Ocean Swimming in Puerto Armuelles for Beginners

Smiling Asian woman with red towel around neck by the ocean

This is part of our “How to Be Happy in Paradise” series. One happiness routine to explore is ocean swimming. Before you dismiss it out-of-hand, let me describe how I came to embrace ocean swimming. But, first, let’s set the stage. Think back to all the warm summer days you have spent on the beach. … Read more

At Last! Puerto Armuelles’s Town Sign

Colorful town signs have been popping up all over Panama. After much anticipation, Puerto Armuelles has one of its own! (see photo above) Our beach town is coming up in the world! Panama’s national tourism agency, Visit Panama, is promoting Puerto elsewhere too. I was able to photograph its banner promoting Puerto Armuelles (see photo). … Read more

Should You Build Your House With M2 in Panama?

2 men installing m2 panel walls and roof

I am always exploring building technologies and techniques here in Panama. I enjoy sharing what I have learned. Today, I am sharing my experience using M2. M2 construction panels have the advantages of ease-of-construction and cost savings. And one huge disadvantage, damage to the environment. About M2 M2 is a popular building material.  It is … Read more

Tropical Almonds Video – Fruit-in-Our-Yard series

Video thumbnail with almond tree and text

One day, this past August, my daughters and I did a video of the fruit in our yard. Our yard in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. We were surprised at the number of fruit trees we have. So instead of one long video, we are making 13 short ones. We are producing the videos in them in … Read more

Don’t Forget To Carry Your ID in Panama – At All Times.

Image with red background and cartoon cop in a halt posture with text about carrying ID in Panama

Everyone in Panama is required to carry ID.  At all times.   And I mean everyone.   Citizens Legal residents Tourists Type of ID Required You must carry 1 of these 2 types of identification: Your Panama Cedula Your Passport And only those documents are acceptable. Proof in Panama Legally The government wants to make sure you are … Read more

Homeschooling In Panama – Part 1

graphic of school bus, a school, etc with text about homeschooling in Panama

I have homeschooled for about 12 years now. We have 2 kids, 12 and 17 years old. Homeschooling is something I never would have predicted I’d do. I had never even considered it as an option.  Moving to Panama changed that. Many expat families in Panama homeschool. Some of those, like me, had had no plan … Read more

Growing Number of Musicians In Puerto Armuelles

graphic with 2 recorders, banjo, and guitar and text

You have probably heard about the art & music scene in Boquete. Boquete has art shows, an expat theatre, and an annual outdoor art & music festival. I have often lamented that our little beach town of Puerto Armuelles was not attracting many expat musicians. Well, perhaps I spoke too soon. Over the past several … Read more

Hurricanes in Panama

infra-red satellite photo of hurricane with text: Hurricanes! Never in Panama

Recently, Hurricane Florence hit the US coast. As usual, post-hurricane, people emailed us about hurricanes in Panama.  So today, I am revisiting what I wrote 3 or 4 years ago about hurricane activity in Panama. It pleases me to be able to repeat what I said 3 years ago “No. There are still no hurricanes … Read more

Perfect House Design For Tropical Panama

graphic of man in hammock under mango tree and text about living in Panama House

The Living In Panama House is the perfect design for a tropical climate. Designed to keep you cool and comfortable Economical to build and easy to maintain Beautiful and high quality Allows a strong connection with the natural surroundings What makes the Living In Panama House different? The Living In Panama House is, in essence, … Read more

Expanded Info on Puerto Armuelles Neighborhoods & Places To Eat

graphic with banner flag and text about expanded puerto armuelles info

Check out our expanded & updated info on Puerto’s Places to Eat Neighborhoods Places To Eat We updated & expanded our Places to Eat page to include:  Our favorite lunch places More places to eat dinner A Map! – with restaurant locations Click to see this expanded Puerto Armuelles restaurant info. Neighborhoods Discover information on more … Read more

22 Essential Tips To Read – Before Moving To Panama

green square with comic speech inset regarding tips for move to Panama

Are you moving to Panama? Or thinking of moving here? Then you should check out these 22 essential tips. The tips cover everything from should you move? to what cell phone apps to download. 1. First, before you move, determine if Panama is right for you. To discover that, you should be clear on what you … Read more

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