An observation deck for visitors and tourists is being built in the tower of the Cathedral of Panama Viejo, according to the monument’s custodian. Work started on the observation deck in September of 2005 is expected to be completed towards the end of April 2006. The Spanish Economic Cooperation Agency (AECI) helped to fund the project. Visitors tourists will be able to see most of the Old Panama monument site from the observation tower. The news release about the project said there is a staircase with safety railings being built of wood and steel inside the tower. The project also includes the restoration of the internal floors of the cathedral, and the installation of an electircal and fire alarm system. A spokesman said they expect to be able to open the platform to visitors in May. The project cost approx. $200,000 dollars, contributed by the Patronage and the AECI, which also offered technical assistance and experts. The remains of Old Panama were declared a Historical Patrimony of the Humanity by the United Nations for the Education, Science and the Culture (UNESCO) in 2003. Old Panama was founded on 1519 and was the first Spanish outpost established on the Pacific coast. (Hear it on PG Radio)
La catedral de Panamá Viejo, Patrimonio Histórico de la Humanidad, contará con un mirador que se abrirá al público en los próximos meses, informó hoy el patronato que gestiona el conjunto monumental.
El mirador se encuentra en la torre de la antigua catedral y es parte de las obras de consolidación estructural del edificio que el Patronato Panamá Viejo ejecuta con apoyo de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional (AECI).
Los trabajos del mirador, desde el cual se verá el resto del conjunto monumental, empezaron en septiembre de 2005 y terminarán a finales de este mes, según un comunicado del Patronato.
Detalló que los trabajos incluyen la instalación de una escalera de acero y madera en el interior de la torre, con barandas de protección para el visitante; la recuperación de los pisos internos de la torre, y un sistema eléctrico y de alarmas contra incendios.
Un portavoz del patronato dijo a ACAN-EFE que se prevé inaugurar el mirador a finales de abril próximo y abrirlo al público a principios de mayo.
El coste del mirador es de unos 200.000 dólares, aportados por el Patronato y la AECI, que también brindó ayuda técnica por medio de expertos, añadió.
El conjunto monumental de Panamá Viejo fue declarado en 2003 Patrimonio Histórico de la Humanidad por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (UNESCO).
Panamá Viejo fue fundado en 1519 y fue el primer asentamiento urbano español en el litoral del océano Pacífico americano.
http://www.elpanamaamerica.com.pa/ultimas/ultimas.php4?id=15559
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
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By Gustavo A. Aparicio O. for the Panama America - Panama’s Tourism Minister Rubén Blades, will ask for funds for 1,000 more tourist police to improve the security and communications with the tourists who visit Panama. According to Blades this is one of the proposals he is making to improve the security and attention to foreign visitors, some of which have been victims of crime. He hopes that these officers will be trained in language skills, exclusively dedicated to subjects related to security for tourists, and that they will not be transferred to do other jobs. What good would it do, he asks, to transfer a police officer who has been trained to speak English or French to the Darien for border security.Blades said that in 2008 IPAT will spend $10 million dollars to promote tourism internationally, as well as an additional $1 million dollars on local publicity. He said that all of the money spent on promoting tourism is a good investment, considering that tourists pump $1.6 billion dollars per year into the national economy.
Piden mil policías para seguridad de turistas
La seguridad para este sector es importante, pues aporta mil 600 millones al año.
[ Foto: Archivo / EPASA ]
Gustavo A. Aparicio O.
PANAMA AMERICA
EL MINISTRO de Turismo, Rubén Blades, pedirá la asignación y formación de mil policías para garantizar una mayor seguridad y una buena comunicación con los turistas que visitan nuestro país.
Esta, según Blades, forma parte de una de las propuestas para mejorar la seguridad y la atención de los visitantes extranjeros, algunos de los cuales han sido víctimas de la delincuencia.
Su aspiración es que estos policías capacitados en idiomas se dediquen exclusivamente al tema turismo y no que sean trasladados para cumplir otras labores.
De qué nos serviría un policía que hable francés o inglés y que sea trasladado por ejemplo a Darién, preguntó Blades señalando que estas unidades serían mejor aprovechadas para mejorar la atención de los turistas.
Informó que el IPAT destinará para el 2008, 10 millones de balboas para publicidad turística internacional, y un millón de balboas adicional para publicidad turística interna.
Aseguró que todo el dinero que se destina al turismo, es una buena inversión si se toma en cuenta la contribución de mil 600 millones que anualmente el sector le hace al Producto Interno Bruto.
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Susan wrote up a very comprehensive article about purchasing land in Panama. This one is a MUST READ if you’re going to buy here.
I wrote this article for the benefit of the many people on this list who seem to be new to Panama and looking for property. I am also making a copy of it in PDF format and posting it to the FILES section. It is a bit L O N G.
