Writing and Nature Collide

One of the highlights of my month is attending my Write Along workshop. A group of us gather monthly to write together and critique the work of one another.  We have an established, safe space to work and share. The group agrees never to share the work of another writer. Privacy is the safety net for doing some great writing and enjoying the company of other great writers. 

The workshops are facilitated by Lyndi Allison who is in the final stages of publishing her first full length novel. Her novel is a work of fiction that has been written for the enjoyment of young teens. It is science-fiction fantasy and will be the first in a series. Lyndi is a retired educator from Canada. She has been offering writing workshops in Panama at Tranquilo Retreat for several years. Tranquilo Retreat is a place designed to welcome writers and inspire the creative juices needed to create great work.

Tranquilo Retreat
Tranquilo Retreat

While the retreat is a great place to write, it was the vision of Lyndi to host a workshop out in nature. Our small group took the challenge and made a short hike to the Filipina Falls near Altos Del Maria here in Panama. The falls inspired us all to write from a different perspective. We all felt that nearness to nature was a special treat for our workshop this past week. The workshop went so well that we are talking about taking the next one to the beach. 

The trail-head at Filipina Falls
The trail-head at Filipina Falls
The start of a short hike
The start of a short hike
Even in the cool mountain air I am sweating up a storm
Even in the cool mountain air I am sweating up a storm
cool tree
cool tree
The welcoming party
The welcoming party
We never expected so many dogs...
We never expected so many dogs…
they stayed with us all morning
they stayed with us all morning
Norma made a new friend
Norma made a new friend
The group of us
The group of us
We spotted a mama Sloth
We spotted a mama Sloth
Lyndi made a special friend too
Lyndi made a special friend too
Group shot from above (thanks to our special photographer)
Group shot from above (thanks to our special photographer)

I have to be incredibly careful here not to defy the confidence of the other writers in the group. We all write with the understanding that what is said in Write Along stays in Write Along. There are rare times when a piece is so special that the writer gives permission for his or her work to be shared. That was the case with the piece I am going to share below. Lyn Gilbert who is my friend, adventure buddy, and one of the others who participate in our monthly workshops, wrote this after being inspired by the nature all around the falls.  

When we gather to write, the facilitator, Lyndi, provides us with a prompt to get things started. We are free to use the prompt provided or write something different. At times I will write something that can be used later for a blog or newsletter post. Generally, though, I write to the prompt, as do most of the others. 

When we arrived at the trailhead, we were met by several very friendly dogs who lead us to the falls and spent the entire morning with us before leading us back. Once at the falls, we all settled on the rocks at the base of the falls, close enough to enjoy the cool mist emanating from the water pouring down. Lyndi brought along a batch of her incredible homemade muffins which we enjoyed while chatting about the release of her book. When the time came to write Lyndi provided a prompt. The first prompt of the workshop was a fill in the blank, I never expected…. Lyn’s piece was the one I am sharing below.

We got the chance to see Lyndi's book
We got the chance to see Lyndi’s book

I never expected it to be so all encompassing. The last year of our lives it has taken over everything, from our thoughts to our actions. Everything we do, feel, or say seems to evolve around COVID. People have lost friends and family, but not due to the actual illness, but because of uncertainty, politics, and fear. It has been the deciding factor in every aspect of our lives, where we go, when, what we do, and how we dress. But the worst of it is the feelings it has brought on…confusion, frustration, angst, fear, anger, and loneliness.

Sitting here next to this beautiful waterfall, watching the clear water with the yellow leaf floating by one can almost feel a world away from all of the uncertainty. Nature brings us back, it grounds us. We feel free and can breathe again. –Lyn Gilbert

In my weekly newsletter I explain that my feelings are each of us must take responsibility for our own health. We must do what we feel is right when it comes to going out, masking, and enjoying life. I hope you all get the newsletter and are enjoying it. I have tried to keep it short enough each week as not bore you, but long enough to pass on valuable deals and information. I have made a conscious decision to discontinue talking about COVID, including providing the weekly COVID report in my newsletter.  If that report is important to you, it appears daily in the All Things Coronado Facebook group.  Click the link to join the group. If you are missing the newsletter in your e-mail, perhaps you are not subscribed to the blog. It is free to blog subscribers and the archives are on the bar on the header above. If you find it interesting and informative subscribe to the blog on the right sidebar. I will never spam you or share your information.

The next writer’s event is open to anyone interested. Lyndi Allison, Diane Maxwell and I will be sharing our experience publishing our books. The event is at Tranquilo Retreat on April 1, 2021. Contact Lyndi to secure your space.

