421fireball
12/4/2012 21:44 EST
I'm probably going to alienate a lot of you by asking if a conservative would reply to me. My America is lost, and I understand Panama is more economically free than most places, so I am considering moving. Though I will be retired with SS, I want to start a small business, which will create howls from you American Liberals. I want to start an Eco friendly business, or a small store for the ordinary guy, NOT an artsy-craftsy high end for wealthy tourists. If I make it to Panama, I want to be a Panamainian. open up a store with affordable stuff, or a canteen where the local family can afford to eat or drink. I have business experience, but I need to hear from people who live in real-ville, that the red tape Panama boasts about NOT having is true, that there is no global warming treaties threating business, that there is no Agenda 21 or other UN anti sovernity. I hope I find someone who will tell me if this is a bad police state ( I already heard about pay day check points, if that is true), but just ordinary life. I hope to hear .
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802mark
From: Panama
12/5/2012 07:46 EST
Your america is lost but yet you hold onto conservative and liberal ways. asking for help but only from people who think like you.
This is panama, and a panamaian doesn't think at all like a american. what might work for you in the state would fail down here.
I moved down here years ago to get away from the u.s. ways, each year they seem to pull you on a shorter leash, taking most of what you make and feeding the bankers.
I got tired of big brother telling me what color I could paint buildings that I owned, or what I could do with them. or that the grass had to be cut.
down here you have rules like any other place, but they are not hard to follow. very little red tape if you know what your doing. no Agenda 21 here YET... YOU DO UNDERSTAND, you are not safe any where on this planet from their control right?
panama right now is pretty open and free to let the people do what they wish. police check points? yes we have them from time to time police set up and check your ID. flash em a passport or DL and your waved pass like everyone else... the reason for these are to look out for drug shipments that come through here all the time.
panama has many openings for all types of biz here so find your spot first and then spend the time looking around to see what might work there. wish you the best.
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pdrun
12/5/2012 08:12 EST
I am about as conservative as you will find in Panama. I have lived in the Boquete area for over 2 years and you will find expats here doing all the things that you mentioned.
Although I would not want to paint a picture of paradise, it is as close as some of us have found. There have been recent law changes making it easier for foreigners to get visas and work here. The advice that I always give people who are thinking of coming here is to not come based on a feeling of discontent with American but come with a desire to learn the language, experience the culture and get to know the people. The second thing is come here and rent and travel the country to decide if this really makes sense for you. Those that I have seen that really got to know the country are the ones that are most happy being here.
Good luck.
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jonoyakker
12/5/2012 08:55 EST
Come down and visit-see what it's like. Sit down, spend some $ with a GOOD lawyer (I can refer one) Living here is pretty easy, running a business is much trickier with lots of bureaucracy. If you want to run a biz catering to Panamanians, remember that most are poor.
And habla Espanol?
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Bobbigirl
12/5/2012 11:42 EST
I understand your feelings. I, too, am looking to move. I am not a liberal, a conservative, a redneck, etc. I hate labels. I am probably a bit of every label in America.I dislike none of them. It is what it is and people here are too into their 'labels'.
I am not IN Panama, as yet, and have not visited. I am planning a visit early Feb. I have, however, been all over Mexico and Belize. I am most at home with a 'less is more' lifestyle. I do not NEED nor do I WANT 'stuff' and I do not care if my computer does not work for a week or two (or three!) or if my cell phone gets reception at one spot only on the property. As is my situation now.( I call that spot the phone booth!) I do not care for television and would much rather spend time at a local hangout with friends or at a venue of some sort. That being said, I am looking at Panama. I was considering Belize but it has changed over the years. As has Mexico. All I truly know at this point is that it is time for a change. Plus, the expats in Panama seem quite FEISTY. I like that in an expat!!! (Just use spell check before you post!)