BUYING PROPERTY IN PANAMA 101 FOR NEWBIES
This article was written by me, Susan Guberman-Garcia. I am not a
Panamanian lawyer, a real estate developer, or a real estate agent. I
have no property currently for sale and do not plan on having any for
sale in the future. I write from my perspective as an expat who lives
here, and who has bought and sold property here. My husband and I own both ROP and titled property, in the Bocas archipelago and live on
Isla Cristobal. This article is simply a summary of what we have
learned from our experiences and those of others we have talked to,
including our own lawyers. It is just one person’s opinion, so take
it with the proverbial grain of salt and rely on your lawyer for
advice in real estate transactions.
____________________________________________
Don’t be in a hurry.
It’s a buyers’ market, and you will not find “bidding wars” like you
may in the USA. Look at lots of properties before you buy. If you
are looking at rural or island properties, make sure you see it during
the rainy season. If its not elevated, it might be a swamp. Don’t
fall prey to “buy now” syndrome. Never give in to the temptation to
give a seller or agent a deposit check on the spot even if you think
you’ve found your dream property. (See below). Most people advise
expats to rent for awhile before buying anything. I think that’s real
good advice (even though we didn’t do it!)
Know what you want
Make a checklist of what is important to you. Some of the things you
might include are:
1. Do you want to be near the ocean? Or do you prefer the mountains.
2. Heat vs. coolness. Do you want a tropical climate or a temperate one?
3. Urban vs. rural: Do you want to be in a city, or within a short
commute of one? Or do you want a more rural environment? How
important is it to be close to shopping, movie theaters, etc.
4. Do you have medical issues that require you to live near high
quality healthcare facilities?
5. Do you have specific hobbies that you want to be able to enjoy near home? Like surfing, scuba diving, mountain hiking, birdwatching?
6. Do you have a sailboat? Do you need protected water access?
7. How far do you want to be from neighbors? Do you want nearby
neighbors or quiet seclusion?
8. Do you want a ready made house, condo, etc.? Or do you want to buy raw land and build to suit yourself?
9. Do you want a “planned community” where there are rules and
restrictions (see below) or do you want to be free to build and live
as you like?
10. What is your budget? Include maintenance and transportation costs in your budget. For example: If you live on an island you will need to buy a boat. Is that in your budget?
…and lots of other things to consider also. The above are just a few,
so you get the idea. If you don’t know what you want, you will need a
lot of time to find out what it is. Visit the different parts of the country and spend at least a couple of weeks in each. Talk to as many people as possible about what they like and don’t like.
Understand the differences between TITLED property and RIGHT OF
POSSESSION (”ROP”) property
Titled property means you own the property. Right of possession
means that you own only the right to occupy the property. You can
sell that right just like you can sell titled property, but you are only conveying what you own, no more, no less. Understand that
because you don’t actually own ROP land, you cannot use it for
collateral on a mortgage and you cannot use it as a qualifying
investment for a residency visa. And if you fail to take action
after you buy to demonstrate your “occupancy” of your land (fencing,
signage, erecting some kind of structure), you may find yourself
dealing with squatters’ claims later. ROP ownership, like titled
ownership, is (or at least, should be) documented and recorded but
with a different government agency. This does not mean you should
never buy ROP land, it just means that you have to be careful and know
what you are buying and why you are buying it before you buy. One
more thing: you must pay property taxes yearly on titled land, but
not on ROP land.
Protect yourself against squatter claims
Like most countries, Panama law recognizes “squatters rights” to land under certain circumstsances. If you are buying rural land, make sure you walk every inch of it before you sign, to look for signs of human habitation. If you see anything that indicates that anybody except the owner (the person who is selling the land) is living on it, or farming it, don’t buy it. If the owner tells you “that’s my cousin Jose, he’ll move before we close,” that’s a red flag. Unless your lawyer obtains Jose’s signature on a document that says he has no claim to the land and doesn’t own it, you have a problem. This is especially important if you are buying ROP land, but is also necessary to prevent subsequent squatter claims to titled land.
Dealing with real estate agents
There are all kinds of real estate agents in Panama. Some are very nice, honest people, and some are aren’t so nice and honest. But even
the honest ones are operating from a very different rule book than
agents in the USA, and things that would get your real estate license
yanked in the USA are legal here. Be aware of the following:
1. There is no multiple listing service (MLS) in Panama. If anybody
tells you otherwise, they are lying and probably a crook.
2. Real estate agents are usually unlicensed and even if they are
licensed, the business is virtually unregulated by the government.
3. Real estate agents in Panama, with few exceptions, do not consider themselves “fiduciaries” and don’t think they have a duty towards you, the potential buyer at all. In fact, they often don’t think they have a duty to their own client, the seller, either! Beware of a practice that is banned in the US but frequently used in Panama: “Net
pricing.” Net pricing means the agent will ask the seller what he
wants to get out of the property and then list the property at a
number far above that, pocketing the difference. If you like a
particular piece of property, ask the agent if he is using net
pricing. He may lie, but if he squirms and looks away or won’t
answer, insist on an offer conference with the owner if you want to
make an offer.
