Chiriquí Chatter

A good friend of mine has just put up a new website with information on his foundation that helps people in Panama.

Last November, he brought down 2 forty foot containers that helped during the time of flooding in Panama. He has spent many years supporting the people of Panama in various ways.

Not only has he helped with items in need, but he has helped to train Panamanians in the care of bees and spent much of his personal time teaching free English classes.

I am proud to call him a friend. Check out his new website. http://www.panamamccormackfoundation.com/

Tags: People

This is another post I picked up today on the Gringos of David Yahoo Group. This is another “be aware of who is around you” warning.

Just a caution – mugging

A friend(she is Panamanian) was mugged(2 days ago) just outside the Arrocha(my spelling my be off)pharmacy next to the El Rey & Do It center,she had just been to the nearby bank and then went to the Pharmacy, when she was getting back into the car a man jumped in and held her at knifepoint until he got the money & purse. The guy was most likely staking out the bank and followed her over to the store.

Just an FYI

Tags: Chiriquí Neighborhood Watch, Crime

The following was posted recently on a Panama Yahoo Group. I post it here as a caution that you should not assume that any place is entirely safe. It never hurts to carry a pocket camera and get photos of anything that might seem strange. In the event of a robbery or worse, a photo might be the lead to solving a series of crimes.

There are so many robberies in Volcan it is incredible. Gringos Panamoes it doesn’t matter.

Look out for a green Mitsubishi pick up truck. Nothing definite but it has been seen near two recent robberies. Snap a picture if you can and watch your own stuff if you see a truck like this around. I’ll try to get more detail on the truck. They hit a house today in the morning. Lap top computer and camera were taken.

Anybody have any ideas how to deal with this? There are just too many robberies.

Private detective? I’ll contribute if that ’s what it takes.

Bars on your windows? Hahaha they take those off in minutes. They usually have guards posted in back of the houses and probably in front too. Cell phones warn if anyone is coming.

The local police say they are not CSI. I nominate the cop who said that for understatement of the year award.

Tags: Chiriquí Neighborhood Watch, Crime

It has been a while since I have written about my recent hardware upgrade. I have it pretty well setup like I like now. The purchase has been a great success. I could not have touched what I bought for less than $2,000 and I got it for less than half that including upgrading to 9 GB of memory, adding a 1TB hard drive and paying extra baggage expenses. My extreme thanks to the individual who brought it down for me ( you know who you are).

After adding the extra memory and HD, I did have a scare, which Micro Technology took care of. Since then it has been running like a charm. It is by far the nicest PC I have ever used.

I am currently running Microsoft Vista with SP2 installed. I have had zero problems and it has been the most stable Microsoft OS I have run. I like it much better than Windows XP. I am a late adopter, so that may explain why I have had no problems. Continue Reading »

Tags: Linux, Technology, Windows Vista

I received a request to post the following FSBO.

BY OWNER……CLEAR TITLES.
CORPORATION – EXEMPTION…

2 YR. OLD AMERICAN STYLE HOME

3BR, 2BA, furnished, 8.6 km from El Rey Supermarket in David (l0 min) or
20 min. from Boquete. – From Boquete, Entering Dolega, a green sign “Dolega” on
The right side – Book Mark also on the right. Altamar II 6km from Dolega.

Move in condition, furnished. 2000.79 sq. ft.+ Panasonic TV, Microwave, Toaster oven, SS Frigidaire Refrigerator w/Ice Maker & water on door, Frigidaire Stove w/exhaust fan, Maytag Washer, Admiral Dryer, vented outside. Large house & lot, no shortage of hot water, Security bars, doors, windows, patio. Plans with house/Corporation/Exemption. Cable Onda TV, phone, internet. Panasonic air conditioners, 7 fans, tinted windows, separate laundry & storage areas. Large kitchen, granite countertops, pantry, built in cabinets in BRS and kitchen & baths, drawers. Tile under all cabinets and closets. Lighted Medicine cabinets, mirrored w/door, shower doors, exhaust fans (kitchen & baths), outside motion lights. Pass through window from patio to kitchen. Large Carport ..Lots of extras.——————————————–$l49,500.00

LOCATION: Altamar II Residential Sector
Los Algarrobos

Respond w/ e mail w/HOUSE on subject line to: Haluskaenglw@yahoo.com or
Call John Haluska – Land Line 0ll 507 730-2822 or Cell 0ll 507 6561-0061
Directions and monthly bills noted for 1 year available, if requested.

Photos follow: Continue Reading »

Tags: For Sale

I went to get money from the ATM today and learned that Clave is now charging $3.00 for each transaction that is for banks outside of Panama.

I still think it is better for me than having an account in a Panama bank, but it does cause one to think about it a little more. Up until now, I was having no charges using any ATM. Oh well, nothing is forever.

I should add that none of the three different ATMs I tried today gave any money even though I authorized the transaction. This change in policy may be causing other problems as well.

Tags: Banks

What A Great Morning

It is so nice out this morning. Breakfast on the balcony was so pleasant. The new house construction always has some nice music playing and it helps to start the day.

If you are in David around 2, remember that the gringos will be meeting at a local restaurant today. I will try to drop by for a bit..

Tags: Events

July 1 marks the first day of Ricardo Martinelli taking control of the Presidency of Panama. My hope is that he takes aim at the negative changes that I have seen occur over the last five years. The highest on my list would be the increase in crime.

This may be a tough task and I would expect some crime increase because of the world economic situation. However, if he can focus on removing corruption from the police force and seeing that they are properly paid, that would help. I would also like to see changes in the laws that allow the juveniles to commit crimes, including murder, and get away with just a slap on the wrist.

Certainly, President Martinelli will have a lot on his plate. I wish him well and I have high hopes (desires) for his presidency.