Diane Maxwell has launched her book which is available on Amazon and Kindle. She is having a launch event and signing at Picasso on March 30,2021 at 5PM. 

Lyndi will launch her book on April 15, 2021 at 7PM along with another author. Contact her to register for the on-line event. lynda@thewordtour.com 

Buy my book at Amazon or on Kindle by clicking here.

2 Retire In Panama? Adventures of a young retired couple is now available on Amazon and preorder on Kindle click the link to order https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BYZ4JSG
2 Retire In Panama? Adventures of a young retired couple is now available on Amazon and Kindle. Click on the link to order today. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BYZ4JSG

When an expat wants to buy a new car, the process can be overwhelming. I told my friend Marc Vargas that Jen and I were interested in upgrading our vehicle. I told him what we were looking for and our budget. I told him that I was interested in purchasing only if he could locate a good car at a good price. Marc eventually found a great car for us and we moved forward with the purchase. Buying a car in a foreign country is nothing like buying in the United States. I recommend Marc here in Panama because he can navigate the process and make sure that you are doing everything properly. Transferring the money and title, getting the plate transferred, and inspections are difficult, even if you know what you are doing. 

BMW X-5
BMW X-5
BMW X-5
BMW X-5
Our new car

After the purchase, Marc helped us find a new home for our Nissan. We were sorry to see the old car go, but Marc again came through and found it a new home with an expat couple who will love and care for it as much as we did. 

One of the best things about living in Panama is the eternal summer. Jen and I came to Panama for the consistently great weather and desirable cost of living. Living abroad does not come without challenges, and it is not for everyone. I started writing this blog to keep friends and family aware of what we were doing in retirement. The blog has turned into something that people all over the world are looking for on a regular basis. It has inspired the book by the same title and the newsletter that comes out weekly. I try my best to provide clear concise information about living as an expat couple. Many of you find the blog by visiting our Facebook page also by the same name. Many of you subscribe by e-mail and for that I thank you. Still others just happen upon it. Please help me out by liking and sharing the blog posts. This helps others find it. 

One of the greatest compliments we get is being contacted by readers. We have been contacted by numerous people who are on the same journey. Often, they pass through the area and we get together. Some have even become our friends and neighbors here in Panama. A few weeks ago, a lady contacted Jen. She had found the blog and bought my book. She asked about our hometown in the States. Turns out she was neighbors with a relative of mine and she recognized our name. They raised their family just minutes from where I grew up and their children attended the same school where I attended. They have recently retired and are making their exploration trip next month. We will be able to meet in person when they pass through Coronado. Another small world story that I thought you may enjoy. 

I have been blessed to have many people share their fan photos with me, and for that I am also appreciative. If you enjoyed the book, and are willing, I would love to get a selfie from you. You can share it on Facebook or send it by e-mail. I will use it in an upcoming newsletter.

Blessings from paradise, 

Greg and Jen

   

 

Never a dull moment here in Panama…

…even during a pandemic. Jen and I have been remaining busy through the ups and downs of lockdowns and curfews. If you have been following us through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my newsletter, you probably already know some of what I will share in this post. I sometimes have trouble getting motivated to write a blog post, but it seems that I had more to share than is possible on my weekly newsletter. If you are not getting the newsletter every Monday perhaps you have not yet subscribed to the get my blog in your inbox. It is well worth the effort. I share special deals, statistics on the virus as it pertains to Panama and much more. Just click the link below to subscribe and put in your e-mail address. You can leave your name if you wish. I do not share information with anyone. You will get an e-mail follow-up to confirm your subscription.

The feature image for this post is a sunrise over the Pacific. The photo was taken by Tom Gripman.

I have been attending a writers workshop nearly every month which encourages me to keep writing. Lynda Allison’s workshops are great and she offers them at Tranquilo Retreat . Lynda was instrumental in helping get my book published. Several of us write at each workshop based on prompts that Lynda provides. Once we finish in the allotted time, we each read our piece and the others offer feedback. We all agree never to share the work of anyone else (what happens at writing workshop stays at writing workshop). It is a totally safe and an non-judgmental atmosphere. Often the feedback I get encourages me to use more colorful and descriptive language. As I work to improve my writing, I find myself depending on pictures to enhance the readers pleasure. In March we will be hiking to a remote mountain waterfall where we will write.

Lynda Allison enjoying her copy of my book.

Despite the lockdowns on weekends and curfews, we have been fortunate to be able to enjoy the amenities of the resort where we live. That is the benefit to belonging to a private club with its own restaurants, bars, pool, spa, golf and tennis facilities. When we are unable to go outside the complex, we find everything for a good time right here on the property. The pictures below are just a few of our recent experiences here in Coronado.