4. Real estate agents do not “cooperate” with each other (remember,
there’s no MLS) and will not show each other’s properties. (In Bocas,
they don’t even speak to each other.) So do not rely on a single real
estate agent for your property search. Look at their listings online
and visit each agent who has a listing that looks interesting to you.
They will absolutely not show you FSBO property, don’t even ask.
5. Never EVER give a real estate agent money. Earnest money deposits should be handled through your lawyer (see below) and agent
commissions should be paid by the seller out of escrow. If any real
estate agent ever asks you for money, run do not walk in the other
direction.
6. If you want recommendations for real estate agents or feedback on a particular agent, go to the various yahoo groups (many are already
identified below in this article). Be sure to include regional groups
(such as http://groups.yahoo.com/group/panbocas/ or
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/retireinchiriqui/ Remember that you
can join any Yahoo group as a web-only member if you want to do so.
This means that you can visit the groups whenever you choose and read the threads and FILES that interest you, and not have to worry about being deluged with emails. You can change your yahoo group
preferences at any time to switch between email and non-email
membership.
Where to find FSBO properties:
a. If you are looking for a house or condo in Panama City, use the
classified ads in La Prensa, there are lots of them. And get yourself
a copy of “ESPACIOS” Magazine. It is a giveway, available at most
newsstands, and probably at your hotel. Ask the hotel clerk to get
you a copy. It has hundreds of listings, mostly condos, but also houses.
b. Escape Artist classified ads. Don’t pay attention to the
“articles” touting big developments, the owner gets a lot of money to
rave about them and the information is not reliable. But do visit the
classified ads, there are lots of FSBO as well as real estate agent
listings. Go to:
http://realestate.escapeartist.com/Properties/Panama/. Remember that
these ads are just like any other classified ad source: Caveat emptor.
c. This group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Panama_Real_Estate is
all about property and has lots of FSBO listings
d. Regional portals and sites – most will have FSBO as well as
agent-listed property for sale ads - www.bocas.com,
www.come-to-boquete.com are a couple of them.
Planned communities – Things to watch out for
1. Do not under any circumstances make an offer to buy into a “planned community” until you have read and approved all CCR’s
(covenants, conditions and restrictions). As in the USA, the CCR’s
will be incorporated into the sales contract and are binding on you.
Unlike the USA, developers in Panama often take a very casual attitude
towards disclosing them. If any developer tells you “the CCR’s aren’t
written yet, don’t worry, they will be simple, just sign here,” walk
away. One prominent island planned community in Bocas is involved in
a multiplicity of lawsuits filed by disgruntled buyers who signed off
on CCR’s that had not even been written yet. When they were written,
they were draconian and unreasonable (according to the unhappy
buyers). Don’t get yourself into a situation like this. Read first
(very carefully) and discuss the CCR’s with your lawyer before you
sign. Don’t believe verbal promises (”yes, I know it says you can
only have one pet, but don’t worry, we won’t enforce this…”) as they
are not binding and are worthless.
2. Be especially careful about buying into large, fancy planned
communities in the Bocas del Toro archipelago (or any remote island
area). The historical pattern of such developments on tropical
islands is that most of the promised amenities (restaurants, shops,
marinas, etc.) often never get built. If those amenities are your
primary reason for buying into a planned community, make sure you
investigate the developer’s finances very carefully, to make sure they
can afford to build everything they are promising.
The transaction
1. Don’t do ANYTHING until you have retained a Panamanian lawyer to represent you in the real estate transaction. ANYTHING includes
giving a deposit, signing a promise contract, or opening an escrow
account.
2. Hire a lawyer who comes with recommendations from other expats who have used the lawyer for similar transactions. A good place to get lawyer recommendations is on yahoo groups.
Do post messages asking for feedback. There are two very large yahoo groups that are good sources for asking for lawyer recommendations and feedback: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/viviendo_en_panama/ and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericansinPanama/. And
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Panama_laws_for_expats/ has a FILE
folder with attorney recommendations and also one for attorney ads
and resumes.
3. Do not hire a lawyer who has any affiliation with the seller.
Conflict of interest rules for lawyers in Panama are not what they are
in the USA (not sure if there are any…).
4. Get a quote for handling the transaction, including the “due
diligence” that your lawyer must do to protect you against title
defect and prior possessory rights or squatter claims. If you need
or want a Panamanian corporation to own your property, the quote
should include the initial costs and yearly fees for this.
5. If you anticipate using your property as all or part of a
financial investment to qualify for a residency visa, be sure you
discuss your visa alternatives with your lawyer BEFORE you buy.
