I know a lot of you up north have been suffering through unbearably bitter cold, snow, ice, and other types of miserable weather, but those of us 8º north of the equator have been having our share of climatologic problems as well. Until 2 days ago, I wasn’t sure the sun still existed. In the 73 years that climate records have been kept, it has never rained so much in Panama. People have died, landslides have wiped out communities, roads have collapsed, and bridges have been rendered impassable. Additionally, on December 9, 2010, the canal was even closed for the first time in 21 years. (The last time occurred when the US sent troops in to topple Noriega and his government.) In other words, the country’s main source of income was shut down for a day.
What exactly happened to shut the canal down? Water overflowed the banks of both Lake Gatun and Lake Alajuela, which supply the canal. This made it impossible to use the locks that transfer boats through the canal. In order to improve the situation, the floodgates in both lakes had to be opened causing more than 1500 people to be evacuated from nearby neighborhoods. Homes, lost.
Adding insult to injury, a mudslide in the Caribbean coastal town of Portobelo killed eight people and left the community of 3,000 inhabitants cut off from the rest of the country. The total number of dead is 10. In what the Panamanians call “the interior” of the country over 6,000 people, and 50,000 hectares of crops have been affected and domestic animals due to the heavy rains. In total, 33 communities were flooded.
And, now, as a repercussion to all of this rain, one of the water treatment plants has been working at only about 10% of capacity over the past 3 days. Too much mud is clogging the system. No one is sure when it will be fixed.
La Niña (“The girl” – a phenomenon that causes extreme weather) has been blamed for all of this. What’s the expression – “Hell have no fury like a woman scorned.” So, what did we do to upset this girl so much?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Expat Info Taken Directly from Cartus Relocation - My (few) Comments in Quotes
Market Focus: Panama.
Relocating, especially with family, is never easy. There are many changes that need to be handled and each family has different situations to address. In addition, there are other factors that may dramatically affect the success of the relocation process, such as the new location.
What makes a location more appealing than others to expats? Statistical information about countries offer a general perspective, but this article explores important categories that make Panama a pleasant place for expatriates to live.
Commuting time: It ranges from between 5 to 40 minutes from any point of the metro area to P&G Offices. Whether you like the urban or suburban lifestyle both are within reasonable time and distance from your main offices.
"This is quite true, for the most part. My husband can be door to door in 20 minutes as he travels counter traffic flow. However, traffic is getting worse. You just need to learn to schedule around peak hours."
Helpers: You do not need to plan a dinner out with friends two weeks in advance depending on a baby sitter… Simply decide to go on the spot! Domestic Helpers are part of the Panamanian culture, homes are designed with helper´s quarters, and salaries range from $250 to $350 per month.
"Ok, first thing you need to decide is if you want someone to live with you full-time. It may be the best decision you've ever made, or it could feel like the biggest invasion of privacy, depending on what you are used to or can get used to. Most internationals tend to pay around $400/month because cost of living is on the rise, and it just seems fair. I'm told that just a few years ago most people paid maids around $8/day, whereas internationals now pay around $20/day. Ironically, internationals are increasing cost of living by trying to pay fairly."
Groceries: Although Panama is a small place, its crossroads heritage has brought many ethnicities with their supply of ingredients in supermarkets, delis, and ethnic shops. In the main, everything is affordable… of course it depends what country you are coming from but most people will be surprised to learn that you can buy a whole 4.5 lb sirloin steak for your BBQ for US$14.00 (Shrimp, lobster and crabs are inexpensive too!).
"True. You can get almost everything you need, maybe not everything you want. One thing to note is that groceries, and many other items, tend to be cyclical. If you can't find something, look again in about 3 weeks (seriously) or in the case of vegetables, you may have to wait until next season. I remember wanting to buy a avocado for salad when we first got here and I was told every visit for 3 months that avocados would be arriving soon...meaning when they are in season in Panama."
Extracurricular Activities: Enjoy golf, scuba diving, surfing, ballet, yoga, soccer, football, baseball, martial arts, horseback riding, music… Pretty much anything but skiing! For your reference: Swimming private lessons range from US$2 to US$25 dollars; tennis from US$6 to US$25; piano or guitar $15 to $20 if the teacher comes to your place.
