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February Festivals in Pedasi

February 20th, 2012 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

Living in Panama has many perks. We’ve already discussed the great cost of living in Panama and the amazing location of Panama real estate, but there is so much more to living in Panama.

In Pedasi, where the oceanfront estates are being constructed, there is an annual festival in February. This festival is joyous and celebratory in nature. You see, in Pedasi, they can separate themselves into two separate parts of town because the main road divides them. Now before you go thinking that they have an intense rivalry or a “wrong side of the tracks” you would be wrong. The only time this divide comes into play is during the Carnival which is celebrated in February.

The Calle Abajo or lower street and Calle Arriba the upper street, each choose a representative for themselves. This is a particularly beautiful young woman who is their “Queen” of the Carnival. Each side of town tries to out do the other with fireworks, floats, music, and dancing. At the end of the day, the people vote and the Queen with the majority of the popular vote is the crowned the winner and Queen of Carnival for the year. This great festival is only one of the great reasons to consider relocating to Panama.

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The Canal Can Take You Anywhere

January 31st, 2012 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

Looking for Panama real estate for sale is kind of like looking for a home in an airport. Doesn’t that sound appealing? Well, let me explain. An airport is kind of like a gate to anywhere. From Detroit you can make it to New York, LA, Hong Kong, London, Rio, and countless other places. It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump to anywhere in the world. Having the freedom to move about the globe in that fashion is a great feeling!

Living in Panama is a little like that. When someone mentions Panama most people immediately think of the canal. While the Panama Canal’s history and importance make it famous, what many people don’t know is how many different places they can go from this little tiny slip of water.

If you’re thinking of heading to Costa Rica, just hop a ship! You can also find cruises to Hawaii, Cartagena, The Bahamas, and Mexico. It’s like having a little slice of transport heaven right in your own backyard. It’s great for retirees who moved here for the ease of living and the low costs but still want to see the world.

You might be tempted to stay in Panama and you’d be absolutely right in doing so! The rain forests, beaches, and life in general is beautiful. Traveling from Panama is easy, but it’s also amazing to come back home to such a remarkable place.

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What You’ll Find Living in Panama

January 16th, 2012 | Posted by daniela in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

There are many sunny havens for people trying to escape from their normal, mundane lives.  But Panama has seen its star rise in the eyes of many vacationers looking for something different and special.  The museums, hotels, and even the famous canals are open to tourists and are constantly being improved.  So grab your bags and a camera and spend some time living in Panama. There’s sure to be something in Panama that’ll wow you.Living in Panama

Vacationers to Panama will be happy to know that the Caribbean coast is open to those looking to swim or sun out a bit.  Just four hours away from the capital lies the village of Pedasi, which can accurately be described as beach heaven.  With almost a dozen beaches in the vicinity there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean.  And with this many options, surfers can find scores of chances to hit the waves with a variety of breaks for both beginners and pros.  Makes you think about moving to Panama doesn’t it?

Want to soak up a little history and culture?  Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo (Old Town) has a 17-th century cathedral and many old mansions to explore and learn about.  Natural history buffs will be thrilled to know that the BioMuseo will open this winter with a series of rain-forest-like gardens and biosphere galleries.  Be sure to plan ahead as this has been a project people have been waiting to experience for a decade.

When you read about all that’s there to see and do, it feels like living in Panama might be a great choice for you.

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Living In Panama, On the Ocean

January 9th, 2012 | Posted by daniela in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

moving to panamaLiving in Panama means you can reap the benefits of bathing on the beach.The salt is good for your hair and skin, it sloughs the dead stuff off and rejuvenates you to feel alive. The sun offers Vitamin D and natural happiness; it’s what humans are supposed to expose themselves to every day for about 20 minutes. After that, put on some sunscreen. You don’t want to overdo it.

Plus swimming in the ocean is a good way to get daily exercise — bobbing in the waves isn’t easy and swimming in general is a great form of cardiovascular training. And the beauty of the Gulf of Panama with its palm trees and sweet-smelling breezes; its teal waves and languid white sands — it’s all so paradisaical.

And it’s never too cold or hot. The daily temperatures usually range from 75 to 90 degrees, which means it’s always the perfect weather for a dip. It’s especially nice when your Panama real estate is right on the beach so that you can claim and familiarize yourself with a special swatch of sand where you lay your towel and sandals every day.

If all this sounds like a dream, it doesn’t have to be — look into moving to Panama today.

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Why Living In Panama Is Easier

January 2nd, 2012 | Posted by daniela in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

panama retirementPanama is a special place. The Panama Canal is a large reason for Panama’s economic success; 77% of their GDP comes from their service sector, of which the canal and all of its container ports, flagship fees and tourism form a large part.

