Would I like to spend my final days in Panama?

old woman sitting on couch with drink in her hand

We have an elderly friend, 90 years old, who recently left Puerto Armuelles.   He is an expat who lived for many years in Costa Rica and then many years in Panama.   He left Puerto Armuelles to spend what he thinks are his final years living with a close friend in Costa Rica.  This woman is … Read more

An Expat On Why She Loves Puerto Armuelles, Panama

video screenshot with 2 video of woman, one talking and one with a Toucan

My neighbor, Veronica, graciously agreed to share why she chose Puerto Armuelles, Panama to retire.    — As well as why she likes living here.   Transcription of the Video  Betsy of Living In Panama (off camera) asked: Veronica, why did you decide to move to Panama and why Puerto Armuelles? Veronica Answers Below Costa Rica Well, I … Read more

2 Puerto Armuelles Expats Start A Radio Show

photo of front of Radio Mi Preferida in Puerto Armuelles Panama

UPDATE – The radio show is currently paused (June 2016) We have good news for all of you radio listeners in Puerto Armuelles and environs. If you have been waiting for an expat radio show by expats, and in English, it has arrived. Recent transplants to Puerto Armuelles, Michael Butler and Beverley McAleese, have undertaken a … Read more

A Beach Walk in Panama – A 2+ Mile Walk In 2+ Minutes

photo of beach and young woman with text inviting you for beach walk

Curious about what Puerto Armuelles looks like from the beach? Check out this video.   In mid-January 2016, my daughter Skylar and I walked on the beach from the Corazon de Jesus neighborhood to the town center of Puerto Armuelles. I had been thinking of doing it for awhile, but I finally shook off my … Read more

How To Eat Well & Save Money In Panama

Man standing at his produce stand in Puerto armuelles panama

It is a bit hypocritical of me to be writing this article right now, since I am not always “practicing” what I am going to “preach” here. I am writing this in late March, the peak of the dry season, and the temperature can get pretty hot in these months (today there is a wonderful … Read more

ROP Property Demystified & Explained

800px image of sunset over hills with text about Panama ROP property

Rights of Possession (ROP) land is somewhat unique to Latin America. It often makes North Americans uneasy.  But the concept is not as unfamiliar as you may think. A little history may help. In the beginning, land in Panama did not belong to anyone.  The indigenous people used it collaboratively. Then the Spanish came. They declared all … Read more

Living A Spiritual Life In Paradise

beach photo with text about living a spiritual life

Are you looking for something in Panama that you don’t have in your life already? Many websites, including our own, sometimes give an impression that there is something down here in Panama that is not available up north, or wherever it is that our readers happen to be. I hope that we have been clear, and honest … Read more

It’s Rodeo Season In Panama (Pista de Lasso )

group of men on horseback at sunset

March 26, 2016 by Skylar Vayda and Betsy Czark The rodeo here is different from the ones you might have attended elsewhere. Unlike the rodeos in the Untied States, which include lasso tricks and events designed to test a cowboy’s riding skills,  the Panamanian rodeo involves just one activity – Roping a calf from horseback. The … Read more

Victor On Why He Likes Puerto Armuelles & Some Advice

March 26, 2016 In this post, Victor explains why he likes living in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. He also gives advice to people thinking of living in Panama. Originally, Victor said all of this in a video. However, Victor does not like the fame the video has given him, especially people recognizing him.  He asked me … Read more

Hardware Stores & Shopping Locally In Puerto Armuelles

Woman serving customer at hardware store

Puerto's hardware stores have everything for both homeowners and builders Puerto Armuelles boasts about a dozen hardware stores. This abundance of hardware stores is one of the things that makes life in Puerto Armuelles feel like taking a step back in time, to a quieter, simpler life. It is also good news for would-be homeowners, as well … Read more

A Fun Trip to Cañon Macho de Monte – Near Volcan

couple submerged, except heads, in a pool of water -

We had a fun time at Cañon Macho de Monte. You can see us playing in the river (Rio Macho de Monte) as it runs through the canyon. Day Trip From Puerto Armuelles The trip reminded me how small and easy it is to explore Panama, and Chiriqui Province in particular. Business & Pleasure  We wanted […]

You Can Vote In US Elections While In Panama

Updated 3/3/20 (Need to get a US election absentee ballot fast? Check out this October 28, 2020 post) If most US expats voted, it could turn an election. Many US elections are close. They are decided by a margin smaller than the number of absentee voters. Your vote could be the difference. How To Vote … Read more

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