Why & Hows of Tree Removal Permits in Panama

2 kids standing on just cut down mango tree branches

In Panama, you need a permit to cut a tree down. Even if the tree is in your own yard. You may be tempted to chop a tree down in “secret”. And maybe you will get away with it. If you are Panamanian, you are much more likely to get away with it. Well, unless you have a neighbor … Read more

Recognition as Panama experts

Live and Invest Overseas is having a conference in Panama, Feb 15 – 17th, 2017  They invited us to speak. We accepted. So, on Feb. 15, Reyn and I will share why and how we decided to live in Panama. And, most importantly, what it is really like to live here in Panama. Hype? The … Read more

Tip on Flying From Panama City to David

A tip when you fly from-outside-Panama to Panama City and then immediately to David. Include the David leg in your flight reservation.  Do not make a separate reservation for the Tocumen airport (PTY) to David leg. FYI: Copa Airlines is the only carrier that flies from Panama City Tocumen International airport to David. You can find … Read more

An Affordable Hotel In Panama City – Hotel Marbella

Yellow fronted hardware store in Panama

Those of us who travel back and forth from North America and Panama often need to spend a night in Panama City.  On my last couple of overnights in Panama City, I have stayed at a place that I saw years ago, but passed over as just okay.  The Hotel Marbella in the El Cangrejo … Read more

Burica Surf & Stand Up Paddle Board Camp

Man and daughter on boulders by river

A few months ago, we stopped to visit Shawn and Shena at their place on Punta Burica. They own & operate Burica Surf. We were on our way to visit our friend Juancho at Mono Feliz. Shawn and Shena were just putting the final touches on their surf/stand up paddle board camp. It was spectacular. … Read more

A Glimpse At Puerto Armuelles – January 2017

blue skies at the beach

Jan. 26, 2017 I just got back to town a few days ago.   I immediately remembered why I love Puerto Armuelles so much. On my very first morning, I went to the beach at Corazon de Jesus on for a swim. Morning At the Beach I had been told that the November rains were … Read more

Panamanian Sancocho – A Delicious Chicken Soup

close up of a bowl of chicken soup in Panama

Sancocho is Panama’s national dish. There are versions of sancocho throughout Latin America, but it is particularly beloved in Panama. At heart, Sancocho is a delicious stew that you could have at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Many claim the soup is even the perfect tonic for a hangover. A local Panama chef believes that culantro is the … Read more

Did You Remember To Prove You’re Alive?

Over 200 Americans in Panama will not get their US Social Security checks next month (Feb. 2017). This is because those folks didn’t file the required “proof of life” form. So if you didn’t turn in your form, your February 3rd, 2017 check will be suspended. Don’t worry, you can get your benefits reinstated.  Start with an … Read more

Culantro vs Cilantro

photo of the culantro and cilantro plants with text

Culantro and cilantro look very different, but they have a similar taste.   However, culantro has a stronger flavor than cilantro with subtle sweet undertones and a stronger smell. Culantro is used extensively in Panamanian food. Availability Differences It is easy to find culantro in Panama, cilantro is harder to find. I can almost always … Read more

Tiny Homes: A Big Idea For The Tropics?

image of hand holding tiny house on purple background

The notion of living in a “Tiny” home or basic shelter has been around for centuries. Ascetic monks from the 15th century and earlier have written about the spiritual benefits of casting off the extraneous luxuries of society and getting back to the bare necessities of life. The ascetics felt that only without encumbrances and … Read more

How Much Does It Cost To Build A House in Panama?

yellow image with text about cost of building a house in Panama

Jan 1, 2017 I get asked that question all the time.  Or more specifically, “How much does it cost/square foot to build a house in Puerto Armuelles?” I always feel reluctant.  I want to give a definitive answer, but it is complicated. “What will it cost to build”, is a hard question to answer anywhere, not … Read more

Relaxing With A Baby Monkey at Mono Feliz

I discovered a video (below) I took of my family in 2007.   It gives a glimpse at an enjoyable lazy hammock day near our home in Panama.  A day that could easily be replicated today – except maybe for the baby monkey. If you are interested in visiting Mono Feliz, visit their facebook page for more information. … Read more

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