Bob-Cha off to Panama!

Voting day in Panama can seem very different from election day in the United States.  Firstly, voting occurs on a Sunday, and preparations are impressive. Due to the remote areas, many citizens live in, the government provides structured transportation, including buses, to polling places, which are typically located at schools. Voting is primarily conducted with paper ballots. Sample Ballot What stands out about voting day in Panama is the joyous atmosphere. Candidates have a limited campaign period of about 30 days, during which they deliver speeches, appear on television, and engage with the public through games and discussions about key issues. There are around 8 presidential candidates and over 800 candidates for other local positions, such as mayors. Typical Voting Table Setup Panamanians take great pride in their country and view voting day as a celebration of their right to vote and express themselves. It’s a vibrant event filled with pride and joy, reflecting their apprecia...

Expats at the swimming hole! Let's take the easy question first!  Where did they come from? The answer is they come from all over the world! Many ex-pats in Boquette are from all parts of The U.S. but a good number are from Canada, South Africa, Germany, France, and The UK.  There are also a lot of folks who were born in Panama, moved, lived in the US for years and then returned to Panama to retire. Who are they? There are retired teachers, military, business owners, government workers, musicians, you name it, we have it!  I have been told that there are places in the world where the expat community consists of ¨the wanted and the unwanted¨, that is certainly not the case here in Panama. It´s interesting to note, that you must have a clean record to get a permanent visa in Panama. You can hear story after story about people who wanted to move here but because they have a DUI from 20 years ago on their FBI report they can not get a permanent visa.   That doesn´...

  VIVA PANAMA! Protesters in the Highlands Today marks the commencement of the fourth week of protests in Panama, with massive crowds taking to the streets in mostly peaceful demonstrations. It's crucial to acknowledge that these protests coincide with some of the most significant holidays in Panama. We've witnessed children diligently preparing for upcoming parades and celebrations, only to see them either canceled or significantly scaled back due to the ongoing protests. Despite some unfortunate incidents, it's remarkable to witness the majority of the population uniting to protect the beauty and ecosystem of their beloved country. As expats, we've experienced minimal impact because we tend to shop in bulk, keeping our homes well-supplied with ample gasoline and propane reserves. However, the situation is quite different for many Panamanians who rely on daily shopping routines. Unlike us, they can't afford to stock up on supplies, reflected in the smaller refriger...

Panama is not for sale!   For nearly a fortnight, the citizens of Panama have been flooding the streets to voice their dissent against the government's green light on a reworked deal with a Canadian mining company. The uproar has prompted school closures, with a diverse coalition including workers, educators, and indigenous groups united in protest. Their core belief is that the expansive open-pit copper mine, touted as Central America's largest, poses a dual threat to the environment and Panama's autonomy. The issue at hand is far from straightforward. Recent revelations have shed light on the fact that the mine isn't solely focused on copper; it's also yielding substantial amounts of gold and other precious metals. Many indigenous communities argue that mining is wreaking havoc on the country's ecological balance. They accuse the President of inking the agreement without complete transparency and a disregard for the people's voices. Despite roadblocks, can...

Panama boasts not only breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a unique gardening tradition that might surprise you. It's not uncommon in this tropical paradise for yard maintenance to be included in the price of your rent, ensuring your surroundings remain a lush haven. When I moved to Panama, I quickly learned that gardens here aren't just gardens – they're meticulously curated landscapes tended to by skilled individuals in a distinctive way. Picture this: it's 7 AM, and I'm just starting my day with a cup of coffee in hand. As I gaze out of the window, I spot three men donned in authentic Panamanian gear, effortlessly working in my garden. Admittedly, I wasn't caught off guard – I knew these gardeners were scheduled to tend to the landscapes today. However, what did catch my attention was the man who stood out with his mask, machete, boots, and the most captivating hat I've ever seen. These guys take their work seriously, and they are fully ...

Try a Slice of Paradise Boquete is renowned for many things, and its remarkable bread is no exception.  With a myriad of "panaderias", (bakeries), Boquete offers an irresistible array of options for Bread, rolls, pies, and other goodies! From traditional Panamanian bread like the beloved "bolillo" and the flavorful "pan de coco" to more international treats such as croissants and baguettes, there's something for every palate. I am convinced that the secret behind the exceptional quality of these breads is the absence of preservatives. Baked to be enjoyed on the same day, these treats provide amazing aromas and textures. It is very difficult to walk past a Pandaria and not at least peek in. For those who do venture in,  the sheer abundance of goodies can be both a delight and a challenge. My husband and I often find ourselves succumbing to the allure and buying more than we can consume in a single day, or even a single week! But worry not. We've dis...