Are there American-trained doctors in Puerto Vallarta?
Peter F Gordon, MD - Lake Medical Group
I am an American-trained doctor in Puerto Vallarta. There are a lot of physicians in Puerto Vallarta who had done additional training and fellowships in the United States. There are few, myself included, who have completed residency training in the United States.
Most physicians in Puerto Vallarta would attend international conferences. We think of the United States as being the "Mecca" of medical training. In many senses from a...
I am an American-trained doctor in Puerto Vallarta. There are a lot of physicians in Puerto Vallarta who had done additional training and fellowships in the United States. There are few, myself included, who have completed residency training in the United States.
Most physicians in Puerto Vallarta would attend international conferences. We think of the United States as being the "Mecca" of medical training. In many senses from a physician's perspective, some of the best places to go for education and training are not just the United States, but also Europe, Southeast Asia, and other places. There are also very well educated and experienced physicians from around the world who come to Mexico to attend medical conferences.
There is no reason for Americans to be worried about the training received by doctors in Puerto Vallarta. People are apprehensive at first because Mexico is a foreign country. It's like anything that's new or different. You're a little bit nervous and scared.
I get the same response from my patients all the time: "I wouldn't go anywhere else."
There was a fellow on a sailboat who had an injury and he needed to get care immediately. Some of the people on the boat were talking on the radio to try to arrange to get him evacuated to the States. The injured man kept breaking in on the radio saying, "No. Get me to Puerto Vallarta."
Patients like the attention that they get from doctors of Puerto Vallarta. They feel very comfortable with the doctors' expertise and knowledge. The resources that we have here in Puerto Vallarta are sometimes better than what one would find in the States.
Do I have to file my Canadian taxes if I retire, work or live abroad?
David Whittington - Tucan Golf Club and Resort
Personally, we have the Canadian Pension Plans plus we have the Old Age Pension, which are considered income so we still have to file on those. I believe that the only time you don’t have to file is if you supremely leave Canada; if you renounce your citizenship, etc.
However, we only have to pay income tax when the money is earned in Canada. We’re paying Panamanian taxes on the money we make here, but not Canadian tax. In Canada you...
Personally, we have the Canadian Pension Plans plus we have the Old Age Pension, which are considered income so we still have to file on those. I believe that the only time you don’t have to file is if you supremely leave Canada; if you renounce your citizenship, etc.
However, we only have to pay income tax when the money is earned in Canada. We’re paying Panamanian taxes on the money we make here, but not Canadian tax. In Canada you only can be taxed once on your income.
(Choosing at lot and home at Tucan Country Club and Resorts, Panama, pictured.)
What’s the effect of illegal drug traffic in Portugal?
John Russell
Illegal drug trafficking is a big problem worldwide, in every country in Europe, and unfortunately Portugal is not an exception. There are 73 drug treatment centers in 14 of Portugal's 18 districts, including the Algarve. The number of newly diagnosed HIV cases among drug users has decreased recently to 13.4 cases per million, but that is still more than 4 times higher than the European average of 2.85 cases p/m. These are unfortunate facts and statistics of 21st century life in...
Illegal drug trafficking is a big problem worldwide, in every country in Europe, and unfortunately Portugal is not an exception. There are 73 drug treatment centers in 14 of Portugal's 18 districts, including the Algarve. The number of newly diagnosed HIV cases among drug users has decreased recently to 13.4 cases per million, but that is still more than 4 times higher than the European average of 2.85 cases p/m. These are unfortunate facts and statistics of 21st century life in Portugal.
(Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Algarve, Portugal, pictured.)
Is Volcan and Cerro Punta, Chiriqui Province, Panama safe?
James David Audlin - Editores Volcán Barú
Unless you are foolish, the Volcán and Cerro Punta region of Panamá is perfectly safe for gringos. With extremely rare exceptions, the only people who have crime issues are either stupidly involved with illegal drugs or weapons or foolishly are ostentatious about how relatively "wealthy" they are in comparison to the Panamanians. If you live as Panamanians do, being friendly and respectful, and not leaving anything you cherish in plain sight, you ought to be just...
Unless you are foolish, the Volcán and Cerro Punta region of Panamá is perfectly safe for gringos. With extremely rare exceptions, the only people who have crime issues are either stupidly involved with illegal drugs or weapons or foolishly are ostentatious about how relatively "wealthy" they are in comparison to the Panamanians. If you live as Panamanians do, being friendly and respectful, and not leaving anything you cherish in plain sight, you ought to be just fine.
What are typical Nicaraguan desserts and dessert recipes?
Gabriela Estrada
My very favorite dessert would be "Buñuelos". They are one of the best desserts Nicaragua has to offer you. They are very light, delicious and so very easy to do.
All you need to prep this yummy dessert is yucca (cassava), dry cheese, baking powder, an egg and some cinnamon for the syrup. You can try it at home as you read this and it will amaze you how very simple a good dessert can be. No need to bake for hours.
...
My very favorite dessert would be "Buñuelos". They are one of the best desserts Nicaragua has to offer you. They are very light, delicious and so very easy to do.
All you need to prep this yummy dessert is yucca (cassava), dry cheese, baking powder, an egg and some cinnamon for the syrup. You can try it at home as you read this and it will amaze you how very simple a good dessert can be. No need to bake for hours.
First, what you need to do is ground the yucca very thin and make it look like dough. You can either cut the yucca in pieces and put it in the food processor, or you can just grind it with a cheese grater. Also, you need to grind the cheese.
After you have the dough in a bowl, you add one single egg (complete), the ground cheese -make sure it's half of what you have of yucca - and a teaspoon of baking powder.
Mix this all together, and when you have the dough ready, pre-heat a pan with frying oil and make little balls like meatballs, and fry them. Once they are a gold color remove them and let them rest while you make the syrup.
For the syrup just put on a cup of water to boil, with two spoons of sugar, and a couple of cinnamon strips. Let it turn glaze and dark, and then it's done.
Serve them in a plate and pour some syrup around them, and you'll see how amazing this little things can be.
Homesickness hits us all here in Panama. Of course, any place you move to outside the US you will find the same thing.
For me it took about three months to hit. You’re so busy doing this and that to prepare for your leaving the US and so happy about your new life that awaits you. When you get here, you have shopping to do, moving into your new home, people to meet and greet. You’re happy with all the new things to see and do around you; the music the food,...
Patritzia Pinzon lives in the fabled city of Casco Viejo, the oldest quarter of Panama, where formerly neglected buildings are restored to their historic grandeur, and where Patrizia's active participation has helped to infuse the community with vibrancy and modernity, qualities reflected in Patrizia’s personal outlook. Jet finally gets to meet her favorite House Hunter’s International star, whose blog she regularly reads and enjoys. And we...
We took a day trip to Volcan and stopped by this school to see the entertainment. Costa Rican folk dancers performed for the children and we enjoyed watching them. ...