"For me, the challenge has been finding the activities in the city. So many things are advertised by word of mouth, or little pamphlets placed in some office, or social/country clubs, or in mommy groups or school...and recently, Facebook. I have no children, so I've stumbled through this process. Luckily, I have found the absolute best yoga instructor ever at Akila Wellness Center in Paitilla."
Continuing Education: In addition to local universities there are international universities such as Florida State, University of Louisville, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Georgia Tech Panama Logistics Innovation & Research Center, and others that offer excellent programs in Panama.
"I have a friend who got her MBA here from University of Louisville and another who got a specialization from Monterrey. I was reluctant to start a degree program not knowing how long we'd be here. This may be one of my regrets."
Outdoor activities: Nature in Panama is wonderful… A Dutch expat once shared, in genuine amazement, that she went with her 3 kids to Isla Iguana (Pacific Coast) and while snorkeling they witnessed humpback whales… Surrounded by the Caribbean and the Pacific, you can choose among many different beaches according to your preference: Deep sea fishing, scuba, snorkeling, surfing, sailing… You can also choose the highlands for coffee tasting, river rafting, canopy, trekking, bird watching, visit indigenous reserves, you name it… But whatever you decide, prepare to indulge in fresh lobster caught in front of your eyes in San Blas and cooked especially for you!
"I can't wait to explore more of this country. It is truly amazing. I'm a country girl who grew up on the coast, so getting out of the city is such a release for me - the beaches, the mountains, the rain forest...and the fresh air!"
Cultural activities: Let´s face it… the entire population of the country is 3.1 million so the cultural events on offer are not as extensive as those in big, international cities. There may not be that many operas but be amazed every month by folkloric events all over the country.
Returning to the world: And last but not least... If you decide to fulfill a personal growth experience by sharing your knowledge, talent and skills, there are a number of great causes where your voluntary work can make an impact on the environment and on the lives of others. Your talent will be welcome and appreciated in any of these organizations:
Mar Viva/Ancon – Environment Conservation
Hogar Malambo/Aldeas SOS /Casa Esperanza– Orphan Children homes
Hogares Crea, Cruz Blanca – Drug Addiction
Make a Wish/Fanlyc (Leukemia & Cancer) – Children with terminal disease
Fundacancer / Casita de Mausi – Cancer patients
Pro-Niñez / Fundación Pro-Niños del Darién - Children living in rural areas
Article provided by GS Relocation Panama
"Again, true. Very few cultural activities by US standards of a city the same size, but some great restaurants and a beautiful historic area. I have been going with a group of girls to Hogar Malambo, an orphanage outside of the city, to hold babies and play with toddlers. Just today, I attended a Christmas party that several girls from the group put together. They were able to get B-Happy, an indoor playground, to donate space and employee time, get gifts for the 50 kids who attended, have food/drinks donated, have Santa show up, AND get an amazing number of diapers, food items, cleaning supplies, etc. donated to the orphanage. I have never seen such joy in one place. So, if you miss the cultural activities, getting involved in social causes could really make a difference in how you feel about how you are spending your time."
Relocating, especially with family, is never easy. There are many changes that need to be handled and each family has different situations to address. In addition, there are other factors that may dramatically affect the success of the relocation process, such as the new location.
What makes a location more appealing than others to expats? Statistical information about countries offer a general perspective, but this article explores important categories that make Panama a pleasant place for expatriates to live.
Commuting time: It ranges from between 5 to 40 minutes from any point of the metro area to P&G Offices. Whether you like the urban or suburban lifestyle both are within reasonable time and distance from your main offices.
"This is quite true, for the most part. My husband can be door to door in 20 minutes as he travels counter traffic flow. However, traffic is getting worse. You just need to learn to schedule around peak hours."
Helpers: You do not need to plan a dinner out with friends two weeks in advance depending on a baby sitter… Simply decide to go on the spot! Domestic Helpers are part of the Panamanian culture, homes are designed with helper´s quarters, and salaries range from $250 to $350 per month.
"Ok, first thing you need to decide is if you want someone to live with you full-time. It may be the best decision you've ever made, or it could feel like the biggest invasion of privacy, depending on what you are used to or can get used to. Most internationals tend to pay around $400/month because cost of living is on the rise, and it just seems fair. I'm told that just a few years ago most people paid maids around $8/day, whereas internationals now pay around $20/day. Ironically, internationals are increasing cost of living by trying to pay fairly."
