Blog Hints
Sep 23rd, 2006 by Don Ray
I get a lot of comments or questions by way of an email that comes via “Contact” at the top of the blog. That is fine. I respond to all emails that I receive. A lot of times I feel that the comment or question would benefit others, if it had been placed as a comment tied to post that it is related to. After thinking about it, I have concluded that maybe it is not evident to the readers how they can leave a comment. For people who read a lot of Blogs, it is second nature, because most blogging systems work similarly. However, I think a lot of people that find Chiriquí Chatter, do so because they are researching Panama and considering it as a retirement location. Therefore, this may be the first blog that some people will read.
With that premise, let me try to explain some things about how WordPress handles posts and comments. Since Blogs are like journals, then all new posts push down the previous posts. You may read something and wish you could have a friend read it, so you write them tell them to read http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog. Sure enough it is a few days later before your friend stops by and the post of the day is nothing related to whatever the post was you were telling them about.
To solve this problem, the blogging software uses something called permalinks. This is URL address that is related to the individual post that will never change. To get a permalink address from my blog here is what you do. Take this post. It has the heading “Your Comment May Benefit Others” at the top of the post. If you pass the cursor over the title it will change colors. If you click on the title then the browser will bring up that individual post and the address that shows up in the browser is the address that should be sent to the person for that post. If you look at “Disarranging Mine”, a blog I read, it uses a different system. At the bottom of each of Marie’s posts you will see the time that she posted it. If you click on the time, that is its permalink address. If you look at the Cooking Diva’s site, it also is different. At the end of each of Melissa’s posts you will see the word “Permalink”. Clicking on “Permalink” takes you to the permalink address.
Next at the end of a post on Chiriquí Chatter, you will see “Posted in xxxx”, where xxxx is a category or multiple categories. Clicking on the category will do the same as clicking on a category on the right side of the blog page. It will bring up all posts that were marked with that category. If you want to see all posts on “Hotels” then click on that category. If you want to read all of my Poems, then click on that category.
Lastly, following the category you will see a vertical bar and either “No Comments” or “xx Comments” where xx is the number of comments that have been left for that post. To read the comments or to leave a comment just click on the “No Comments” of “xx Comments”. That will do the same, as clicking on the Permalink and you will be presented with the post and a window at the bottom of the post to leave your comment. Sometimes I feel that the comments I receive are more important than the post itself. When you agree or disagree with the post, leave a comment. It may help others. You may notice some time passing before your comment appears. This is a safeguard from spam comments coming in. In this particular post, I have used a special command to prevent the entire post from filling the front page of the blog. Because of that you see “Read the rest of the entry”. When you click on that, it will bring up the entire post with the comment window.
I appreciate seeing comments. It is good feedback for me. Sometimes a comment may spark an idea for another post. Sometimes it may cause me to rethink what I have written. When it comes to Panama, I try to write a balanced view of how I see things. If you have a different experience than I have had, tell others via a comment.
If you have a question that is not related to anything that you have seen written, then feel free to write an email. If I think the question and answer are beneficial to other readers, I may write a post related to the subject.
It you have taken the time to read this post, then thanks for dropping in. By the way – Leave a comment. 
Don, I enjoy your web site. A lot of good info. I have been thinking of moveing to Panama for a while. But one thing I can”t find on your site or any other is anything on Health Care. Maybe I am over looking it.If you could help on this, I would appreciate it. Thanks William
Hi William. Thanks for dropping in.
I have a category called “healthcare”, which has all the entries I have made related to healthcare here in the Chiriqui area. What is your specific question?
Until now I did not know really what permalinks were. Our son is an engineer at Yahoo and has no time to baby us. Yet he has time to play foosball at work! Here he is by using my first try at permalink. He is the one wiping off with the towel.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-pkSIq3Y_fqccaPQMCbmTXN7V?p=1570
Thanks Don Ray, my world is expanding!
See. Everyday is an education. I used to be unbeatable at foosball. I was almost unbeatable at table tennis. Ahhh, but that was a few years back.
