We’ve been telling you about the phenomenon that is occurring in Panama these days. More and more people are coming here to retire, invest or just to find a new, nicer life.
Today, we have some very exciting news. The world’s best-loved celebrity has decided to forsake the cold and loneliness of the north and head south to a warmer, slower pace of life here in Panama.
That’s right…our International Living Panama office has been working for several months now to help this gentleman make the transition from full-time craftsman to full-time (or at least part-time) beach bum. (It is doubtful this workaholic will ever retire for good.)
Although you would instantly recognize him if you saw him, our client has requested that we keep his identity undercover for now. Panamanians, however, cannot keep a secret, and the word is out locally about our new home boy. While many Panamanians spotted Mr. X (as in "Xmas") when he was in town recently, those who did not see him in person began posting signs around town such as this one, at right.
Mr. X has now taken to wearing Bermuda shorts and dark socks with sandals in an effort to "blend in" with the tourist crowd and expats here. He has, however, vowed not to shave his trademark white beard until he retires officially on the morning of December 25.
As we mentioned – and like most baby boomers these days – Mr. X will not retire for good. In fact, he is shopping for a warehouse in the Capira mountains outside Panama City where he can relocate his manufacturing business. He plans to move a dozen or more of his diminutive workforce to Panama and, if his business continues to grow, he will supplement that work force with locals.
"Labor costs are lower in Panama than where I’m from," he said with a broad face and a little round belly that shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. "And the proximity of the Free Trade Zone in Colon means that I can cut my distribution costs in half. My travel time, too, will be reduced thanks to Panama’s central location."
Most of all, says Mr. X, he is looking forward to sand instead of snow, and to drinking Atlas beer instead of hot chocolate. We know how he feels.
Ho Ho Ho and Warmest Regards to All this Holiday Season,
Your International Living staff in Panama and around the world.