Such a successful economy means that living in Panama is easier than living in a country such as Bolivia, which is the poorest South American country, and one of the more dangerous besides.

Plus tax and price discounts for moving to Panama exist as incentives, and the parity between the American dollar and the balboa, the Panamanian currency, make it so that dollars are easily traded and used. Living in Panama is a lot like living in a more tropical, less traditional part of the United States.

Why wouldn’t you choose Panama retirement? The alternative, retirement in a typical American suburb, is so boring, repetitious and blase; while the former provides opportunities for adventure and tranquility different from the traditional Florida retirement experience.

The beaches in Central America, Panama particularly, are some of the world’s best. Clean white beaches, turquoise waters and island breezes blowing over the sea provide an ideal retirement setting. What more could you ask for?

 

 

 

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Your Diet in Panama

December 27th, 2011 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

One thing that a lot of people forget about when moving to a foreign country to live is that their diet is going to change dramatically. This is a potential problem for picky eaters and for those who have dietary needs for their health. But when moving to Panama, this is less of a trial and tribulation than moving to other countries.

When you first go out to a restaurant in Panama, the one thing you might notice is the lack of fresh fruit on the menu. While it is true that fruit is plentiful and delicious in Panama, it is not served as readily or as often in restaurants here when compared to other countries. However, that doesn’t mean that fruit is not available here. On the contrary, fruit is readily sold in carts in marketplaces, on the beaches, and even along side the road. As long as you wash it before consuming, it is a great source of nutrition and you can get a small thrill from eating locally.

Living in Panama will also provide you with a lot more fish in your diet than you might have previously had. Shrimp, corvina (a fish found in this region), and ceviche are all staples of Panamanian cuisine.

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Something for Everyone in Panama

December 12th, 2011 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

When you retire, you have more time to do the things that you love to do. You have more time for hobbies, family, and relaxing than you’ve ever had. So why not go to a place that has something to do for you and your spouse, regardless of your hobbies or preferences on how to spend your new found free time?

Living in Panama offers you so many options of great activities. Some people like to lounge by the pool, while others really love to get up and explore! Panama can offer you all of that.

If you’re into fishing, there is a huge attraction in this area called The Tuna Coast. It’s some of the world’s best deep sea fishing and is abundant in yellow fin tuna, wahoo, dorado and other great catches!

If fishing isn’t your style, maybe you could visit the Isle Iguana off the coast. It’s a protected wildlife refuge with some of the most beautiful coral and wildlife in all of Panama.

So you see, living in Panama doesn’t have to be all crosswords and knitting needles. This was a place designed for relaxation and adventure. So strap on your scuba gear, pick up your fishing rod, lace up your hiking boots, and get going!

Cost of Living in Panama

November 28th, 2011 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

I’ve sometimes said that there’s an exchange rate between New York City and the rest of the world. I used to live in Western PA and I noticed the huge jump in price in everything from a gallon of milk and a tank of gas to the cost of a hamburger in a fast food restaurant. Everything is more expensive here.

Living in Panama is very similar in that it also seems to have a cost of living exchange rate, except in the opposite direction of New York. Here in New York, buying a place to live is almost impossible because it’s so expensive. Panama real estate is significantly cheaper. A one bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan will cost you over half of a million dollars. A beautiful two bedroom house in a really nice area of Panama will cost around $150,000.

It really depends on how you live, but there’s no denying that the Panama cost of living is a lot lower than here in the United States. If you lived like a king in New York City one single meal could cost you around $200 at an expensive restaurant. Living like a king in Panama, an entire month of eating at fancy restaurants in Panama will cost you $300.

Yes, there is an cost of living exchange rate in Panama, but in favor of the person who is lucky enough to live there!

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Welcome to Pedasi Panama Guide Blog!

November 14th, 2011 | Posted by KristinG in Living in Panama - (0 Comments)

Cool breezes, tropical palm trees, blue water, and relaxation are not that far away. No, I’m not talking about moving to a small, stuffy retirement community in Florida. I’m talking about the peace and quiet of living in Panama!

Think of what the breathtaking waters, the relaxing sea air, and the quiet country living could do for you in retirement, or just on a vacation! Relocating to Panama might be the best decision you’ve made in a long while, for both your health and your mental sanity.

If the clear water, warm weather, and relaxing atmosphere weren’t enough incentive, the cost of living in Panama is incredibly low and a great way to save during your vacation or retirement. This place is truly a paradise.

Whether you’re looking to move to Panama permenantly, are looking for a vacation home, or just want some of that pearly white sand between your toes for a little getaway, look no further. This blog will give you the best tips about living in Panama and help you to find the best places to start your retirement. So sit back in that lounge chair, grab some sunscreen and your biggest beach hat, and check back to the blog for news and tips about your relocation to Panama!

 

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