Would you happen to know the phone number for Nat Mendez jewelers?
Thanks
Mark Shope
The telephone book says it is 775-2722. The directory is not always right.
Hey Ray, I am from Chiriqui, Panama and I lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. I have been watching your website and it is very nice. Throughout it, I can see how different is David, Chiriqui since I left it back on January 2001. It makes me remember good things too about it.
It is good to see all these photos.
Thanks..
Hi Rafael. Thanks for leaving a comment. I am happy you have found my site of interest.
HELLO from Nashville, Tennessee. I just found this website and I’m very happy because I’m from CHIRIQUI. I left “Mi Tierra” 11 years ago. when I went back on March 2004 everything was different and I just realized that in two years Chiriqui has changed even more. I’m so happy that I can see & enjoy “mi tierra” throughout this marvelous website and be able to have a remembrance of my childhood.
Tks so much
You are very welcome Melisa. I am happy you have found my site and hope it continues to bring you some pleasure.
It is interesting that I am starting to have several Panamanians that are living in other parts of the world that are reading Chiriqui Chatter.
Having real Panamanians read it helps it to stay balanced. I appreciate your input.
I’ve been living in the David area for now some 3 years now and wanted to get what your take on military retirees buying houses here. Ive had alot of difficulty dealing with banks for financing got any advice ?
Would appreciate any input,
Fred
Hi Fred. I really don’t think that difficulty in dealing with the banks has anything to do with being a military retiree or not. I think the US has imposed many restriction on how the Panama banks account for all monies that it is associated with related to US citizens.
I am also another Chiricano who left many years ago. I am also very surprised how much my place have changed. I knew it but your pictures bring it even more to the forefront. There is something charming about someone who goes to live in the place I left and enjoys so much. It is flattering and also brings me pride in knowing that “others” appreciate it.
The other side of the coin; will its growth take away what you went to look for in the first place? What is your take on that?
Hi Alex. Thanks for dropping in and for taking the time to leave a comment.
Yes Panama is changing but the people are the same and that is the best part about Panama. Panama City is getting bigger and more congested. David is getting more conveniences, but the city isn’t losing its charm.
Only time will tell how the over all effect will be, but change is the one constant that the entire world has to live. I would rather be living with this change than a lot of other areas.
Don, it is time for us to get our reentry visas again. I know you have done that in David, and I think you wrote about it. Can you tell us what we need to do?
Thanks,
Richard
Actually, I have a permanent Jubilado Card and only have to get a multientry-visa every two years. Is this what you are referring to? This is different from the visa that you have to get every 90 days.
In my case, I have to go to the emigration office with the correct number of stamps purchased at Banco National (4 I think – each a dollar)and then pay the emigration office $100 for a two year visa stamp.
Hi Ray, I am looking over your site with interest and would like to solicit your help. I am a doctoral student in theatre and Spanish, married to Chiriquian and living permanently in David. I am developing a theatre curriculum for two local private universities and will be offering my first course shortly: Introcucción a la Práctica del Teatro. Like all courses in this program, it will be offered in English and Spanish. Originally, this program was to be an official project of Florida State University and was to be centered in Boquete. However, I have decided along with the people I am working with to shift the focus to David. As most of my contacts in David are local, we are looking for ways to incorpòrate the North American community into this project, both as participants and spectators. Can you or your users suggest ways for us to make contact? Thanks, Henry
Hi Henry. If you have some promotional material you and I can arrange a post for you to describe exactly what you are wanting to do and it will get the benefit of a post as opposed to that of a comment.
Then i can probably give it some visibility on the Yahoo groups.
Hi from Mexico City, is awesome to see through your website how the place where I was born & grew by 20 years has changed. I left David 13 years ago and although I have returned for holidays, is always amazing to see the growth of my town. Thanks to your pictures when I see streets, buildings, places, etc. I have been able to remember a lot of moments of my live and this is a very pleasant sensation. THANKS.
Hi Max,
Glad you have enjoyed visiting David through this website.
What happened to Chatter?