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Bobbigirl
12/5/2012 12:23 EST
Anyway, I wanted to say that I met a young couple (What am I saying? I was young then, too!) in Akumal, Mexico way back when it was a NOTHING town, who opened a tiny little breakfast/lunch place near the only 'resort' in the area at that time. (Not no more!!) They incorporated a book exchange, an info corner, enticed 'newbies' by selling themselves as a place to hook up with others for info, fun, whatever, all the while selling them tea and smoothies and anything else that people decided they wanted back then! It worked! It became THE out of the way 'spot'. They were smart and stayed small. Outdoor space is ALWAYS available in a warm climate and plastic chairs are cheap! They did very well. They saw a 'need' and they keep looking for NEW needs (wants). I guess I am trying to say that, it seems to me, that being versatile, having patience, an open mind and a willingness to go with the flow, will get you a long way in this crazy world. I am guessing this is extra true in Panama! As to the 'politics' involved, I think it can be dealt with. I, after all, managed to open a business in California. (How stupid can a person be!! ) Good luck. To us all.
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Bobbigirl
12/5/2012 13:27 EST
And just to clarify, as to avoid criticism, I was refering to MYSELF as the stupid person.
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panamajames
12/5/2012 14:27 EST
You sound like I was sounding back in 2004 when I was making my way to Panama, slowly but surely. I now have my E-Cedula and heading towards naturalization and citizenship, and soon to become a Panamanian. And I happen to live in Real-ville, what a coincidence.
Your skills will be valued here and your eco friendly ideas will be welcomed. You can start by explaining that trash belongs in appropriate containers and recycling is important, and work up from there.
It isn't easy to change years of lifestyle, but I have seen many good changes here. I think the attitudes are changing towards giving a $5 bill or a $20 dollar bill to a policeman so that he goes away.
Bill, one of the fellows who visited here recently and is on this blog from time to time, will tell you. He was stopped a few times and refused to give out any money. The police are getting extra money now and the word is out on them with special telephone numbers to call if you have trouble. Then hand the phone over to your roadside policeman offender and he can explain his actions to the Police Chief because your Spanish is not that understandable.
But the important thing is, to come for a visit and see if you like it. Mingle with the locals and the expats and hear the stories.....sit in the park for the day and see if this lifestyle is for you. I had many holiday trips here and the panamalady is right......It's not for everyone, but we all love it and wouldn't live anywhere else.......
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tharin4prez
12/5/2012 15:16 EST
PJ ... you mean an acceptable recycle container isn't the side of the road? If everyone was to start doing the right thing ... then what will the vultures do for food?
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panamajames
12/5/2012 17:25 EST
You got it tharin4prez. When you see that kind of trash tossed out the window, get on your horn and let them know that is not acceptable. I have been known to try and feed the vultures with an occasional apple core but the real trash needs to be picked up and disposed of. We need some chain gangs or school kids out on the roadways to set some examples. How about a senior citizen expat walk with green garbage bags and a pokey stick.
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tharin4prez
12/6/2012 10:56 EST
20+ years ago when we built our house there weren't many neighbors. Now the neighborhood isn't much differant than the Panama typical w/ houses too darn close. Anyway, some of the neighbors used the ditch lines as their designated garbage area. I started to clean and cuss, and clean and cuss ... then cussed some more! But now just about everyone keeps their eras clean. If for no other reason I try to explain to them ... it's better for re-sale value should you want to sell.
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tharin4prez
12/6/2012 10:59 EST
Besides, garbage fees are extremely low. I think my monthly bill is something like $1.40 and they pick it up twice a week!
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athomas
12/6/2012 17:01 EST
I agree. We have lost our country to a disguised Communist dictator. I can't stay. Planning another exploratory trip the end of January for about 30 days. Looking for a small place, cheap, as I will be out and about during the day. Have an attorney and stock broker and want a place near the stock exchange. I have friends in Boquete, but I am a city guy - Chicago. Now live in Florida. Stay in touch. Look forward to meeting you when I get there.
Al
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