If you are thinking of moving out of the United States or just need a place to have a second home, consider Panama. There are many places that freedom-minded people are looking for as the United States is in the throes of a financial collapse and a definitive police state, and Panama is a treasured neighbor to the south that can provide you with stability, security, and prosperity.
In mid-April, Ernie and I visited Panama with some friends and would consider going back. There are many positive aspects that freedom loving individuals tend to look for when choosing a place to call home, and Panama has many of those features.
Panama is a land bridge between two continents (North and South America), is the southern-most country of Central America, is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Columbia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital is Panama City, which is host to the Panama Canal. Revenues from the tolls coming thru the canal are the major source of Panama's GDP, allowing Panama to have the second largest economy in Central America.
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Other features of interest to many include things like the climate, disposition of the people who live there, economy/currency, technology, utilities/facilities, education, language, and, of course, food.
The climate is favorable - it is tropical, breezy, and, where we were at least, there were no bugs. The people are friendly â€" everywhere we went, there were smiling faces that were eager to say 'hello'. At least for now, they use the dollar as the currency of choice. There are many modern conveniences in Panama that you have in the U.S.; access to the internet is available and although not as fast as you might be used to here in the United States, it is available in most places. And cell phones are very popular (just like they are everywhere else). For utilities, many places have wells and septic for their water and sewer, but the larger cities (like Panama City) have municipal services. Panama has public education that is fair, but there are many who send their children to private schools. Here, they learn a variety of subjects which will prepare them to go to college or the university. While mainly a Spanish-speaking country, many residents know and understand English and many are bi-lingual. The food is wonderful â€" mild flavored compared to Latin American or Caribbean cuisine, and common dishes include corn, rice, tortillas, beef, chick, pork, and lots of seafood. 
While visiting Panama, we were on the southern coast along the Gulf of Panama/Pacific Ocean side in a community called Rio Mar. There is a development that is in the process of being built, and should be completed in about 3 years. The development is Punta Caelo, and if you would like more information about the community, please contact me by email at donnahancock@cox.net, or by cell at 602-828-1819.
Punta Caelo...
Punta Caelo is a seaside residential community that will have apartments/condos with ocean views (Solaria), and beautiful villas/ townhouses (Luceros), and a beach club (Club de Playa) on the property.
HERE IS THE MASTERPLAN FOR PUNTA CAELO:
A fusion of contemporary design and natural finishes, combined with natural indoor lighting. All interior and exterior are designed to promote the concept of bringing the outdoors inside - creating opportunities to enhance the spirit and inspire the soul.
SOLARIA...
Solaria offers 109 luxury apartments surrounded by a spectacular contemporary architectural environment. Beautifully designed apartments with private balconies or terraces with incredible views of the sea and the nature that surrounds them.
VIEW FLOOR PLANS
LUCEROS...
Luceros is Punta Caelo’s stunningly designed new phase of 38 luxurious Townhouses. Luceros Townhouses are spread across an exceptional area of landscaped forest boasting a comfortable, private social area with pool and barbecue. Consisting of 2 storey duplex and fourplex buildings, each Luceros unit offers 170 m2 (1840 sq. ft) of beautifully light and airy space.
VIEW FLOOR PLANS
CLUB DE PLAYA (BEACH CLUB)...
Azules is an exclusive residents club on the ocean, a gathering point where you can share, enjoy and celebrate with family and friends. The intimate yet open Clubhouse has been designed to bring all the facets of this community together so residents can enjoy the many benefits of their Punta Caelo environment in comfortable and stylish surroundings.
Here are some pictures from our trip...
Day 1 - Ernie and Donna Hancock:
Day 2
A view of the Pacific coast side of Panama:
Looking to the east...
To the west...
Day 3
Fan Palm Trees:
The shrimp stare back at you:
Day 4
At the beach...Black Sand:
Day 5
Panama City...
Downtown:
Modern Architecture:
Boats in the Gulf of Panama:
Day 6
Panama Canal- Ships are entering channel locks from the Pacific going north
to the Caribbean:
Ships going thru channel locks:
Ships heading north to Caribbean:
Communication Tower:
Old Town in Panama City:
Entrance to the Presidential Palace:
Day 7
Not sure what kind of trees these are, but they are beautiful:
Walking along the beach:
Barnacles:
Ernie enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean - water temperature must have been around 80 degrees F:
If you have any questions about Panama, please feel free to contact me at 602-828-1819, or donnahancock@cox.net.