Iy appears to me, rather than providing information to us gringos, you’re going commercial and making it difficult to find out information aout Chuiqui.
What gives?
Are you in the website development business now?
Or you showing off your talents in setting up your blog?
You have lost youe original purpose, whatever that was.
My real complaint is navigating your UNUSER FRIENDLY site.
Get back to the basics or GET OFF!
jaygodwin@aol.com
Resident of David, Panama
Gee Jay. I am really sorry that you are not finding what you are looking for, what ever that is. You did not mention what you were looking for that you were having trouble finding. That might have provided some insight into the trouble you were having so that it might be corrected.
I found you on craigslist and enjoyed the blog. My wife and I are planning a visit in March with plans to move in December. We have a house to sell here and want information on real estate there. It is a little scarry dealing long distance. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom, I can understand your anxiety about doing your search long distance. There is no substitute to coming here and spending some time in the environment you think you might want to live in.
Not sure where I can help, but feel free to drop me an email if you have specific questions.
As a follow up, I responded to your message from the Chat area, but couldn’t get past your Email spam approval, so I doubt if my email went through.
Hi, looking for information to update my site, found your site. I have not been in Panama since I left 20 years ago, very glad to see so many changes. My aunt and godmother still lives in Concepcion, her name is “la maestra Evelia (Bella) de Guerra”, old big (blue?) house on main street.
Speak Spanish yet?
Saludos,
Tatiana Guerra-Nicolson
Hi Tatiana,
I can see changes in the 4 years I have been here. For you the changes will be even greater. Thanks for stopping in and for leaving a comment.
Mi respuesta para su pregunta es “Un poco”.
Don I have a house at the Las Lajas beach. When we built it there was no electric or phone. Now we have electric. Do you know of any way of getting internet signal out there. Wireless or maybe antenna? It’s a beautiful area,listening to the waves ,but sometimes you need to surf the net. I know down in the Coronado area they have this service. Thanks for the help. Lee
Hi Lee. I have some friends that have moved to that area. They may be your neighbors. I understand that they are getting a wireless Internet connection, but I don’t know the provider.
Wow Don that is great I was the first person to build there in 2001. I live just down the street from the Disco there. That sure is a sad scene down by the boca de rio san felix. That is one of my wife’s and mine favorite spots . Mother Ocean is the boss. I had to leave in 2002. I was suffering from depression. None of the things i needed were available at the time to keep me sane. No people to to talk . No internet to surf. Just the olas there but i’m to old for that.My wife and travel back each summer to visit the most beautiful area I have ever seen. Could you get some more from your friends about visiting with them this summer I would like to get together with you and them at our house or theirs. And that wireless connection you mentione too… Thanks for doing this blog. You are a life saver. I will buy a couple of cold beers or some of those great desserts they have there to thank you. Thanks Lee Walker
I’ll contact you off line.
Hi Don, I have been in the David and Boquete area for three years and wish I had discovered your blog and a couple of others sooner. In spite of the fact that I spend it seems, 1/2 my life on the internet for business reasons I had never gotten tuned onto blogs until very recently. So I am a new fan.
Is there a way to become a subscriber or “user” on your BLOG ? O\I looked for the area and it was probably obvious. I’ll be grateful if you’d tell me how to sign up however – I am a small scale, ethical and ecologically aware developer with a strong commitment to getting my key employees started in their OWN businesses that compliment mine. I feel a strong obligation to share my skills here and give back in order to help in getting locals moving in creative and productive business directions (naturally I hope that they will be alongside and complimentary to mine, but if “I get rich my key emplyees should get rich” is my philosphy and has been my family’s unspoken policy for several generations – and we’ve created a lot of companies (both family members and our employees) . By th eay I am not here to “get rich” but the term is meant to demonstrate the pointt hat I wantto grwo with my associates…… Thanks for your blog Best regards Tim Bush in David no relation to George W or H)
Hi Timothy. Thanks for dropping in. There is nothing to sign up for on a blog. It is available for anyone to read. All you have to do is remember the Internet address.
can anyone fill me in on the prospect of locating marina or yachtyard work in the area??Also, affordable housing?? Thanks dave in Maine U.S.
