The world I come from in the US is one of futuristic proportions. High-speed trams, iPods with video, and a hard lined path in which people are heading. Walk the streets of Panama City’s historic district of Casco Viejo though, and you’re transported back in time. Back to the days when report deadlines and blinking stop lights weren’t dictating the pace. People used to stop and chat back then.

Tradition is still treated with respect on the streets of Casco Viejo. Respect for elders, respect for the neighborhood, and respect for change. Walk past the quaint Café Per Due, a new Italian coffee shop on Avenida A and hear the cute owner behind the counter recommend a hot cup of cappuccino. Read the rest of this entry »

By now there is a good chance that you have heard some of the buzz that has made Boquete – bow-keh-tay, Panama a top destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists as well as a highly-rated retirement destination. As it appears that a period of economic uncertainty may be looming in some parts of the world and rising land prices in Panama may be taking a brief pause, this may be the perfect time to plan your first visit to explore this beautiful little town and check out the real estate offerings. Now the question arises … How do we get there?

The country of Panama is located between Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. The capital, Panama City and the Panama Canal is located closer to the eastern end, while Boquete and its airport hub, David – dah-veed – is at the opposite end, not far from the border with Costa Rica. Read the rest of this entry »