Groceries: Although Panama is a small place, its crossroads heritage has brought many ethnicities with their supply of ingredients in supermarkets, delis, and ethnic shops. In the main, everything is affordable… of course it depends what country you are coming from but most people will be surprised to learn that you can buy a whole 4.5 lb sirloin steak for your BBQ for US$14.00 (Shrimp, lobster and crabs are inexpensive too!).
"True. You can get almost everything you need, maybe not everything you want. One thing to note is that groceries, and many other items, tend to be cyclical. If you can't find something, look again in about 3 weeks (seriously) or in the case of vegetables, you may have to wait until next season. I remember wanting to buy a avocado for salad when we first got here and I was told every visit for 3 months that avocados would be arriving soon...meaning when they are in season in Panama."
Extracurricular Activities: Enjoy golf, scuba diving, surfing, ballet, yoga, soccer, football, baseball, martial arts, horseback riding, music… Pretty much anything but skiing! For your reference: Swimming private lessons range from US$2 to US$25 dollars; tennis from US$6 to US$25; piano or guitar $15 to $20 if the teacher comes to your place.
"For me, the challenge has been finding the activities in the city. So many things are advertised by word of mouth, or little pamphlets placed in some office, or social/country clubs, or in mommy groups or school...and recently, Facebook. I have no children, so I've stumbled through this process. Luckily, I have found the absolute best yoga instructor ever at Akila Wellness Center in Paitilla."
Continuing Education: In addition to local universities there are international universities such as Florida State, University of Louisville, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Georgia Tech Panama Logistics Innovation & Research Center, and others that offer excellent programs in Panama.
"I have a friend who got her MBA here from University of Louisville and another who got a specialization from Monterrey. I was reluctant to start a degree program not knowing how long we'd be here. This may be one of my regrets."
Outdoor activities: Nature in Panama is wonderful… A Dutch expat once shared, in genuine amazement, that she went with her 3 kids to Isla Iguana (Pacific Coast) and while snorkeling they witnessed humpback whales… Surrounded by the Caribbean and the Pacific, you can choose among many different beaches according to your preference: Deep sea fishing, scuba, snorkeling, surfing, sailing… You can also choose the highlands for coffee tasting, river rafting, canopy, trekking, bird watching, visit indigenous reserves, you name it… But whatever you decide, prepare to indulge in fresh lobster caught in front of your eyes in San Blas and cooked especially for you!
"I can't wait to explore more of this country. It is truly amazing. I'm a country girl who grew up on the coast, so getting out of the city is such a release for me - the beaches, the mountains, the rain forest...and the fresh air!"
Cultural activities: Let´s face it… the entire population of the country is 3.1 million so the cultural events on offer are not as extensive as those in big, international cities. There may not be that many operas but be amazed every month by folkloric events all over the country.
Returning to the world: And last but not least... If you decide to fulfill a personal growth experience by sharing your knowledge, talent and skills, there are a number of great causes where your voluntary work can make an impact on the environment and on the lives of others. Your talent will be welcome and appreciated in any of these organizations:
Mar Viva/Ancon – Environment Conservation
Hogar Malambo/Aldeas SOS /Casa Esperanza– Orphan Children homes
Hogares Crea, Cruz Blanca – Drug Addiction
Make a Wish/Fanlyc (Leukemia & Cancer) – Children with terminal disease
Fundacancer / Casita de Mausi – Cancer patients
Pro-Niñez / Fundación Pro-Niños del Darién - Children living in rural areas
Article provided by GS Relocation Panama
"Again, true. Very few cultural activities by US standards of a city the same size, but some great restaurants and a beautiful historic area. I have been going with a group of girls to Hogar Malambo, an orphanage outside of the city, to hold babies and play with toddlers. Just today, I attended a Christmas party that several girls from the group put together. They were able to get B-Happy, an indoor playground, to donate space and employee time, get gifts for the 50 kids who attended, have food/drinks donated, have Santa show up, AND get an amazing number of diapers, food items, cleaning supplies, etc. donated to the orphanage. I have never seen such joy in one place. So, if you miss the cultural activities, getting involved in social causes could really make a difference in how you feel about how you are spending your time."
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