Hi don let me know when and how to hook up with you thanks again. By the way any news on the wireless connection at Las Lajas. Thanks Lee
I’ll drop you a private email.
[...] Comments & Permalinks [...]
I have really been enjoying your website. My wife and I have purchased a few acres in Potrerillos and are looking for a home in the Boquete area, as high up as possible.
Do you keep track of the new road/bridges connecting Boquete to Volcan? It is called the Ruta Sur? Any information you care to pass on would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, keep on eating out and telling us how you like the various restaurants. They make our mouths water!!
Shrader and Susan
Hi Sharader. Thanks for leaving a comment. No, I haven’t kept up with the potential road from Boquete And Volcan. You might check in with Lee who lives in Boquete and writes http://www.boqueteguide.com or Jerry who will be living in Volcan and writes http://panamaendpoint.wordpress.com.
I usually go out to eat on weekends and usually take my camera. Glad you have enjoyed going along. Congratulations on your purchase and good luck in your search for a home.
Panama is pretty much the same. The Panamanians rob the gringos blind and most of the gringos don’t have the intelligence to realize this. On the other hand, many of the gringo men are looking for young girls all though they never say this. Nobody wants the older gringa women but the young blondes are in demand amongst Panamanian men, who think the gringa is free and liberal. Panama is growing but still corrupt, the men are still macho, the politicians thiefs, and the people still friendly in Chiriqui.
Hi Sandra. I re-read this post and all the comments and am not sure what triggered your comment, but let me try to respond.
I have found most Panamanians to be honest. If it is a business transaction, they will be a worthy advisory. You are correct that too many gringos come here and don’t try to learn what a good buy is and just throw money at the situation. Those are the ones that get taken and set the situation up for others to be taken too.
There is thievery and crooks in Panama. Most house crime that I have seen or heard of falls in the petty theft area. There are more gringos taking other gringos money than Panamanians taking gringos money. A lot of the developers fall in this category.
You are also correct that too many gringos come and think that the young Panamanian women are really in love with them. Some men are naive and some are lucky and it is really love. Others don’t care what it is and just want a young thing on their arm or in their bed.
I can’t argue with your ending sentence.
Hello Don,
We have a warning regarding our contractor that we would like to share with other readers. Do you have plans on posting a “buyer beware” link on your website so we all can be cautious in using certain contractors, workers or even stores?
Scott
Hi Scott. I think there is a “Bad Apples” Yahoo group set up for publishing that sort of thing. I obviously posted a buyer beware warning post and I think that Boquete.org has areas for discussion on builder awareness. This is the reason I believe that a clear contract needs to be had to protect both the builder and the buyer.
Thanks Don. We had a contract with this builder and we advanced payments foolishly in belief that this man was true to his word. “Greengos” for sure!
Scott
Unfortunately, you never should pay everything up front. There will will be some upfront advances for materials, but you have to keep enough held back to insure completion and to make sure you get what was agreed to.
Love the way your site is organized and non commercial. We are beginning our search for our retirement “haven” and want to correspond with others who have spent time in Panama. Thanks for the time you put into this communication! Do you ever help link up ‘posters’ so they can email each other if they have specific questions?
Hi Caite. Thanks for dropping in. I help where I can. If someone wants to communicate with another, I usually just forward the email to the other person. Whether they want to remain anonymous or respond is up to them.
Also sometimes, when I receive emails that I don’t have an answer to, I will post it for others to respond to and give their experiences.
Don:
Thanks for the assistance. Talking to others that actually live in Panama makes a BIG difference to get a realistic picture. Could you forward my email to Shrader Miller, Richard Johnson, and Fred? Also, would you be able to answer questions via email?
Again, thanks for your communication!
