Panama Expat Forum

DoctorG
Joined 2020
Posts: 35

3 years ago

Another newbie caught up in CV-19 hell

3 years ago

Greetings, all...

I was just getting ready to book my 2-week exploratory journey to Panama and Bocas Del Toro where I think I want to live when the virus began changing lives.

I’ve been posting on another thread because the search engine on this site did not turn up anything when I typed in “Bocas Del Toro” (No forum topics were found under your search criteria, it said). Well, I found this and another thread through a Google search using “Bocas Del Toro Forum” as my query.
I’ve read enough of other forums to know how tired you must all be with the same "when can I come" questions, so I'm not going there. I get it. No one knows.

So I'm realizing that most generously likely scenario what with the six-part Panamanian reopening model, what with the state of the virus here in the US as our infection numbers are climbing again (we do love our freedom!)… and if the whole system doesn't just collapse, maybe we'll see a reopening there by mid-October at best.

So with that happy forecast, I just wanted to introduce myself to my (hopefully) new neighbors in and around Bocas in the hope of making some new friends and having some connections when and if I ever get there.

I'm also hoping to find someone (I'll be happy to pay them) who would be willing to spend some time showing me around. It might be an ex-pat or a local who speaks a little English… maybe so we can also help each other improve our second-language skills.

So let me tell you a little about me in the hope that I'll start making some connections through mutual interests,

First, I'm a single (divorced) 75 YO man who is a 30 yr+ freelance graphic designer/illustrator and a digital nomad who works online through Upwork.com, so I'm bringing my self-employment with me.

I'm in excellent health and leaving cars behind in exchange for walking, a bike and maybe later a boat.

I'm coming to rent at first as suggested but will be looking forward to recreating my 25+ bed organic garden that I had in North Carolina.

I'm learning Spanish but will be looking to perhaps volunteer at Habla Ya Spanish School as I learn about differences in sustainable living in the Caribbean vs. the Blue Ridge Mtns of NC as I continue learning Spanish.

I'm also an author of a book about Men's spirituality and consciousness and do men's and couples workshops, teach meditation, and offer counseling as an ordained Shamanic Minister and a certified Life Coach, a shamanic breathwork facilitator and a level II Reiki practitioner.

Oh, yeah...any ex-pat bands there (any ex-pats at all???)? I hear there are but haven't seen any evidence of that so far on this site!

I spent 10 years as a professional musician and singer and still perform occasionally at the Napa Blue Note jazz club, and would love to connect with other musicians. I'm bringing my mic and mic stand with me.

Last, for now, I'll also be bringing my art supplies with me and plan to start creating art tailored specifically to the area for whoever, I've attached one of my pieces and am really excited about jumping into that when I get there and get settled.

Well, here's to hopefully connecting with some new best friends-to-be and men (or women!) who I can smoke an occasional cigar with and talk philosophy and politics (eh... maybe forget the politics)

Gary
The Right Reverend Dr. G

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.