MEDIA
ARTICLE
13 Not-So-Conventional Reasons to Love Panama
By
Mona Sutherland -
Most of us have already read the myriad of articles about Panama,
not to mention the "About Panama" section on the websites
of every real estate agency promoting property in the region.
There is no doubt that Panama possesses numerous advantages, including
its strategic geographic location, incentive program for retirees
and a relatively low-cost of living, amongst others. However,
some of the reasons that I particularly enjoy living in Panama
cannot be when searching for the most obvious reasons, such as
the Panama Canal (After showing my 4th visitor the Miraflores
Locks, the outing becomes slightly monotonous) or its proximity
to Miami (I've never been to Miami in my life!). Certain pleasures
can only be recognized after living in Panama as a foreigner for
some time. Though I appreciate the similarities that Panama and
the "Western World" share, I also cherish the differences,
since they are what makes my life here truly unique and exciting.
(more...)
Here are 13 reasons why Panama makes life so interesting:
1. Casco Viejo - Casco Viejo is 100% different
from the towering high rises scattered along Balboa Avenue. Casco
Viejo has an interesting blend of architectural styles, most notably
ornate Spanish- and French-influenced buildings. However, in addition
to the amazing views and unique architecture, there is always
something quirky going on in "the Casco"! My roommate
is the president of Panama 9º80º, a lifestyle and travel
magazine about Panama. Her offices are in Casco Viejo and I get
an absolute kick out of dropping her off some mornings. It isn't
often that I get to laugh so hard I almost wet myself at 7:30
a.m. Much better than coffee! (Okay, that was an exaggeration.
Sorry coffee.)
One of my favorite "Casco moments" occurred one morning
as I was dropping my friend off at work. As we turned the corner
onto Avenida A, we saw a little boy of about 7 years old peeing
in the street. What made this pee different was that he was not
facing the wall or partially hidden amongst the narrow alleyways,
but was rather on the edge of the sidewalk, practically in the
street, facing the traffic! As we neared the situation, we saw
a projectile yellow liquid spurting from his body and said, "That
can't be!" However, it was. To this day, that little boy
and his "necessities" still put a smile on my face.
2. Wine - South American wine, from Chile and
Argentina, is much less expensive than in the United States. However,
who said you can have your cake and eat it too.
My friend and I were succumbing to our vices one night, and went
to buy wine and ice cream at El Rey supermarket. As we were checking
out, the $3.50 appeared on the screen as the price for the wine.
I said to my friend, "How great is it to live in a country
where a good bottle of wine is $3.50!?" Then, the ice cream
came, and $8.50 appeared. My friend and I were in utter shock
and disbelief. Since then, we have sought out other, less expensive
means to satisfy a sweet tooth.
3. Sushi Itto - Sushi delivered to your front
door…Do I need to say anything else? If you think that there
isn't sushi in Panama, then you are in for a delightful surprise.
Sushi Itto, in my humble, sushi snob opinion, is the best delivery
sushi in Panama. Their Philadelphia rolls and Edamame are extremely
scrumptious.
What's even more interesting is when I'm walking to work or walking
my mini schnauzer and the Sushi Itto delivery guy honks and waves
as he zooms past on his little red moto. It must be a small world
after all. Or, I order a lot of sushi!
4. American Dollar - This is a commonly cited
"reason" for why Panama is so great, and I agree whole
heartedly!
For the foreigner, especially Americans, it is great because it
doesn't become "Monopoly money." It is easy to be aware
of exactly how much you are spending. There is no labor-intensive
addition, subtraction, division or multiplication involved to
figure out the price of a soda. So, in Panama, it is easy to grasp
the value of what we purchase, instead of throwing away our Monopoly
money at any and every chance we get. This is especially useful
if you are off to the casinos!
5. Patacones - Patacones are twice-fried plantain
patties and incredibly delicious. I had not discovered them until
my arrival in Panama, and I am a self-proclaimed patacon addict!
6. Albrook Mall - Albrook Mall is a large, air
conditioned indoor shopping center that offers a wide variety
of discount stores and boutiques, as well as a food court with
carousel. Be sure to check out El Costo, Oca Loca and Conway for
some great deals!
These stores are magnificent for retail therapy. You can walk
away with about 15 shirts for $20. Even if you wear them just
once, it's a lot cheaper than Target.
7. Opportunities - Panama is like the Wild West
of Central America. There is a huge variety of employment, business
and investment opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage
of. After being in Panama for almost any extended amount of time,
everyone catches the entrepreneur fever.
8. Slang - Though I don't make it a habit to
use it in my everyday speech, I must confess that I get an absolute
kick out of the Panamanians' faces when they see a full fledged
gringa talking like she's from the barrio.
9. Cable TV with ABC and CBS - All the great
things of Panama fused with Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Grey's
Anatomy. Does it get any better?
10. Taxis - Finally, inexpensive taxis! Taxis
in Panama are abundant and relatively inexpensive, a fare costing
from $1 to $2 to most location in Panama City. However, taxi meters
are not typically used, and therefore it is recommended to negotiate
the price before leaving. If you understand and speak Spanish,
you can overhear and engage in a number of colorful conversations
with drivers.
11. Cayos Zapatillas, aka. Zapatila Cay - Zapatilla
Cay is a small island located about an hour boat ride from the
main Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro province. Zapatilla Cay
is astonishingly beautiful, including spectacular views, clear
waters and white sand. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite
places in Panama.
12. Fireworks - Back in the states, fireworks
were reserved for the 4th of July, and some spectacles at Sea
World. In Panama City, it's not bazaar to see fire works going
off every night of the week. On New Year's, the entire city, and
I mean as far as the eye can see, ignites with the colorful flashes
and flickers of thousands of fireworks.
13. Piropos - What's a piropo? I have yet to
find a direct translation that suits me. Some dictionaries translate
it as "compliment," though that is a serious understatement.
Piropo is a word that stands for what men do to a pretty girl
as she walks by. Flirt, not really. Torment, could be. Most Westerners
would agree that this is a "Latin thing." I generally
can't stand it and want to flip off everybody that whistles and
hisses and yells "Ay mami" as I stroll along. However,
on days when I roll out of bed and my hair is astray, I must say
that I feel less hideous as I waltz along and still get the "Yeah
baby". I know it is done to all women. I was in a taxi once
and the driver whistled and hooted at a couple of women that looked
as though they were pushing 70 years old. I'm not implying that
they were not attractive, but the taxi driver was about 25! Moral
of the story, it's one place to get an ego boost.
Bonus - The Finger Wag - You all know the finger
wag, a way to indicate disapproval of something. The motion is
generally carried out by wagging the index finger from left to
right, considered by most incredibly rude and demeaning. Well,
the Finger Wag is back in Panama! The best way to say no ever!