Caite
Hello Mr.Don. My name is Richard (Ricky) I’ve been going on your website for about 3 months now and let me tell you, I enjoy what your doing and very glad that you like my country. I’m from David and currently living in a small boring town in southern Alabama, I’am married to a wonderfull country girl (Amy) and have 2 very beautiful kids. Mckenzie (6) and Landen(2). I’m remodeling my home to sell so we can move to Panama. Could you please give me some information on what I need to do about recieving my pension check and any other advise for my wife , being she don’t speak spanish. Oh, I almost forgot maybe any info on jobs helping those moving from here to there that need someone that can translate for them. I speak very good and understandable English.
Thank You So Much and hope is not to much to ask for, any information would be greatly apreciated.
Ricky
Since I have some questions to your questions, i will respond via email.
HI Don,
My husband and I will be in David the middle of this month. I recently saw a link from a blogger regarding a new development west of David with small houses for 28,000. I can’t for the life of me find it again. Do you have any idea as to where this development could be. We wanted to check it out while we were there.
Thank you
Sharon
I posted about this development, but there may be others.
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/04/04/palmar-del-rio/
Hello Don Ray:
Rosara
I just discovered your blog and let me tell you I love it. I live in Philadelphia, Pa with my husband, but i miss my beautiful Chiriqui so much. To see all of these pictures makes me feel so close to home. I am going on vacation on July 2007 with my husband and I am pretty sure he will fall in love with it.
Thank you so much for this blog, made with so much care. I will be visiting it more frequently.
Hello Mr. Ray:
My dather (Andrea Bernard) is at the Latina University and today you was there sharing experiences and the girls were translating , so i thought that is a good thing to show you what we´re doing here for Boquete. Panama United Childrens Foundation is working really hard to help these kids. More info is on the web site.
Miguel Bernard
Cel. 507-66155397
Our web site is http://www.panamaunited.net
Miguel B.
Hi Miguel. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Thanks for leaving the URL of your organization. It looks like that is a worthwhile cause.
I enjoyed meeting your daughter today. She seems like a very nice young lady.
So very glad I found your site, Don. I have been researching Boquete/David area for weeks and not found as much info as your site provides. Excellent! Thank you.
Just wanted to make one comment about “friendly Panamanians”. I happened to connect with a girl who lives in Boquete and works for a local Realtor. I asked if she would mind chatting with me on Messenger to answer some of my questions about life in Boquete. We have ended up chatting for hours and she has become a good friend to me. She has been incredibly helpful to me – finding me a place to rent and so on. I am now truly looking forward to my time in Boquete.
Sincerely,
Gary Jones
hi i speak english very litle.
I,m opening the company to kitchen, walkig-closet and bathroom in David, Chiriqui for you interest. visit plis:
http://www.linead.it
http://www.mocmobili.it
thanks……..
6780-8823
Cristina,
I suggest you send me this information in the form of an email, and I will publish it as a stand alone post.
I am not sure this the correct way to do this, but my post has to do with getting a Pensionada Visa. I have spoken to several firms that assist in this process. The question is on the medical. This one firm says the doctor just wants to see you, and will ask you a lot of questions. Others say they want blood tests. I have a file on all my recent medical records. Does anyone have an answer to this. Also could you recommend a firm to assist me. I don’t know what the going rate is? Thanks Bill
Hi Bill. My information is dated, but I would expect it is still valid. When I got my Pensionado card in 2002, my lawyet took me to the doctors and to the labs that gave the blood tests. The test results were given to the doctor and he probided the paperwork that satisfied the system. I think they could care less about all of your medical records. They will want current blood tests from a Panamanian lab.
That is all I can answer. Current fee structures and firms are in my knowledge base.
hi i am interestered in super replicas cars and would like to know if i can trust.i would like to send a deposit but dont know.can you please tell me if you have seen the company or any of their cars
thanks
Kenny, You will have to monitor the post on Super Replicas. If I ever see any cars, that post will reflect it. The post and comments are current, To this point, I have seen no cars. When I do, I will take photos. Your comment would have been better if it had been left on the Super Replica post.