Remember that ROP land does not qualify. There are articles about the
various ways to qualify for visas in the VISAS folder of
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Panama_laws_for_expats/ but remember that the law is constantly changing, and such articles are only to be used as general research and preparation for meeting with your attorney.
6. The first legal document that will be created and signed by the
parties to a real estate transaction is called a “promise contract”
(also sometimes referred to as “preliminary promise contract” or
“promise to buy.” Either your attorney or the seller’s attorney will
draw this up. Remember that ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTS IN PANAMA MUST BE IN SPANISH. If you are not fluent in Spanish, you must have it
translated. Your attorney should be able to provide a translation
(for an additional fee). Even if you and the seller are English
speakers, the promise contract still must be signed in Spanish (your
attorney may also have you sign the English version.)
This preliminary contract sets forth the basic terms of the deal and
all contingencies. For example, it should state that the sale is
contingent upon approval of the CCR’s (if a planned community is
involved), the approval of a survey done by a licensed surveyor, good
title, no prior possessory or squatter claims, etc. etc. etc. The
promise contract will state the price, the time limit for closing and
a legal description of the property, and anything else you and your
attorney think is important. It will also call for an earnest money
deposit. Typically, it provides that the earnest money deposit (which
is usually around 3% of the purchase price) is non refundable except
for failure to meet a contingency. The promise contract is a binding
contract and enforceable in court. Do not sign it unless you are
absolutely sure you want to go ahead with the transaction, subject to
any contingencies.
7. Deposits and escrow: Your attorney and the seller’s attorney
should agree on how the earnest money deposit and balance of the
purchase price are to be handled. All funds should be kept in some
kind of escrow. The most reliable form of escrow is a local bank.
The bank holds onto the money until the conditions set by the parties
are met. (In the case of the earnest money deposit, it would be
signing of the promise contract by all partiers and approval by their
attorneys) and then release the funds to the seller. The balance
would be paid upon recording of the deed in the Public Registry if the
property is titled. (Using a bank escrow can be tricky if you are
buying ROP land; in that case it might be better to use a private
escrow service.) There are private escrow companies who offer escrow services; your attorney will know about them. NEVER give the seller a check directly, all money should go through some kind of escrow. This protects the buyer against being ripped off and protects the seller against loss of deposits due to buyers’ remorse.
8. All land should be surveyed (with survey markers) and the survey
signed by a licensed surveyor. And you should personally walk the
entire property to ensure that the survey marks show that the property
is where you think it is supposed to be. It is not uncommon for
properties, especially ROP land, to be surveyed for the first time
when it is sold, and the survey may show that the property is smaller
or larger than the parties originally thought it was. The seller may
be honestly confused about how much land he owns, or he could be
deliberately misleading you. In some cases, the parties will agree to
split the cost of the survey, or the seller may pay for all of it (if
the property has not been previously surveyed.) NEVER even think of
buying land that has not been surveyed.
Other miscellaneous issues
1. Oceanfront land is subject to setbacks for public access. There
is currently confusion in the law about how far back the setbacks go,
and the setback is different for islands than for mainland property.
The current popular consensus is that there is a 20 meter setback from
the high water line, for public access. In Panama, as in most
countries, all water and beaches are public and cannot be bought or
sold. Under the law, you need a “concession” to build within this
setback zone. In the Bocas del Toro area, concessions have typically
taken years to obtain, and building permits are routinely given out
while the concession is pending. (Note that most locals do not even
apply for them, but you definitely should.) If you are planning to
buy island property that requires a dock, or you are planning to build
a house on stilts over the water, you will need to talk to your
attorney about this issue. If a concession has already been granted,
that makes the property more valuable. Beware of buying any property
that has structures on it that require a concession but the seller has
not applied for one and the contract says it is the responsibility of
the buyer to do so. Anything more specific is beyond the scope of
this article. If you want to research this issue, go to the LAND LAWS
folder in http://groups.yahoo.com/group/panama_laws_for_expats and see the article on evolution of coastal land management in Panama.
2. Property tax exemptions: There are laws that provide for
property tax exemptions for new construction, but not (in most areas)
for renovating an existing home. If you are buying titled land and
planning to build (ROP land does not require payment of property
taxes), talk to your attorney about this. If you are buying property
for a tourism business, you may be eligible to apply for a “Law 8″
exemption from all taxes. Talk to your attorney about this also, and
you can, in preparation, read Law 8 in its entirety, in the file
folder on business laws at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/panama_laws_for_expats
3. The “shares in a corporation” trap: Some developers will try to
talk you into buying property in a transaction where you will not get
a title or even possessory rights, but rather, “shares in a
corporation.” This is a very high risk deal and you should walk away
from it. You do not want to be a junior partner in a business with
people you have not known for years and trusted. You have no control
over the corporation, and have no way of knowing what debts and
liabilities it may have. A business partnership is like a marriage:
Buying into this kind of deal is like marrying the guy (or gal) you
met in the bar last night.