Resort pool at Coronado luxury suites

A hooded lizard hanging by the pool

Gaviota

Dinner with friends

Happy Hour at Nazca 21

On Thursdays, we get together with two other couples for lunch and Mexican Train. That activity started in the middle of the complete lockdown. It was a mechanism to help all of us cope with the isolation. The six of us consider one another within the same “bubble”. More than once, one of us has stated that this was the single most important thing every week to maintain our personal sanity. We take turns cooking and rotate homes. These people rock!

The lunch and dominoes crew. Tyrone took the picture.

Jen and I have been blessed to be able to help others with our experience. One thing that we did was to help an expat couple secure a vehicle before their final move to Panama. This is not something that I would like to do often, but these people are special to us. Our friend, Marc Vargas, found an excellent vehicle for them, and in the process, made us wish for a new car as well. Marc kept a watchful eye on the market and was able to find us a great deal on a “new to us” car. This past week we were able to take delivery of it. It is most likely the nicest vehicle that either of us has ever owned or hoped for. Thank you, Marc, for all you do for us.

We upgraded our ride

Our new car

We upgraded our ride

I was able to buy a nice toolbox a few weeks ago. That kept me busy for days with assembly and organization. There was literally 1000 screws, and that was just for the assembly of the box. Once it was put together, I was able to organize my small tool and hardware collection, putting things away so that I always know where to find them. My deposito has a bunch more room now that things are boxed and labeled. We also, realized that without my tools in a closet in the condo we have more room to organize there.

The toolbox.

In other project news, I finished painting all the doors and trim in the condo. I completed the project in the guest room, which has 12 louvered doors. Jen wanted me to lighten them up and give them a beach like look. I had to get a lesson from You Tube for this. I used a crackle medium and painted all the louvers with random beach colors. The result was unbelievable. We ordered new hardware and it changed the whole look of the room. I really like having projects, but this one was almost overwhelming.

Before pictures of the doors

After pictures of the doors

Recently a friend of ours here in Panama wrote and published a book that is another point of view for expats. It is “An Expat’s Struggle – Making a Home in Panama” by Diane Maxwell.

Her book gives a point of view that is the opposite of mine, “2 Retire in Panama?”. Where everything went so smoothly for us, Diane had more than the usual difficulties. Many people categorize her book as a single woman overcoming adversity. She told me that several readers have contacted her saying the they had a similar experience, so it is not a unique story. She wanted to help anyone thinking about living abroad by presenting her solutions to issues. She deals with what the realtors won’t tell you. She talked to one relocation specialist, who said, “people who come on my tours don’t have any struggles at all.” That is exactly why she wrote her book.

Expats coming into a foreign country are usually unfamiliar with the customs, making everyday tasks even harder. Add in a language barrier and everyone struggles. One chapter of her book addresses cultural differences and how to live with them. Another chapter summarizes Panama’s history, putting an expats position among the Panamanians in perspective. She had to deal with legal issues including firsthand accounts of the court system. Her experience in both public and private hospitals compare quality and expenses. And the main theme is buying a home and dealing with the real estate market.

Her book has received 5-star ratings with very positive comments.  Amazon selected it as the #1 new release in Panama travel guides. Along with the usual attractions of the Panama Canal, a visit to an indigenous tribe, and Panama City tour, she takes readers along on trips all over Panama. She sails around Bocas del Toro, lounges on the beach near Pedasi, visits a rum factory, takes in the turquoise waters of San Blas, and feels the excitement whale watching off the Pearl Islands. If interested in more obscure getaways, she visited an archeologic dig, soaked in hot volcanic springs, and shot the rapids in the rainforest while contributing to a reforestation project.

I found her book informative and enjoyable. The contrast between her experience and ours was very interesting to me. I recommend her book which is available on Kindle and at Amazon. Kindle Unlimited customers can read it free. Click here to get a copy.

Diane Maxwell enjoying my book

I appreciate all the great feedback and reviews on my book. I hope that everyone who reads it takes away a little knowledge of what it may be like to retire abroad. Jen and I do extensive research prior to everything. It is easier to prepare in advance than have regrets. If you have not had an opportunity to read it, please get your copy here.  And, by all means, send me a selfie with my book so I can include you in a future newsletter.

If you are enjoying this blog for the first time, please like and share it. I love sharing our experiences and adventures. With the lockdowns and curfews loosening up, we hope to have some new adventures to share soon.

Blessings from paradise,

Greg and Jen