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2008/05/26/super-replicas-in-david/
Don, i’ve been reading your site for awhile now and I enjoy it. I now live in David for about 6 months and I found the World Medical Insurance via Forlacol Company in Boquete were grate. They had several plans that offered worldwide coverage and also local inexpensive coverage too…… There number is 507 6781 9090 and there email is bouqueteinsurance@gmail.com…..’
I have coverage that is perfect for me and I can use Johns Hopkins in Florida by my condo aswell as there hospital in Panama City and in David at Chiriqui. just perfect and affordable with no medical.
Thanks for being there, quite informational I’m adding you to my Favorites. (I’ve aquired insomnia over the last year) It’ll give me something worthwhile to read. Sorry to hear about the wedding ring.
Hi, like to come into contact with people who live
in Potrerillos Arriba .
Please respond to henk@nb.sympatico.ca
Henk Lenting
Canada
Well, here I go. I have never been to Panama, but have been reading about Boquette. Considering retiring in Boquette area and have absolutely no idea what to expect. i would have to rent and have a limited ($2000) per mo. income.Not even sure what questions to ask, but I am sincerely interested in learning more. Any suggestions?Other than stay in the Usa? Thanks
Steve
Seal Beach,Ca.
Hi Steve. If you take the time to read past posts, it should give you a rough idea of what life is in Chiriqui. You can look at the photo album area and see photos of Boquete dating back to 2003. Boquete has changed, but depending on what you want your income should allow you to live there.
Hi Ray,
This a great site, you obviously care about Boquette and have lots of info . I am reading the blogs as suggested. I realize that a week or so trip to the area is a prerequsite to moving. Your opinion is much appreciated. I am single,66 and concerned if I can adjust to the life style; on a limited budget,without friends in the area is a little scary, but excitng as well. How many English speaking people in the area? Any recommendations where to stay for a week or two? Panama City to David, to Buquette seems the route, but I guess I could fly to Costa Rica also. The photos i have seen are gorgeous, some videos also. Considering March or April to visit. Am researching weather etc., but am flexible when to go. Thanks again for maintaining this info and for any advice in the future.
Steve
For me, I could never live in Panama City so I would have no need to spend time there. Of all the provinces, I like Chiriqui the best. David is the largest city and I am finding that I like being in the city. When I moved here I had thought I would live in Boquete. Events caused me to look ant David. It is a matter of preference as to what is important to you. There are plenty of English speaking people in Panama, but to get the real benefit of living here you have to invest some time and learn Spanish.
Any of the hotels in my link list for David are fine. Read the comments to know what others think. The hotels in Boquete are fine too, but may cost a little more. You are coming at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. To live her, you really ned to experience both in the area you want to live.
Hi Ray,
Weather could be an issue. The dry season ends around April?Rainy season is May to October?Sounds like March is dry? What about bugs, mosquito’s,etc? I read that in Boquete ,rain a couple of hours daily is normal . Would you mind giving me a rundown on weather in David vs. Boquete,insects etc I checked your links re: motels and restaurants. looks like David is the place to stay(50% less?) and then tour as much as I can for 10 days to 2 weeks Amazing that you put a lot of effort into the info. The car dealers are a hoot, as I was in car sales for 40 yrs here in So. Cal. I truly appreciate your time to help a complete novice at this. I am taking Spanish lessons with Rosetta Stone cd’s next week. Never been anywhere in Central America. My questions are below basic but gotta start somewhere. My cousin is living in Cabo & may come with me. He sells timeshares there and has friends selling in Costa Rica.
Steve
April will start getting rain and it may go into November. As with any Latin American country there are bugs. I have none in the house because I spray once a year and that controls the crawly ones. Mosquitos can be a problem if you are in an area that has standing water and Panama can have a problem with Dengue. Where I live, I have never had a problem with mosquitos or many other insects. Dengue is more of a problem in the rainy season than the dry season and is reasonably well controlled. It is also more of a problem in the poorer areas because the people don’t take care of standing water.
You may be able to find places to stay in both Boquete and David, but David is more centralized to see the rest of Chiriqui.