4. Seller financing and “land contracts” – This refers to a sale
where you pay a certain percentage of the price down, make installment payments and title passes to you only upon completion of payments. These types of deals are very high risk in Panama, since the law does not protect you (unlike the USA where you have certain rights that are protected by law). You could lose everything if you miss a payment, or if the seller loses his land in a lawsuit or bankruptcy. Don’t do it unless you can afford to walk away from every penny you put into it right up until the time of payoff.
5. Mortages and construction loans: With the exception of certain
condo and residential developments in or near Panama City (and maybe
one or two other places), where the developers have made deals with a bank to guarantee loans to anybody, you are not going to be able to
walk in and get a mortgage on property, no matter how good your credit
is in the USA. Your application will not even be considered until you
have been here awhile, have obtained legal residency, and have
established a Panamanian credit rating. And remember: You cannot ever get a loan against ROP land. SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) President Koji Miyahara has been appointed to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Advisory Board as its newest Advisory Board member.
The ACP said this appointment helps strengthen the Canal’s focus in maritime shipping and provides the Board with representation from Japan, one of the largest users of the Panama Canal. Additionally, Mr. Miyahara will play a key role in the implementation of the ACP’s expansion plans.
The Advisory Board was founded in 1999 at the time of the transfer of the Canal to Panama.
The members of the Advisory Board provide strategic counsel to the ACP and its Board of Directors on issues related to the management and administration of the Canal, including finances, insurance, operations and permanent modernization.
Thanks to new federal passport proposals, the cost of a Caribbean cruise, a Cancun honeymoon, or a Vancouver theater weekend could be going up. The security-related changes, scheduled to take effect over the next 2 1/2 years, will affect Americans who travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Panama and Caribbean. Previously, American travelers simply flashed a driver’s license or birth certificate when returning from those destinations.Beginning December 31, 2005, re-entry to the U.S. from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America will require a passport–$97 for adults, $82 for children under 16. On December 31, 2006 passport requirements will go into effect for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada. And on December 31, 2007, passports will be required for ALL air, sea, and land border crossings to or from the United States.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports, and the process can be arduous and time consuming.
Frequently asked questions about passports such as: “When should I apply?”, “Do I have to apply in person?”, “What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?”, “Does my baby need a passport?” Answers to these questions and hundreds of others can be found by searching the Internet. Interesting tip–even your pet will need a passport to enter the European Union.
To obtain a U.S. passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of the 6,0000 designated passport application acceptance facilities nationwide, including many post offices, Federal and state courts, clerks of court, and a growing number of public libraries and public colleges and universities. For a list of the offices closest to you, search by ZIP code on the State Department website at http://www.iafdb.travel.state.gov.
You need to bring two identical 2-by-2 inch, full-face, front-view photographs, and a completed DS-11 application form (available from one of the 6,000 facilities.
In addition, you will need a driver’s license or government-issued ID card and proof of citizenship, which in most cases, is an original or certified birth certificate.
All children under age 14 must also apply for a passport in person, and both parents or legal guardians must appear together and sign the child’s form (if the second parent submits a notarized letter of intent, one parent signature is adequate). Minors age 14 to 17 must also appear in person and for security reasons, parental consent may be required. And, unlike adults, children under 14 must apply for renewals in person.
For Americans 16 and older, a first passport costs $97 and is good for 10 years. Children under the age of 16 require their own passport which cost $82 and are valid for five years. Renewals, which can be done by mail, are $67 for both adults and children.
One of the most often asked questions, “When should I apply for a passport?” has a simple answer–several months before your planned trip. If you will need visas from foreign embassies to enter those countries, allow even more time. Don’t wait to get a passport! Get it now, so you will be ready in case you may need or want to travel on short notice. The average time from application to passport arrival is six to eight weeks, and passport demand goes up during the summer months, so plan accordingly.
When you receive your passportFree Web Content, remember to sign it in ink and print your name and address so it may be returned to you if it is ever lost.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing valuable information on a variety of timely topics. For an embassy full of advice, resources and suggestions about passports, visit http://www.PassportPlace.com
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
If you want to get on in today’s world, speaking just English is not enough anymore. It really pays of to speak another language. Reasons to learn it can be practical, intellectual, aspirational or even sentimental, but it clearly helps to have a clear idea of why you are learning.
Below you can find 15 reasons to learn Spanish. Pick your own ones.
1) To speak with more than 500 million people worldwide and over 40 million in the USA who speak Spanish. It is the second most widely spoken language in the world.
2) To enjoy ALL the channels on your cable TV 
3) To say hello (hola) to your neighbor. Nowadays you can find Spanish-speaking people throughout the United States, not just in the Mexican border states.
4) To order a meal in a real Mexican restaurant with no help.
5) To be able to communicate with your Spanish-speaking co-workers.
