I've been around Panama now for something like four years, a time in which I've traveled like a mischievous sprite to the nation's rural valleys and the barren beaches. I've met and lived with its indigenous tribes, I've explored its jagged coastline by air, land and sea, and I've hiked its most wild and isolated peaks. In a way, I've turned the glove of Panama inside out, enjoying both its well-known attractions and largely nameless hidden gems. I've spelunked in Darien, I've suntanned in Cambutal, and I've driven the treacherous Carretera Llano Carti all the way to San Blas. I've visited pre-Columbian gravesites amidst the jungles of Veraguas, I've hunted iguanas in Chiriqui, and I've bet on cockfights in the heart of Chorillo. But I can't say my relationship with Panama has ever been that in-depth.

Here, Ezra gives us a great comprehensive list of tips to construction in his native land of Boquete. Most of these tips apply to elsewhere in the isthmus as well, so take careful note. Until immigration laws are loosened and better quality work is allowed to enter and work, these steps will hold scarily true.

In the explosive market that is Panama properties, there are many variables, some of which apparently don't include accident prone construction workers, construction companies that win bids for jobs they can't possibly complete, and projects that only go as far as putting up a sign. Said variables can induce something called lack of consumer confidence. Like I said, this hasn't happened with Panama properties in the City. As someone important said in The Visitor recently, only four projects out of 190 have tanked.

Algebra 2 was a required course when I was in high school. At the end of the year, my teacher took me into the hall and told me I would receive a passing grade of 60% instead of the 40% I earned, provided that I did not take Algebra 3 the following year. I think his exact words were, “I’m passing you, don’t come back to my classroom”, or something to that effect. I assured him this would not be a problem. Apparently my brain is not suited to memorizing lengthy solutions and all of that x=y jazz.