Dinge? Checked google and the dictionary with no results.Good news re: insects. I will shoot for March visit. Found your links to weather, hotels, albums with some fine pics,etc. Amazing—how long has it taken you to set this up? Hotels seem to be 50% less in David. Could I find a decent rental in David for $500–$650? Boquete?Where would i find listings long term rentals( 6mo-1 yr?) I know you do not do this for profit; This website is perfect for me and many others.
Hi Steve. You couldn’t find it because I misspelled it. Dengue is the correct spelling.
You should be able to find a reasonable rental for that much in David. It might be more in Boquete.
Got it. I also found ISLS, a Spanish learning school with living arrangements in a local home w/private room or at El Oasis in Boquete.Very interesting—$605 for 2 weeks w/homestay or $790 at El Oasis, including 2 meals a day. Immersion learning; things are beginning to make sense;very exciting. I read your post suggesting looking for rentals once I am in David or Boquete.
Hi Ray,
I am visiting Panama for 2 weeks ,arriving 2/28/09;leaving 3/15/09. I used your links and read this blog to make my decision. The picture you paint using comments,pics,restaurants , albums of the local culture,and even the bus schedules, made it a comfortable decision. I will stay in Boquete,take Spanish lessons and visit David on the week-ends. Thanks does not seem enough, but gracias!!
Steve
Hi Steve. Thanks for the nice comment.
I spent 2 weeks in Boquete,and loved the experience. River rafting,zip-lined,coffee plantation tours and 40 hrs of Spanish lessons kept me running, Spanish lessons were the toughest. Yo aprendo muy despacio,pero,yo aprendo.(aprende?)Lovely,real people everywhere I went. Did not get a chance to see David,except the airport and drives to and from. Thanks Ray for all your help. This is an area i could retire to and enjoy it as well as afford it. Next trip will be longer,maybe rent for 3-6 mo. and check out David and the beach’s and countryside. The coffee was worth the trip! I ate mostly at the local places; Sobreson,Central Park for $2.75 per meal. Amazing. A couple of nights was cena tipica with local families. I entiendo why you live in the area Ray.
Steve
Hi Steve. Glad you enjoyed your stay. I think that Chiriqui is the best place in all of Panama.
Hi Don, Do you know about golf courses in David? is there any? I know about Boquete….I appreciate your help.
Hi Rey. I am not aware of any golf courses in David.
Hi, enjoy your blog and the information contained therein. We are making 2nd visit to Panama in June 2009 and will get to David/Boquete area this time. Plan to move down in June 2010 and will rent for 6-12 months before possibly buying. Anne’s passion is golf while mine is bridge. Do you know of any organized bridge games in the area? PC is attractive for both golf and bridge however the huge city is offsetting. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Fred. I know there is a bridge club in Boquete, also a par 3 course in Valle Escondido. There may be others, that I am not aware of.
Hi Don
Quick question for you. I am sure there isnt a quick answer but anything you can offer will be appreciated. What does it take to drive a Panamanian titled car into Costa Rica through Paso Canoas? Thanks
Hi Joe. You will need a car with a clear title and without leans or tickets. Then you will need to go to your Insurance company and get a waiver to drive to CR. Then you will need to get paperwork at the PTJ. http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2008/02/21/la-palma-costa-rica-of-bust/
It is best to do this a few days ahead of time, but there always seems to be problems that you will run into.
Hi, I am thinking on moving to David. Can you tell me how long it takes to drive from David to the beach? Because I love the beach.
And are there any Fitness-studios in David?
How can I fly from Germany to David, because it does not have an international Airport, I think. Do I have always fly to panama and then the next day further to David? That would be not so nice.
But thank you for your time-
Elvira
Hi Elvira. There are two ways to fly to David at the current time. One is from San Jose , Costa Rica (Air Panama) and the other is from Panama City (Air Panama or Aero Perlas).
To get to the beach from David will be a 30 to 60 minute drive depending on the beach you go to.
There is a Curves studio in David as well as several other Panamanian fitness studios.
Hi Don, thank you so much. That will help
Elvira
Hi Don, I do have one more question
I was reading that Panama does not put Antibiotic and Growthhormones in their meat. Is that true?