6) To secure your job. Bilingual people have more career choices. If you happen to work in the healthcare industry or in education your career opportunities will expand significantly. And of course, it looks great on a resume.
7) To enjoy traveling in Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Panama, etc. Traveling these countries speaking English only is possible, but speaking Spanish opens up new doors and let’s you experience new things.
Because learning Spanish is fun! You can experience new music, food, movies, & much much more.
9) To make new friends among people who don’t speak English.
10) Spanish is one of the easiest foreign languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English’s. Moreover, it gives you a solid base to learn other Latin-based languages such as French and Italian.
11) To be able to enjoy one of the warmest and richest culture on earth, the Latino culture.
12) To develop your creativity - language stimulates your imagination. Every language has its own expressions and ideas that other languages simply don’t have.
13) To help you improve your thinking skills. Speaking another language means seeing the world in another way too.
14) To help others around you who may not speak English.
15) Last but not least, to age more slowly. Studies show that by learning a new language you can halt the age-related decline in your mental functions.Learning Spanish is fun, brings you new experiences and new friends, so the sooner you start, the better… go ahead!About the Author
Ferenc Szorcsik has been studying languages since he was 7. Besides English, he speaks French, Hungarian and Serb fluently. Based on this knowledge, he founded
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
Chocolate And Walnuts: Good For The Health by Connie Limon
Chocolate has antioxidant-rich phytochemicals called flavanols. Although chocolate have some healthful antioxidants it is still considered a “treat” food by professional dietitians. It is not a health food. Walnuts on the other hand are loaded with nutritional benefits.
Some researchers think the cocoa bean may improve blood flow and reduce the formation of clots. The Kuna Indians of Panama are heavy consumers of cocoa. They boast an unusually low amount of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Harvard researchers found that chocolate eaters lived a year longer than abstainers. Most believe chocolate causes acne; this is not true. A small study done recently suggests the appearance of the skin of chocolate-eating women showed improvement.
Not all chocolate is good for you. In general, darker chocolate is better because it contains more flavanols and less sugar than milk chocolate.
Use cocoa powder that has been dutched to make hot chocolate. The dutch treatment destroys phytochemicals.
And as for walnuts - well - walnuts are a whole different story. Walnuts offer substantial cardiovascular benefits. The FDA allows companies to say on their packaging that eating 1.5 ounces every day can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to raise the good cholesterol. Researchers have also found that the alpha-linolenic found in walnuts helps keep your blood flowing smoothly through your arteries - even after you eat a lot of saturated fats, which can harden the arteries and potentially contribute to heart attack and stroke. Fat found in walnuts decrease inflammation in the arteries and helps keep them flexible.
Walnuts are rich in antioxidants that help rid the body of unstable molecules called free radicals, which can lead to cancer. Other benefits of walnuts may include:
Some protection against the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis Good for your teeth in that they help to fight cavities *Helps increase the feeling of fullness after a meal (try eating six walnuts twice a day, 30 minutes before lunch and 30 minutes before dinner)
Storing walnuts:
Store shelled walnuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to six months. Freeze them to last up to a year. *Store unshelled walnuts in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to six months in any cool, dark place.
Walnuts and chocolate seem to go good together and both are good for you. Walnuts and chocolate are both high in calories so moderation is the key when enjoying either of them. Walnuts seem to have the most scientific proof of being an excellent health food especially for the heart. Chocolate is still considered a “treat” food.
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
Article written 3-2007.About the Author
Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
A Day in Panama City, Panama Part 1 by Mark Kanty
Buenos Dias ! Three years ago if someone had suggested investing in Panama I would have laughed and thought they were crazy. Like most people I knew little of Panama. To the best of my memory it was a small country, somewhere in Central America, with a canal for shipping and I recalled talk of a dictator roaming about. A wake up call followed by some internet research changed my life and my knowledge of Panama forever. My journey began as I prepared my apprehensive family for a different kind of vacation. We removed our jewellery, left our “nice” clothes behind, donned our backpacks and boarded a plane in Toronto. Less than 5 hours later we landed in Panama. Something had to be wrong! There was no stop-over and the time was the same. How could this world away be less than 5 hours, non-stop from Toronto and in the same time zone? After arriving at the international airport in Tocumen we drove along the modern toll highway (Corredor Sur - the south run) into the city. Reaching the point where the highway is built out over the ocean, I looked to my right and noticed the ruins of Panamá Viejo. On a later trip I arrived at night and enjoyed a special little treat as the site is lit by flood lights and looks quite impressive and beautiful in contrast to the modern condominium towers of Punta Pacifica, directly in front. Our whirlwind adventure began with a hotel stay, in the heart of Panama City, for just over $50! Close by we noticed all of the night life and modern conveniences of any major city. It really was as modern as Miami, just as we had heard - too bad we left our nice clothes and jewellery behind! And where was this “Third World Country” we had been led to be afraid of? Although the city was busy and the drivers pretty crazy it reminded me of many other older big cities - Montreal, Rome, and Paris.
