About Flowerchild

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Belize: Bars on Windows? Trashy? Unsafe?:

I searched your forum but did not find exact answers. So, risking sounding like a complete snob, I thought I would ask if local Belize indigenous were dirt poor? Trashy? Resentful of expats or target them for crimes? Is Belize a third world country? We are researching retirement locations and recently visited Panama. Yes, it is beautiful and the natural surroundings are like paradise, but there's bars, razor wire, walled fortifications on every house, even the modest ones. The people throw their trash everywhere. The businesses look like a run down lean to's at a swap meet. The locals seem to resent outsiders and frequently take advantage of them. I felt like a target most of the time I was there. We currently live in rural Arkansas, where everyone is friendly and there's very little crime. We moved here from CA because the cost of living is low and it was a safe place to raise our daughter. We are just sick of the cold and occasional snow and ice, and we miss the ocean.

Panama: Where is it beautiful in Panama?:

We visited a couple weeks ago and stayed in the beach area 1-1/2 hours from Panama City. Nueva Gorgona, Coronado, etc. The natural part of Panama is beautiful, like paradise, but I was disappointed by the trash and run down businesses, neighborhoods and towns. I don't mean to insult any locals or expats who have chosen to call Panama home, but I am curious if the whole country is like that or if we stayed in a particularly undeveloped or poor area. I know the people are poor, but I expected the actual towns to be quaint and charming, if maybe a little run down. Mostly they resembled crowded, dirty swap meets. We toured Casco Vieho, drove up to El Valle and over to Penenome. I don't mean to sound like a snob. We are considering retiring in Panama in 5-10 years. We like the cost of living, the weather, proximity to the ocean, etc. We are very concerned about all the reports of expats being victimized by locals. I am not concerned about losing our money or belongings, but extreme violence against foreigners seems to be on the rise. We are not rich. We don't want to retire in a walled off, secured, all foreigner compound. We plan to visit several more times. I am curious if there are areas of the country that have pretty, relatively safe small towns, that accept newcomers that want to join their community. We are hoping to visit towns down in the peninsula, up along the Caribbean, and some more mountain towns. Any insight would be appreciated.

Panama: Second hand items:

Im dreaming and planning to move to Panama in about 10 years. Please forgive me that I have no idea what to expect. I'm curious, is it difficult to find used items in Panama? I've always bought everything second hand in USA. This country has soooo much money, and it seems people donate or throw away perfectly good stuff when they get bored of it, so there has never been a shortage of used items to buy. I buy my cars used, furniture, appliances, household items, toys, clothing, cameras, jewelry, etc. Not usually electronics. It will not be difficult for me to part with all I own, as it was recycled to begin with. I figure to give it away and let another person love it for awhile. But with Panama's repressed economy and many people below poverty, I assume there is slim pickings for recycled goods. I am trying to figure out what I absolutely need to bring. Some items may be difficult to replace inexpensively. How about a well built sewing machine? I own one manufactured in USA in the 60's. It is comprised of all metal parts and is quality made. I alter all of my clothes to fit me properly and I make some items. I also sew items for the home; curtains, slip covers, etc. How difficult will it be to find a good machine? Or would it be less complicated to just find a great tailor? Are there thrift stores? Charity stores? Craig's list?

Panama: Expat bound and killed in new home:

I hope I don't offend any of the expat members of this forum with my observations and input... I recently read an article in a medical journal that referenced a scientific study about why seniors are so frequently victims of fraud. The study proved a chemical/hormonal change that occurs in the mind of the elderly (70+) that causes them to become more trusting, vulnerable and gullible. I read posts about crime towards expats in Panama and see a correlation between their advanced age and increased trust in near strangers. Most of the posters state that a person needs to be aware of their safety and surroundings and not automatically trust all the locals. Some posters even scoff at the gringo mistakes, but I wonder if it may be caused by brain changes. ????

Panama: Supplies for running a business:

We are seriously considering retirement in Panama. We have even booked our first trip to visit. Our retirement is at least 10 years away. We are also considering relocating sooner if we can start a viable business to support ourselves. My husband and his father have a hobby/moonlight business in the U.S., that may be lucrative in Panama. He is a fiberglass tub and shower repair man. Most new construction here use molded fiberglass units when building homes/apartments. Those break or crack and it is terribly expensive to replace the whole unit. So they fix them. My question is: would he be able to buy the supplies for this company in Panama? Or would he need to have this shipped in? I assume it would be similar to boat repair supplies.

Panama: Coronado area - 2014 Kia RIO for sale:

This doesn't have anything to do with your car. (I hope you are successful in that venture) and I apologize if I am prying...can I ask why you are moving to USA? Are you an American expat moving back? If so, how long did you live in Panama? I am doing research and was curious if Panama didn't work out for you.

Panama: 1 week stay first visit to Panama:

We (husband,self and teen daughter) plan to visit Panama for the first time in October 2015. We want to explore the country as much as possible, so are looking for a central base or two. We fly in to PC, but don't really want to stay in the city (not really interested in PC) We plan to rent a car. We are concerned about safety, although I'm originally from CA US, so am alert and bring my brain with me when traveling. We won't do much tourist activities (except hit the beach a bit.) I have researched for about a month and am feeling overwhelmed and under informed. The choices are vast and incredibly varied. Can anyone recommend a contact to assist us in choosing a vacation rental, based on preferences?

Panama: Expat place to move:

Where is Madellin?

Date Joined:

7/26/2015

Total Posts:

23

Posts/Day:

0.04