Thanks for your time
Have a nice day-
Elvira
I can’t verify that, but I would seriously doubt that they do. Most, if not all, cattle in Chiriqui are grass fed. The cattle growers that I know don’t believe in using growth hormones. Besides it would cost more and if they are grass fed, I doubt if you would see any amount of extra growth.
Hi Don,thanks for the quick respond
Yes, grass fed cattle are the best and healtiest.
Nex question- what about organic fruit and veggies?
Are there any farmers-market where I can get this?
You know what- you are so helpfull with my move to Panama.
Thank you so much
Elvira
There is plenty of organic and more coming.
There are many many farmers markets.
Hi Don, that is great. I cant wait to move theire
Elvira
good morning Don,
do you have an idea how much car-insurence is? Like for a Honda Civic 2002, something like that.? I heard different storys.
Also- a landline-phone, what are the monthly cost?
And Internet?
Do you know how much the power is for 1 kwh?
I know this are many questions I have but maybe its interesting for other people too.
Also your answers are up to date-
Thank you so much for your time
Elvira
Hi Elvira. Most of your questions have been answered somewhere in the blog. I will try to answer them again here.
Insurance is going to be based on the value of the car. In Panama the value of the car is reduced from its current value by 25% each year. I have a 2004 Terios which should be similiar to yours and it is around $400.
Base monthly phone cost are around $7.00. I rarely use the phone and spend about $15 a month on Cell phone.
Internet will be based on your type of Internet connection. I have all cable channels and that costs me about $33 a month and a 1 meg Internet connection runs me about $29.
My monthly electric bill will be between $45 and $90 depemnding on if I have used a lot of AC. Normally it is around $45 – $50.
thank you so much. That helps a lot.
Now I have more of an idea about those costs.
Elvira
Hello Don,
can you tell me how the climate is in Boquete and David in the month December to April? Is the humidity still high, that would be great for me,because I like that, Or is it dry like under 60 procent humidity?
Thank you
Elvira
Hi Elvira,
David – http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=39787&refer=
Boquete – http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=787932&refer=
There is always humidity. Boquete will still have bajareque even in those months. For the most part David will be dry.
Don, thanks a lot-
Elvira
I need some help,
I am looking for whatever job is out there in the David region, for someone without papers. My Spanish is very good, I speak English fluently and also French. I have extended knowledge in German and defend myself in Italian. We came back to the country 2 weeks ago and am in the process of getting my papers since my husband is Panamanian, but I need to have an income in the meantime.
I would very much appreciate any offer coming my way.
Lauren 6968-4566
Hi, Don: I’m planning to retire in the city of David at Chiriqui. We been there once and we like it so much. I’m doing a research through internet and more or less I’m geting aware about what to do to retire at that city, but what I can’t fine is the private english speaking schools around David. My daughter is eleven and a honor student but she doesn’t speack spanish although she understant most of it. We both, me and my wife are bilingual. Would you be so kind and advise us about this matter, telling us qualification, tuition cost, physical facilities, and another facts that you think is important.
We will be there in June and It will a privilledge to meet you there.
My name is Miguel Pabon, my wife Doris, and my daughter Sabrina.
Thanks for your help, apprecated
Hi Miguel. In scanning the blog, the following posts and comments on each may be of some assistance to you.
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2008/07/14/adventista-bilingue-de-david/
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/10/06/experience-with-bi-lingual-schools-in-david/
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2009/05/27/american-school-revisited/
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2008/11/13/cambridge-bilingual-school-in-david/
I am Robyn Cole’s husband. She posted something earlier today. We are coming in mid to late May to see the area. We are very interested in what you can tell (and direct us to sources) us about Boquete, Volcan, beach area east or west of David, outside the city. All of these are of some level of interest. Any blogs or other sources of information would be appreciated.
Look in the link section. It should list most Panama blogs.
Hello mr Don Ray I would like to get some information about were could I get the bartender and hotel staff courser for work on a cruiser.
Thanks
I have no idea.