2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER 
July 19, 2021 Volume 42
This week's header...
...photo came from our recent visit to the United States. I captured this beautiful sunset at Gilchrist Park. It is the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. This is the west coast of Florida in the resort town of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is just across the port bridge from Port Charlotte where our new condo is located. If you receive my blog, you saw pictures of our new condo.
Watch this spot for...
...excerpts from my book. I will be sharing informative paragraphs that people who are relocating to Panama or taking a vacation will find helpful. Last week I talked a bit about the rainy season and how lush and green everything is. The following paragraph is from chapter 28.
In the Americas, the Pacific hugs the west coast while the Atlantic borders the east, with one exception. In Panama—thanks to its unique east-west orientation—the Pacific rims the southern coast and the Caribbean Sea or the sub oceanic basin of the Atlantic Ocean sits to the north. As a result, this is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Caribbean. At an elevation of 11,400 feet the Vulcan Baru Volcano, provides views of both oceans at the same location.
COVID Tests are still required...
...to travel into Panama. When Jen and I recently returned from Florida we found the process of getting a COVID test free and easy at Walgreens in Florida. The IDNOW COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test met the requirements to return to Panama. We printed the results, but the MINSA authorities at the airport accepted our negative test from our phone without a problem. We have heard that you must have a hard copy of the result.
To get the test, we made an appointment at Walgreens on-line. We were then directed to go through the drive-thru pharmacy lane at the appointed time. When we reached the window, the attendant gave us some simple instructions for swabbing ourselves and passed the swab out to us. We were told that the results would be e-mailed to us within 24 hours. We had them in our hands in about an hour. The test must be performed no more than 48 hours before arrival in Panama, so if you plan this right, you can get tested 2 days prior to departure and your results will be delivered on time guaranteed.
The only experience we have with the test to go into the states is at San Fernando Clinic in Coronado. They perform the required test for less than $40. We have done this twice without a problem. They also e-mailed the result to us in just a few hours.
The last time we returned from the states, we got the test at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. The test was $50 each and it took us almost 4 hours to get through the line. I have been told that the long wait is not normal. I was uncomfortable with the crowd waiting for tests and the delivery of results.
Coronado Bible Church...
...will continue to have in person Sunday services at 8:30am and 10:30am as we move forward in the new normal. The health protocols will be in place at the church, and everyone is asked to register in advance for the worship services. The registration link will give times and describe the health protocols and what must be done by attendees who intend to be with us in person. Join us in person, by YouTube, or on Facebook.
A resurgence of the Covid 19 in part of our area has made attending church a challenge for our friends north of Coronado. San Carlos residents are now being asked to quarantine from 8:00 pm on Saturday to 4:00 am on Monday. For now, there is no lockdown in Coronado, so church met as usual on Sunday. Several municipalities have created Sunday lockdowns (Chorrera, San Carlos, and Penonome') for the remainder of the month. No one is allowed to be out in these areas during that time. The entire country continues to have nightly curfew from 10:00 pm - 4:00 am every night. Presumably, this is to prevent partying.
I got my latest Panama Living newsletter...
...last week. I have been a contributor to this monthly publication, so I always look forward to their posts. Their newsletter provides a great deal of information to people thinking of retiring in Panama. If you have not taken a look at it, here is a link to check it out.
This week's fan photo...
...is Lyndi Allison. Lyndi and husband Lowell own and operate Tranquilo Retreat here in Coronado Panama. The retreat is a special place for writers who need to have a great place to write. I regularly attend writing workshops at the retreat and Lyndi has been a huge inspiration for me while writing "2 Retire in Panama?". Her Write Along group also meets to discuss issues that writers and authors face in writing, publishing, and promoting their work.
Most recently Lyndi has released her 2nd book in her Summer Triangle Trilogy. The book "The Bridges Between Us" is written to a teen audience, however it may be found enjoyable by adults as well. I recently read it on Kindle Unlimited free. You can get a copy the first 2 books in the trilogy from Amazon or Kindle by clicking here.
I have a few copies of my book left that I had shipped to Panama. Including the shipping cost these paperback books will cost $12. Let me know if you are in the Coronado, Panama area and I will get a copy to you.
I love getting original fan photos, so if you are willing, and can share a fan photo with me it would be greatly appreciated. It will appear in an upcoming newsletter.
It would also mean a lot to me if those of you who haven't, would go to Amazon or Goodreads and leave a review. This makes my book easier for people to find.
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.
Blessings from paradise,
Greg
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