On Panama’s Pacific coast, the Coronado region is home to a string of little towns and beaches. Here, the once-sleepy beach town of Coronado is the region’s bustling, convenient hub...
In the former "Canal Zone" of Panama City, an antique train roars to life. On the red, black, and gold locomotive, elegant type spells out Ciudad de Diablo and the year, 1863. This is Panama's famous transisthmian train, expertly refurbished by the Panama...
magine a life lived outdoors…surrounded by lush green rainforest and breathing brisk mountain air. With sunny mornings, afternoon showers, and clear skies again at sunset. Temperatures never fall below 65 F and rarely climb above 85 F. Five-minute walks to a park-side café that serves some of the best coffee in the world for $1.55 a cup.
“Bird heaven.” It’s often the first phrase that comes to mind when I’m in the El Valle region, just two hours by car from Panama City.
Imagine a life lived outdoors…surrounded by lush green rainforest and breathing brisk mountain air. With sunny mornings, afternoon showers, and clear skies again at sunset. Temperatures never fall below 65 F and rarely climb above 85 F. Five-minute...
It’s late afternoon, and the surfers are making their way on to the shore. I’ve been working and enjoying the view from under a restaurant’s thatched roof. The light turns to gold and the sand a burnished bronze. Time to put the laptop away. Moments later I’m sipping a cold ale and downing today’s catch—tuna, served raw over a sesame salad.
Colorful birds swoop in and out of the trees of the rainforest landscape. Combined with a blue sky, it makes a soothing palette—perfect for days that flow like honey, slow and sweet. We sit on the large terrace, sipping wine and chatting about life in small, sleepy El Valle, Panama.
About a month ago, I packed up my things and left Panama City for a rented house in the countryside…and it was glorious. I wrote to friends about the peace and serenity of “my little Quietville.”
Earlier this evening I walked across a plaza to meet a friend. There was an elegantly outfitted brass band playing for a group of dignitaries. The centuries-old Hotel Central—newly restored to its former glory—was the perfect backdrop.
"Are you serious? Grrr!” This was my typical response when first faced with the mañana culture of Latin America. Technically, mañana means tomorrow. But you’re better off translating it as “not today.” For example, when a plumber tells you he can’t make it today, but he’ll be there mañana…he’s just as likely to show up the day after tomorrow.