In Focus: Panama

Panama may not be known as a global environmental steward... especially when compared with its neighbor to the west, Costa...

The Panama Canal Railway opened in 1855 and was the world's first transcontinental railroad, creating an easy way to traverse...

The first time I saw the Baha'i Temple in Panama City it made an impression... Painted brilliant white and shaped...

Bocas del Toro stands out from the rest of Panama… The vibe here is Caribbean-Calypso. The people are unfailingly good-natured,...

White sand beaches and sunny days… No snow to shovel… Leaving behind the stresses of everyday life… These are just...

Hindsight is 2020... and we’ve definitely learned a lot this year. Cities have been eerily quiet during the pandemic and...

Panama is a gorgeous, diverse country with everything from white-sand beaches on the Atlantic coast to the capital of Panama...

For over seven months I have been stranded in Canada due to COVID-19. But now that flights are allowed, I...

The other day a friend asked, “Is that ‘White Christmas’?” The song was in Spanish, but the tune was easily...

Some things we take for granted living in the United States, Canada, and other developed countries. Things that tourists and...

Moving a pet across international borders can be a daunting process, but not an impossible one. There are only a...

Seven months into this pandemic, and we still don’t know what the “new normal” might be. Here in Panama we’ve...

Many who visit Panama come away praising the country for its thriving economy, in which everybody benefits and products are...

I was excited to find the Mercado de Mariscos during my first year of living in Panama. I love seafood....

Panama City is still under strict lockdown. Men and women are allowed to go out on certain days, at certain...

Is it possible to cross borders by car in Latin America?... This is a question I get asked a lot...

Panama is surrounded by countless stunning islands that add to her allure. But none are as steeped in history or...

Al van Meurs decided to move from Canada to Panama due to this country's welcoming nature toward foreign investors. Soon...

The rainy season is upon us. Here in Panama this time of year, it doesn’t rain all day or even...

As the backbone of Panama's ever-expanding economy, Panama City is constantly under pressure. Many of its residents work high-stress office...

"I can find almost everything and anything here!" I said in astonishment when I found a can of ackee, one...

If you're looking for easy living in the tropics, Panama and Costa Rica would be your best choices. Knowing which...

New Years has come and gone, but hopefully everyone is still hanging on to their resolutions or at least deciding...

Ecology. The Environment. Recycling. These are the constant buzz words in circulation these days, and Panama has climbed aboard that...

I don’t consider myself an investment-savvy person… Or at least I didn’t when I moved to Panama in 2005, at...

The railroad rumbles through town as the shift-change siren wails overhead. There is a cargo ship stacked high with bananas...

Buying a car in Panama can be an adventure. My first attempt culminated in the loss of US$6,000 and a...

Celebrating Christmas or any other holiday in a foreign country can be a truly enjoyable experience. Panama offers all the...

If you've been in Panama a while or you're considering investing in Panama, you've probably heard about the road to...

What are the kids going to do about school?” My mother’s coffee mug hovered in mid-air, half-lifted as she paused...

In the 1970s, Ricard "Punky" Icaza, Freddy Dietz, Maxi Castrellón, and Ricardo Fábrega were on the hunt for Panama's best...

May in Panama is the time for the Fiesta de la Etnia Negra or, loosely translated, Black History Month. Unlike...

Easter actually lasts for more than a week in Panama. It lasts just over 40 days and is a roller...

At this moment, most of North America and Europe are merely dreaming about warm temperatures and the tasty treats of...

Before I start writing about Panama's economy, I really must insist upon a few things: no yawning, no snoring, and...

Panama’s Forgotten Animals I was never much of an animal lover, even though I did have pets growing up. A...

My first job in Panama was working as a primary school teacher. I obtained this job only by arriving at...

Panama is one of the most developed countries in the region—fully appointed in nearly every aspect... except postal service, which...

Imagine yourself standing on the deck of a sturdy boat, a beautiful, sunny day ahead of you, and just in...

Be sure to enjoy that last blast of yuletide cheer before it all goes the way of Christmas past... for...

Building Not Just A Home But A New Lifestyle On Panama’s Beautiful Azuero Coast What started out as a desire...

Little known fact: one of the rarest, most sought-after, and expensive coffees in the world comes from Panama. Seriously. Panama...

A faithful reader wrote recently asking if we could do a report about the golfing scene in Panama. Not being...

It's never too late—or too early, for that matter—to take on a new hobby. When I moved to Panama, I...

I'm turning this week's edition of In Focus: Panama over to our good friend, Liz Larroquette. Liz, a transplant to...

One of the many trendy boutique hotels in El Cangrejo As a happy resident of rural Panama, I don't get...