Rich pre-Colombian heritage of native populations stretching back over 12,000 years was still evident in the art and artefacts. Of course the Spanish Colonial period combined with some French influence is most obvious in the architecture. The protective fort walls (circa 1673) still stand along the edges of Casco Viejo - direct translation means ‘Old Helmet’ which is quite appropriate considering it was a location chosen for it’s safety and ease of defence. Prior to Casco Viejo the city was located to the north east. This is ‘Panamá la Vieja’ although it is commonly referred to as Panamá Viejo. Panamá Viejo was founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila, better known as Pedrarias. In 1671 the city was sacked and burned to the ground by the notorious Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. There really is little left beyond a few ruins but it is certainly worth a stop or drive by. Casco Viejo by contrast is still a small city within the city and we spent a number of hours here during the day and returned again for some great dining at night. It’s a mixed bag here and the area is definitely in transition. You find old buildings with peeling paint right next to beautifully restored ones. It is quite reminiscent of New Orleans with narrow streets, cafes, restaurants and even a jazz bar. My favourite sights included: the Church of the Golden Altar (Iglesia de San José); Plaza de la Independencia (this is the plaza where Panama declared it’s independence from Columbia in 1903); Plaza de Francia, Plaza Bolívar, the area around the Palacio de las Garzas, and the Flat Arch (Arco Chato). It was lovely walking around and I really felt like I was in Europe when I visited this special place.
Although we didn’t have any problems at all, Casco Viejo is known not to be the safest part of the city. However, like anywhere I found using common sense kept us out of any trouble. Also, there were plenty of tourism police around and that added a touch of comfort. Returning at night I really felt more comfortable being dropped off in the plazas.
To end our day we discovered one of my favorite restaurants in all of Panama, Manolo Caracol on Avendia Central y calle Tercera in Casco Viejo. When you plan your visit be sure to call ahead for a reservation!
Well it’s time to head back to our hotel. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow as we explore more of Panama City. Hasta Luego!
About the Author
For two years Mark lived in the Republic of Panama. With his wife and two young sons he traveled throughout this beautiful country and learned how to invest safely in Panama Real Estate bargains. Now you can follow the journey with his young family discovering the best places to eat, stay and live. To learn more about Mark’s family adventures in Panama visit http://www.releasedynamics.net
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
Another Day in Panama City, Panama by Mark Kanty
Bright and early in the morning we were off to see one of the great Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal. The Miraflores locks, circa 1913, are not far from the city center and always a highlight. These are the first of the canal’s three sets of locks which stand at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. They raise and lower ships over 16 metres (54 feet) in two steps. We were told morning was the best time to catch a cruise ship in transit, as they like to start early so their passengers get to experience the canal during day light hours. When we first visited the canal there was just a simple room where you could step inside and view a short film on the history of the canal. Now there is a large new Visitors Center (Centro de Visitantes de Miraflores) which is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adult admission is $8. Inside is an impressive display of Panama’s history. It’s a four-story museum with an observation deck and a theatre that shows documentaries on the canal in English and Spanish. There is a restaurant with a view of the locks and although it came recommended I found it a little pricey compared to other great restaurants in the city. Most people don’t even notice the small snack bar on the first floor. You have to go out the other side of the museum on the canal side. The snack bar is a window opening from the building immediately to your left. Be sure to hold onto your entry ticket as there are separate automated entrance turnstiles for the museum and theatre. On the first floor the museum has a history of the canal, beginning with the failed French effort and following through the completion by the United States. The second floor has an ecological exhibit demonstrating the importance of the Panama Canal watershed. It includes displays on the flora and fauna found in the watershed. The third floor explains the operation of the canal and includes a full-scale simulator for ship pilot-training. There’s also a large topographical canal map which looks a lot like the one they had in the old theatre room. The fourth floor display is a little sparse and boring for the kids. It has route maps and discusses the importance of the canal and world commerce. A little further drive up the east bank of the canal you will find the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. It’s a pretty pricey place to stay or eat. But, if luxury accommodations and gourmet dining in the rain forest are not in your budget don’t despair. You can still plan a day trip to Gamboa and take in it’s many ecological tours al la carte. On our first visit we took the Aerial Canopy Tour and checked out the 5 exhibits which showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera Indian village. I have to say we were a little disappointed in the Canopy Tour. It was pretty cool but it didn’t produce any bird or wildlife spotting. Our guide explained that we had come at a time of the year and a time of the day when the wildlife was quiet. Later we learned that one of the best tours was a visit by boat to Monkey Island. Although we didn’t catch it on our first visit, on a subsequent trip to the city we hiked our way up Ancon Hill. It rises 654 feet from the bay and