonging my life, and as one writer put it,"live with dignity on a fixed income". My largest concern would be in finding some way to assist in volunteering my years of experience(residential development, most all sports) to others who may appreciate it. I want to slow down, not lie down. My wife and I will be visiting in the next couple of months and I would love to sit down and listen to others who have come to the country for similar reasons. Any ides as to how we could achieve would be greatly appreciated. - Steven Miller Mon, 09 May 2011 13:55:37 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2301 Yes there is some truth to what he is saying, BUT the quality and taste of food in Panama, please dont even compare!!!, the food in the US is by far, one of the worst in the world. but then again,, probably you should stay in your city and eat that greasy food youir country is so famous. - Jeff/toronto Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:53:32 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2300 All very intersting comments. I am considering retirement in Panama and plan my firt trip next month. When you consider that no place is perfect and everyone can find some fault with any location. Do you feel this string of negative comments reflects a vocal minority or majority or retirees? Also when you consider all the major check box's, cost of living, weather, security, diversity in geography, health care, biz opportunities etc. Does it still rise to top of most places you would consider? While I love many of the creature comforts of living in the US. You don't have to look far to see the erosion of services, higher taxes, cost living and health care and a general lack of values in this country as a whole. - Mark OBrien Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:52:57 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2297 I have read with great interest the comments, of not wanting to retired in Panama, Im originally from Puerto Rico,U. S. Army retiree. of course i strictly depend on my S.S.and Army pension,and to see those expression only indicate that what we are confronting is another" Ugly American", im simply sorry for her, and with due respect wish her to take leave and land in another shore tha may full fill her dreams. i can say without hesistation, Panama have become my second country, at least here i feel that i can live a more dignify life, instead of being a penny pinching retiree in our almighty America! i simply love being here and their people. viva panama y su gente!!!!! - Luis R. Morales Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:17:41 +0100 http://www.thepanamareport.com/real-estate/retirement/panama-retirement-not-for-me.html#comment-2294 The Autor like most American like to travel abroad and compare developing countries to theirs.Panama is in the developing stages, and yes it has a long way to go when it comes to customer service and perhaps High end couture restaurants like the autor so desperately needs. On the other hand the reason for prices to be going up in Panama is because of the Americans coming here and been used to spending lots of dollars for services not rendered have created the american greed monters to surface in Panama.Retirement in Panama is not for everyone but I am sure there are many US citizens who are now retired and are living on cat food and packed in nursing homes where attention to the customer is the least of their care taker worries. So to speak of Panama as if it is the worse place to live, try living in the Bronx New York, the Mountains of Virginia and the list go on and on.Panama may not be Miami, but I can still eat a piece of Snapper with a fresh salad for under $10.00. As Bad as it may Be The Donald found it so Irresistible he had to Build a Tower Here, I wonder Why!!!!! - Max Sun, 10 Apr 2011 08:20:30 +0100