A "new" Panama City neighborhood to consider 

Thank YOU, Brandon and Vicki! Maurice and I are so fortunate to have great people like you to work with. It was and is a joy.

Judith, it continues on the same direction but nothing unexpected since the video as posted. I don't promote one area or another, but in this case I wanted to mention something no one else was talking about and yet deserved attention. If you come down, let me know and we can introduce you to this growing area. Real estate agents here generally stick with areas they know well and where they have developed special relationships with some developers But once you are here, you are free to look anywhere you like!

Well, "old guy", that sounds like you know what to do and, best of all, you can catch the Metro right at the airport and take it to the bus terminal at Albrook, quick and cheap. You can't beat that! Gotta love the Metro.

@@panamawave And you can pay the fare with a contactless Mastercard/ Visa credit or debit card at the turnstile. Forget buying tickets or metro cards.

That's great to hear! We would be happy to help you find a rental, just let us know when your schedule is set.

It's always my pleasure, Brian!

I had my cataracts removed here without incident, so I trust you will have the same experience! It made a big difference for me.

Thank you for the compliment, Gilbert! I do my best!

Sounds good, Terence! When you are ready and should you choose, let me know and Maurice and I will our best to help. But even if that's not the case, there's no reason we can't share a cup of coffee! I have met so wonderful people that way over the last two decades and look forward to meeting more!

@@panamawave I am trying to research a little about El Dorado. I know I have to get my feet on the ground there too! btw, does La Cresta have departamentos or solo casas??

La Cresta has apartments, but it's a small area and there isn't as much selection as in other neighborhood. But if you find the right place, the view can be outstanding!

Good question, Jane! But keep in mind that it hasn't happened yet to any great extent. At this point, this is primarily speculation but based on very educated guesswork, so it is important that we are prepared for it. If Canal income does fall, will it have an effect on development budgeting? Sure, of some sort, but nothing too dramatic from what is seen now. The shortfall could be as high as $200M, but that is only about 4% of annual Canal revenue of roughly $5B (that's billion), or 8% of the $2.5B budgeted last year to be shared with the government at the end of this September when the Fiscal Year (FY2023) ends and a new one (FY2024) begins. They still hope to be able to reach that level or very close to it. It is the last quarter of the calendar year of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 when concerns are greatest. Those are the first six months of FY2024. At that point, we may have to reduce the estimate for FY2024's contribution. Assuming the final approval of the new contract for copper mining, it should be noted that the increase in income from copper will be greater than $200M. Of course, we never like to lose any income, but this is not Panama's "first rodeo" when it comes to shifts in rainfall, or global trade, or the economy. Not so long ago, people told us we would not recover to our pre-pandemic 2019 level of economic activity until 2024 or 2025. We did it by the end of 2021 and have not looked back since. We assume nothing, but Panama plans for the worst and works for the best. Until then, this is just life in the 21st century. You play the cards you are dealt.

@@panamawave Hi Bob: Why did I hear as lately as yesterday or the day before that China actually owns the Panama Canal?? That is what I believed forever until I rather recently found you…. ❤

William, if you scroll to the top of the page, you will find that I "pinned" a comment there in answer to that question. I h ope that helps.

@@panamawave Well...using my phone anyway... your reply is at the top...I can't scroll any further up. Maybe once the power is restored I can use my laptop and find it.

Well, it's a long one, William, but here it is again for you! Hope you can scroll down enough to get it all. ----- Good question, Jane! But keep in mind that it hasn't happened yet to any great extent. At this point, this is primarily speculation but based on very educated guesswork, so it is important that we are prepared for it. If Canal income does fall, will it have an effect on development budgeting? Sure, of some sort, but nothing too dramatic from what is seen now. The shortfall could be as high as $200M, but that is only about 4% of annual Canal revenue of roughly $5B (that's billion), or 8% of the $2.5B budgeted last year to be shared with the government at the end of this September when the Fiscal Year (FY2023) ends and a new one (FY2024) begins. They still hope to be able to reach that level or very close to it. It is the last quarter of the calendar year of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 when concerns are greatest. Those are the first six months of FY2024. At that point, we may have to reduce the estimate for FY2024's contribution. Assuming the final approval of the new contract for copper mining, it should be noted that the increase in income from copper will be greater than $200M. Of course, we never like to lose any income, but this is not Panama's "first rodeo" when it comes to shifts in rainfall, or global trade, or the economy. Not so long ago, people told us we would not recover to our pre-pandemic 2019 level of economic activity until 2024 or 2025. We did it by the end of 2021 and have not looked back since. We assume nothing, but Panama plans for the worst and works for the best. Until then, this is just life in the 21st century. You play the cards you are dealt.

@@panamawave Thanks Bob! And is it true that the authorities have been doing some sort of engineering study for a plan, for a project to transfer water from another part of the country to the canal?

Planning has been underway for some time and the extensive and detailed plan will be presented later this year, but the general outline is known and no surprise. It was already included in budget projections as a $2 billion project but that may be increased to speed implementation.

Jan, I cannot do phone calls or I would be swamped. Beyond that, you are always better off sitting in the nation where you may relocate and speaking face-to-face with a resident. When you can see and directly experience a nation or city, you will have the opportunity to speak to someone and then look for yourself. As for meeting other expats in the city, you may go to an InterNations dinner group or other gathering for example, or join Facebook groups living in your area of interest and seeing what they have to offer. Of course, if you have picked up any Spanish while living in Texas or Mexico, all the better, but not a necessity! As for being a single woman, you are unlikely to have difficulties. Daytime is easy and, assuming you don't have a car of your own like me, if you have to go outside your neighborhood, Ubers are excellent transport here and much cheaper than in the US. The key is getting out and meeting people. You can do it! But in any case, I never charge anyone for sitting and talking after their first arrival, or any other time for that matter! I especially do my best to be available for newbies who are visiting for the first time. It is always nice to have someone to talk to when you are new. So if you do come down, let me know and we can share a coffee!