In spite of a recent decline in the real estate market in the states, when compared with real estate prices in Panama for comparable homes are similar or far lower. I often browse and search through real estate listing in Panama just to see what is out there and what is being asked. Property in areas like Pedasi or Boquette interests me in particular because it always seems to be crazily lower than prices in Panama City. After visiting the Azuero Peninsula on several occasions I’ve set my sights on a small house near Pedasi. As I’ve slowly began browsing real estate in the Pedasi area I’ve came across many clean yet modest 2-3 bedroom, 2,000 ish sq. ft. Read more
Ceviche in Panama: Not only a Peruvian Staple
I’ll admit, the first time I ever tried ceviche in Panama I was a bit skeptical. Fish that is “cooked” in lime juice sounds a little scary but it’s actually completely safe and incredibly delicious if prepared correctly. Ceviche (pronounced se-vi-chey), a traditionally Peruvian dish, is any type of fresh fish or seafood marinated in a citrus base of limes or lemons long enough for the proteins in the fish to become edible and safe. The recommended soaking time for most fish is about 3 hours, however, very fresh or sushi grade fish can be soaked for shorter amounts of time. The dish comes in hundreds of versions from shrimp and octopus to mango ceviche; however, my personal favorite is Read more
Cahuita, Costa Rica: Gem of the Caribbean
In the province of Limón, 43 km south of the capital city Puerto Limón lies one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist and relocation destinations. Cahuita is a small laid-back each town. The black sand at Playa Negra, the howling of monkeys and the sound of huge crashing waves makes for a relaxed, care-free atmosphere.
In this tranquil atmosphere the Afro-Carib cuisine shines through full of spice and decadence. Local classics like rice and beans, jerk chicken in coconut milk, rondon and local seafood raise the dinning experience to whole new level. Also on Saturdays Caribbean favorites like spicy beef or chicken patty and pan bon are sold by the locals.
There are many options for lodging in Read more
Historic Hacienda Stays—Half the fun is getting there
Ever wanted to feel like Butch Cassidy or Sundance riding free over the Andean hills of South America? Well, you don’t have to be a bank robber in exile to do so anymore. The Folks at Ride Andes have it all sorted for you. Just book online, fly down and they take care of the rest. Airport transfers, accommodation, horses—and you won’t have to worry about the cops tracking you down. Ride Andes is one of Ecuador’s most distinguished outfitters for Horse tour holiday adventures. Don’t know how to ride—don’t let that stop you. Ride Andes even gives riding lessons.
Most popular amongst the tours is the Colonial Hacienda tour. Imagine setting off on beautiful grassy tracks taking Read more
A little travel Euolgy
“The world is a book and those who don’t travel know only one page.”
St. Augustine
I just wanted to start this blog off with a bit of an apology to all my readers for being very slack the last couple months in answering comments. I just went through a back log of them and finally gave some responses. I became a bit preoccupied upon finding out that my dear Grandfather made the dignified decision to end his battle with cancer and to let life do what it wants. At the end of January I made the trek home to see him and honor him in his life. Truly a great man, he was a hard worker and dedicated Read more
Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica: The Grand Inauguration Event
The day is finally here! The Estadio Nacional (National Stadium) in Costa Rica is a historic landmark that has undergone an incredible makeover during the past 2 years. The new stadium, currently the most modern in Central America, was donated by China as a gesture of friendship between the two countries. The original stadium was first built in 1924 and demolished in July 2008 preserving only the original main entrance. The huge project was diligently carried out by the Anhui Foreign Economic Construction company and has been officially finished and handed over to Costa Rica.
The inauguration will be week-long event offering a wide variety of entertainment, featuring national and international talent.
Saturday March 26 kicks off the event Read more
Renting in Panama: Casco Viejo
Renting in Panama City is often comparable to renting in similar neighborhoods in major US cities. But, the historic Casco Viejo (or Old City) district of Panama City is surprisingly affordable when compared to similar historic districts. Casco Viejo has undergone a major revitalization in recent years and was also named a World Heritage site in 2003.With a combination of Art Deco, Caribbean, and traditional Colonial architecture apartments and businesses in Casco land a comfortable yet monumental feel that is reminiscent of historic French cities in southern regions of the states.
You can find a newly remodeled 1 bedroom in Casco for about half as much as you would pay for one of similar size in New Orleans French Read more
Turtle Nesting at Ostional Wildlife Reserve
It’s night time and a crowd of people is anxiously waiting for one singular event. The turtles have been waiting close to the shore as more of them gather together and then as if by some secret signal they start coming to shore. They drag their large bodies on the sand and dig holes to lay their eggs in. The crowd of people are there for many reasons. Some are there to watch, some are locals there to protect the turtles and some are foreign volunteers.
This sight is most common during the rainy season or winter, but also occurs several times during the summer months. The turtles gather in huge groups or flotillas of thousands or even hundreds of Read more
Bahia and Canoa: holiday and property just a little off the map
It was one of those rides that makes you shut your eyes and wait for its end, untimely or the other. Greg, Sean and I sped out of Manta’s domestic terminal, all 8 cylinders of Greg’s jacked up 4×4 firing us into tomorrow, northward up the Ruta del Sol. Quick was the keyword for this trip. Flying to Manta took only 30 minutes from Quito a much reduced version of the 10 hour bus ride. And after the accident last months involving an overloaded bus rolling off the side of a cliff, more highly advisable. But now we were on to Bahia and the beach of Canoa. Two spots on the Manabi map on the verge of an explosion Read more
Finn McCool’s, Irish Pub and Grub in La Mariscal
I don’t think I’ve gone anywhere in the world without having had the occasion to meet up with an Irishman. And not far from any Irishmen you’ll find a pub, in fact, most Irishmen I’ve met have been in pubs. The two go hand and hand—sorry guys, you are the best, but you’ll never shake the stigma of being ineffable drunks. Best about the Irish expatriates is that wherever they go, they’re never satisfied with the available public houses and set about creating their own inevitably in the fashion of their own. And such is the case with Finn McCool’s which has become a cornerstone in the Mariscal gastro-drinking scene. And merry it is catering to both Quitenos Read more
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