Apr

23

It’s not the heat …

Filed Under Tropical Life, weather | 3 Comments

Dia de Jesus.

On the corner, halfway up Via Argentina, two taxi drivers playfully banter in the shade of a tall palm. Panama City’s quiet, almost deserted. Shops are closed. There’s no tranque (traffic), no hookers, no diablo rojos prowling the streets like hungry dinosaurs. Some have left to watch Jesus get whipped in the […]

Apr

6

Are You Being Served?

Filed Under Tropical Life, food and drink | 3 Comments

On Via Veneto a cool breeze tickles the palms in front of the newly built casino. It’s late afternoon. Just before six. And I’m seated outside Manolos watching two young women with flat belies, tight jeans, and spiked heels work the corner. One of them keeps catching my eye. She’s almost hot enough for me […]

Apr

1

English Not Spoken Here

Filed Under Tropical Life, ask cojito | 13 Comments

Judy from Miami writes: “Is it true english is spoken everywhere in Panama?”

Sure, if by everywhere you mean the expat social. Let me ask you, is it true everyone in Miami has pink flamingos on their lawns? The easy answer to your question is no. You need Spanish Judy. Just because you can order […]