First Two Weeks in Paradise

Two weeks ago yesterday we flew into Panama. For a place that lives on Manana time, we have had a very hectic and enjoyable two weeks.

Our mechanc, Alvara, had dropped us at the airport last May and kept our car in our absence. When he dropped us off, the fuel pump had failed just as we arrived a the airport. Before picking us up he repaired that and replaced the worn tie rods. He charged us $.50 per day for storage, which he had not told us about. The total bill was just under $500, which we were glad to pay. We dropped him off at one of our favorite restaurants, Nikkos. We had a quick meal and headed for Gorgona.

In our absence Panama has elected a new president: Maratinelli. He is quite rich and says "you may catch me with my foot in my mouth, but not with my hand in the till." We are looking for changes. We noticed better roads, with reflectes, more traffic cops, missing toll booths.

In our first few days we began our routine of a morning swim and late brunch, paid our manager, put money in the bank, paid our plant lady in Altos, visited our Altos lot....Our Costa Grande casita was rented severa times in our absence. We made some money before paying the mortgage. Our lot in Altos looked good. The plantings of Vetive and Mani kept the hillsides from eroding.

Our first lunch was at Don Chachos. We had the usual: pollo entero, vegetales, and two frosties. After jubilado discount and tip, about $17.

We always meet interesting people who rent the other casitas in our complex. Here are Mike and Angie from DC. We had some good talks, and took them to Don Chacho's!