Thursday, July 17, 2008
Read more about Panama in International Living Postcards—your daily escape
Dear International Living Reader,
We just received a letter from an IL reader about one of our favorite countries.
"My first visit to Panama was a disappointment," he says. Uh-oh! He goes on to say: "It has been described in glowing terms by IL, but what I found a few months ago was a sleepy place. The traffic is scary and at times the bay smells. Granted, the people were wonderful, the prices were good, the weather was excellent. But we couldn’t find a place to have a nice drink or meal. I know that everything is subjective or in the eyes of the beholder…so I’d appreciate your insights. This is more of an inquiry than a complaint, as I want to understand how my impression could vary so from the positive outlook presented by International Living."
We asked Jessica Ramesch, editor of our Panama Insider newsletter, to respond:
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you liked the people, prices and weather…indeed, these are Panama’s major draws. As a city girl, the buzzing nightlife was a main factor in my decision to live in Panama City, and the same is true for many of the expats living here today.
This weekend, for example, I went to a big international wine expo, saw a Neil Simon play (in English), and had spicy Indian curry at one of my favorite restaurants, Taj Mahal. See, Panama City is spread out, and unless you’re an insider, you may find it hard to figure out which areas are hot, and which are not…but we can help you there.
One of the hippest places to have a cocktail or a bite to eat is the sushi/martini bar at the Decapolis hotel. The clean, modern décor is the perfect backdrop for Panama’s bold and beautiful to see and be seen. One of my favorite restaurants is an international fusion restaurant called Twist, because it somehow manages to impress in four of the areas I deem most important: décor/ambience, quality, creativity, and presentation. The best upscale night club is Guru (you’ll pay for the "elite" atmosphere…the cover and drinks are more expensive than at other local clubs). The place is big but still manages to feel intimate, and the music and service are great.
If you decide to come again, consult the reports and back issues available to Panama Insider subscribers…like "Your Insiders Guide to Panama City: Never a Dull Moment," which features my top 20 restaurants and a varied list of fun things to do. Also, you might consider visiting areas outside Panama City…the islands, mountains, beaches, and countryside areas that we write about in Panama Insider and that draw expats with their "un-touristy" feel.
That said, keep in mind that Panama’s nightlife isn’t going to rival older, First-World cities like London or New York. I often say Panama City isn’t right for everyone. Every place has its pros and cons. You’ll need to weigh things you don’t like…my pet peeve is the prodigious traffic…against positives such as low crime, tropical climate, convenient geographical location, friendly and attractive locals, and low cost of living. For me, the pros outweigh the cons 10 to one…
I know we offer a lot of information and at times it can be overwhelming, but we hope you’ll continue reading and visit again soon to experience Panama as a Panama Insider.
Best regards,
Jessica Ramesch
Your Panama Insider, International Living
P.S. It’s not too late: We’ll discuss Panama’s best areas for living and investing in great detail at the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar, July 31–Aug. 2. Become a true insider and reap all the knowledge to ensure your time in Panama is dazzling, not disappointing. Our array of experts in topics such as real estate, health care, taxes, and more will help you get a concrete plan to make your Panama dreams come true. Live, work, invest, do business, retire…we can help you do it all in Panama quickly, more effectively, and for less than you may have thought possible…but hurry, there are only 14 places left!
Read related IL Postcards:
- The Best Beach in Panama (They Tried to Keep it Secret)
