2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER
Volume 11 December 7, 2020
Panama continues to reopen...
...and one of the questions I get the most is how "under control" is COVID-19 in Panama. This is the update as of December 4th from Karyn Saunders.Thank you so much Karyn for continuing to keep ex-pats aware of the statistics:
Panama has 173,607 total cases + 2388 new, 3154 total deaths + 13 new, 156 in ICU, 1089 are hospitalized, 20,402 active, 150,051 have recovered + 1655 new, resulting in a death rate of 1.8%.
1) 955,664 total tests, 13,402 new, 17.8 positive rate, 22,336/100,000
2) The tracking and tracing teams have intensified their efforts. This is in response to an increase in the numbers as we approach the holidays.
3) Panama is #2 in the Americas with respect to the amount of tests per capita. They are second to the U.S.in testing.
5) MINSA is pleading with the population to hold off on parties and celebrations this year. They are asking that everyone think about their family and friends and refrain from gathering this holiday season.
6) Small changes to the COVID laws went into affect this week for our area, with curfew being backed up to 9PM. It will run from 9PM-5AM 7 days a week. The area is also restricting alcohol sales and consumption from 7PM daily. This is causing local bars and restaurants to alter their hours of operation. Many are also offering earlier happy hours. Check your favorite place before leaving the house, and plan to be home by 9PM. This is in response to the increasing numbers, which I blame on the November holidays.
I cannot put $9 fitness watches...
...in my coupon offer every week, so this week I hope to get your attention with Santa hats at 50% off. get offer here. This offer is good through midnight PST on December 9, 2020. While supplies last. Check out the link above. This offer is for 2 at 50% off, so one for you and one to share. These are unisex, adult, one size fits all.
We are enjoying our bathroom remodel...
...without mirrors. Ventana Y Vidrio Jamarillo measured for our mirrors but never got us a quote. I hate to speak poorly of the local businesses, but we have been more than patient. On Tuesday we had another shop come to measure. They promptly provided a quote which we accepted. We made the required deposit and were told that we could expect installation in 10-14 days. The mirrors are all we lack. Here are some before and after pictures.
Chapter 30 of my book explores...
...The Panama Museum of Biodiversity. Puente de Vida (“Bridge of Life”) is a portal to the richest and most diverse ecosphere on earth. It was designed by internationally renowned architect, Frank Gehry. It is located at the end of the Amador Causeway in Panama City, facing the Pacific Ocean at the entrance of the Panama Canal. The museum inspires as it educates about biodiversity – a complex but essential vision of life that is both a leading-edge scientific theory and a tool to protect our most precious ecological resources.
Any visit to Panama needs to include a visit to this awesome place. The above is an excerpt from my book and I encourage each and every visitor to explore this magnificent museum.
Panama celebrates...
...Mother's Day tomorrow, December 8. It is a celebration in Panama where people here show how much they appreciate their mother and the other people who are considered mother figures. Mother's Day is always celebrated on December 8. This picture is of my sweet mom who lives in the United States.
With the holidays rapidly approaching...
...Jen and I did a little decorating. This is our 3rd year to decorate our little tree. We bought it from the nursery on our first Christmas here in Panama; and it started out hardly more than 6-8" tall. It is now over 3 feet tall and we love enoying it all year long on our balcony. We bring it inside and decorate it for the holidays. Next year we will probably need to increase our decorations and lights. When we visited Israel in March (before the COVID took apart world travel), we purchased a Nativity intricately carved from olive wood. It was a thrill to unpack and put it out. We also hung lights on our balcony rails.
Next week...
...I intend to unpack for you all a little bit about a tradition, unique to Panama Oeste. We have found the New Year’s dolls called “Muneco de ano Viejo” an interesting tradition. We celebrated last year with a Muneco Snowman. We do not know how Covid will affect the tradition this year. Many people make these lifesize dolls and sell them along the road to help support their families, so I am hopeful that the tradition will carry on.
My book has great detail of Panamanian history. If this interests you, pick up a copy to read more detail of the events taking place in a normal year. You can get a copy of my book by clicking the link here, or the link on the blog. It is exclusively available on Amazon or Kindle. Kindle Unlimited subscribers read it free.
The regular Sunday worship...
...was scheduled to resume yesterday. Unfortunatly, the pastor and his wife returned from the U.S. last Thursday and found out they had been exposed to the virus. They tested negative, however, they are quarantining as an act of caution. We expect to return to regular services this coming Sunday. Coronodo Bible Church is a great place to meet other English speaking expats. The church is on the 2nd floor of the Super 99 Plaza on the corner of the InterAmericana Highway and Eiserman Boulevard. The community of faith welcomes people from all over the world on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The link to the Coronado Bible Church will allow you to get a little more information and check out services on line. Pastor Jon Wiziarde is pictured below with a copy of my book.
Blessings from paradise,
Greg