for 400 years has been a key geographical reference point in Panama. The commanding 360-degree view of the city, Casco Viejo, the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to the Panama Canal makes it a great place for taking photos. My wife always says, “A trip to Panama City is never complete without a day or two of shopping.” We discovered two beautiful modern indoor malls. The Multi-Plaza and Multi-Centro are relatively recent additions to Panama City and boast some of the best shopping in Latin America. The Multi-Centro is located in Paitlla, one of the wealthiest areas of Panama City. It’s also billed as the largest shopping mall in Central America. In Multi-Centro you will find a casino, movie theatre, arcade, internet cafe, bookstores, 3 department stores and many more shops. It is also connected with the Radisson Decapolis Hotel. The Multi-Plaza is similar and is connected to the Marriott Courtyard (one of my favourite places to stay in PC). The Multi-Plaza has a similar selection of shops and also has a couple of great restaurants. Paladar serves a wonderful selection of dishes and for those missing home you can check out Tony Romas. A great place to spend your last night in Panama City or any night for that matter is the Amador Causeway. The night time views back to the city lights are spectacular. Go out a little before sunset so you can stop by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. It’s also fun to rent a bike and ride the boardwalk. Check out the shops on Isla Naos and after you have worked up an appetite and the sun has set continue out the causeway to Isla Flamenco where you will find the marina and the Flamenco Shopping Plaza. Get a table outside at Alberto’s. You can enjoy great food and drink while admiring the mega yachts in the marina with the city skyline behind. Well it’s time to say goodnight as we have an early flight to Bocas del Toro tomorrow. Ciao! Hasta Luego!
About the Author
For two years Mark lived in the Republic of Panama. With his wife and two young sons he traveled throughout this beautiful country and learned how to invest safely in Panama Real Estate bargains. Now you can follow the journey with his young family discovering the best places to eat, stay and live. To learn more about Mark’s family adventures in Panama visit http://www.releasedynamics.net
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
Panama City
Because of its proximity to the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, and the Capitals status as an International Banking Center, Panama City has earned the title “The Crossroads of the World.” The city has a cosmopolitan vitality similar to San Francisco, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Hong Kong. Panama City has been important to world commerce since its founding almost 500 years ago. The City is often referred to as “three cities in one”, the Monolithic Modern city, Casco Viejo the old city and the ruins of Panama la Vieja.
The Modern City with skyscrapers rivaling Tokyo or New York City is a bustling metropolis of almost one million people and a 262 square mile downtown area. Everything from bond issues to zeno antiques is available in Panama. Merchants come from all over the world to sell their products, many at duty-free prices. Casinos, restaurants beyond your wildest dreams, discotheques, bars, floorshows all offering a seemingly 24/7 fast paced lifestyle.
Old Panama City
In the southwest of the city, on a small peninsula jutting south into the bay is Casco Viejo. Here you will find a much slower paced yet charming lifestyle. This historical district, with its delightful mix of colonial architecture and narrow balconied cobblestone alleyways offers a glimpse of the districts former glory. Built by the Spaniards in the 1670s, to relocate the city after being sacked by Henry Morgan, Casco Viejo was surrounded by walls to provide protection from pirates. Some remnants of the Spanish fortifications can still be seen, including Las Bovedas (the Vaults),and a sea wall containing dungeons. Casco Viejo also features several notable buildings, including the colonial Catholic cathedral built in 1673, the Presidential Palace, the Golden Altar of the Church of San Jose (made of pure gold).
Panama Viejo founded in 1519 was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Coast and one of the most magnificent cities of the New World. These historic ruins are all that is left of the original city that was completely destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. This once great city now borders a very poor and neglected part of the city. Most of the ruins are now buried under parts of the rebuilt city that are now not far off from being considered modern day ruins themselves.
Panama City is a diversity of cultures. One can hear different flavors of music being played live from one street block to another, incredible museums, galleries and unimaginable foods from every corner of the world. The nightlife and shopping are my personal favorites compared to anywhere else in the known world. One must take care it still has all the dangers associated with a city of this size especially when, on one block you might find glitzy boutiques and rodeo drive class shops, yet only a block away some of the worst slums in the city. You will find BMW’s and Porches speeding by Diablos Rojos, discarded US school buses now orated with neon lights elaborate folk-art graffiti murals and used for basic public transportation. This diversity can also be seen in the 60 different nationalities that makeup the City.
Panama City’s most endearing quality and probably one of its most unique lies in that a mere hour drive will take you into a primitive natural world of monkeys, tree sloth’s, toucans, pumas, eagles, and perhaps even loin cloth garbed Embera Indians hunting their next meal in traditions unchanged for centuries. With all that Panama City has to offer it is no surprise that the Real estate boom going on now is reminiscent of the California gold rush of a century and a half ago. Few that visit Panama City don’t get caught up in all of its magic.
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
