Are the doctors in Yucatan: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Merida, etc good?
Gary De Spiegelaere - Celestun Properties
In my opinion, the doctors here in Yucatan are far superior to doctors in Canada. I have had only two medical issues since I have been here and both times the doctor saw me and within minutes, I was diagnosed and/or sent for laboratory tests or x-rays. If you go to doctor at around 10 AM, you will have the results of your laboratory test and x-rays in your hand by 1 PM, and then you can go back in to see your doctor for him to read the results.
...
In my opinion, the doctors here in Yucatan are far superior to doctors in Canada. I have had only two medical issues since I have been here and both times the doctor saw me and within minutes, I was diagnosed and/or sent for laboratory tests or x-rays. If you go to doctor at around 10 AM, you will have the results of your laboratory test and x-rays in your hand by 1 PM, and then you can go back in to see your doctor for him to read the results.
Another thing that is unique about the doctors here in Mexico is that they give you their cellphone numbers. We have a three and half year old son and if he runs a temperature at 10 PM, my wife will text the doctor on WhatsApp and very rarely would it take more than 20 to 30 minutes for the doctor to get back to her and tell her what she needs to do. This is at 10 PM. My wife can text the doctor any time during the day.
Usually between each appointment, the doctors check their phones and reply to their messages. This is a free service; they don’t charge anything for it. Doctors here in Mexico do that for all of their clients; not just for expats. I was shocked when we first got here, and our doctor gave me his cellphone number. I looked at him like he was from Mars! And he said, “Everybody gets my cell number. You are my client so I am responsible for you.”
(Dr. Oswaldo Espadas, family doctor, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, pictured.)
Is there religious freedom and religious tolerance in Portugal?
Luis Rodrigues - Gouveia Pereira, Costa Freitas & Associates, Law Firm, RL
Yes. Portugal is a laic state with religious freedom and tolerance. Although Portugal has a long lasting Catholic tradition, it is one of the best European examples of religious tolerance with successful integration of the minority religions, as there is no track record of any religious conflicts.
(Batalha Monastery, Leiria, Portugal, pictured.)
Yes. Portugal is a laic state with religious freedom and tolerance. Although Portugal has a long lasting Catholic tradition, it is one of the best European examples of religious tolerance with successful integration of the minority religions, as there is no track record of any religious conflicts.
What's the language most often spoken in Nicaragua? Can I get by if I just speak English?
Carolyn Membreño - León Travel Bureau
You need to learn a little bit of Spanish in order to get by in Nicaragua. There are places that you would go to, especially in the government offices, where they speak little to no English. If you are going to any office that is run by the government, you must be able to speak Spanish or at least have an interpreter. Most expats in Leon, where I live, do know how to speak basic Spanish.
(Baseball player, Wilton Lopez from Leon, Nicaragua,...
You need to learn a little bit of Spanish in order to get by in Nicaragua. There are places that you would go to, especially in the government offices, where they speak little to no English. If you are going to any office that is run by the government, you must be able to speak Spanish or at least have an interpreter. Most expats in Leon, where I live, do know how to speak basic Spanish.
(Baseball player, Wilton Lopez from Leon, Nicaragua, pictured.)
The best place in the world to retire is a very difficult question to answer, because everyone’s needs, likes, and even their budget are different. Given that, I can still give you our experience, which may be helpful by example, even though your specifics will be different.
We first thought that we would like to live in Turks and Caicos, some small islands with a small population in the Bahamas. One of the things we thought we liked about it was the...
The best place in the world to retire is a very difficult question to answer, because everyone’s needs, likes, and even their budget are different. Given that, I can still give you our experience, which may be helpful by example, even though your specifics will be different.
We first thought that we would like to live in Turks and Caicos, some small islands with a small population in the Bahamas. One of the things we thought we liked about it was the beach. It started out that we walked on the beach every day. Then, we walked on the beach a few times a week, then, once a month. It turned out that the beach wasn’t as important to us as we thought. If we had bought in Turks and Caicos without fully understanding this, it would have been a mistake, at least for us. (Maybe not for you, if you really love the beach.)
Later, we came down to Panama, to Boquete, to visit friends who lived here and were enthusiastic about retiring here, so their attitude influenced us. In addition, the cost of living and the lifestyle we saw in Panama were totally different than what we had in Toronto, Canada, which is where we’re from, so we decided to build a vacation home in Panama. Having a vacation home in Panama worked for us because we could visit before making the final move.
We knew more what we wanted because we had already done the beach scenario at Turks and Caicos, and even though we enjoyed it there, it became clear to us that our priorities were for golfing, the social activities in a retirement community, and the weather, so the beach started to take a second position, because we found that in Boquete, we had the things that we discovered were most important to us.
Another very important factor is the cost of living. The cost of living in Panama is much, much less than in Toronto, Canada, which you realize when you come here to Panama. This becomes an eye opener, and you think “I can come down here to Panama with my US $2,000 to $3,000 per month pension and live quite nicely.”
This is one of the reasons why, if you’re on a budget, Panama is much better than Turks and Caicos. The costs in Turks and Caicos are unbelievably high for food and other items. Everything is imported. I used to joke that when we went down to visit for two or three weeks, it felt like I had to take out a second mortgage just to finance the purchase of our groceries. I was talking with a woman yesterday who has her home on Curacao who told me that her electrical bill was something like $1,000 / month. Many of these places are very nice and have picturesque beaches, but when it comes to actually living there, when push comes to shove, it’s very, very expensive.
In Boquete, which is up in the mountains, the weather is especially nice, if you like cooler weather in the evening. Here at Tucan, in Arraijan, we’re closer to the ocean, so the weather is not as cool in the evening. We do, however, have other advantages that may appeal to you:
We have the country setting, but we’re actually part of Panama City, on the far side of the canal, in the Canal Zone. All the land behind us has been designated as a rain forest preserve, so that will stay the same. We have the view of the city, similar to living in New Jersey and looking across the Hudson at Manhattan; same idea for the view (but we’re not like New Jersey in other aspects).
You can go across the bridge to all the major malls, which are 10 minutes away and then come back to the country where you live to have all the peace and quite and solitude of living in the country with the golf course community. Pretty much every home or every apartment has a view of at least one hole.
If you want to go to the beach area, we’re just around the corner from us is Veracruz, which has two hotels, and you can get there in 10 minute by car. There are beach and fish restaurants there. Coronado is 45 minutes away.
Is this the best place for you? Maybe, if these things appeal to you. Find out what you want and then find your best place.
What's it like to drive in Pedasi, Azuero Peninsula?
Lourdes Townshend
PEDASI, AZUERO PENINSULA IN PANAMA, REPUBLIC OF PANAMA
Panamá has recently invested several million dollars in their road infrastructure, making it one of the most modern systems at least in Latin America, connecting the airport to the city via a beautiful highway 20 minutes drive surrounded by the Panamá Bay.
As a matter of fact, in today´s newspaper, very important information was released that the government...
PEDASI, AZUERO PENINSULA IN PANAMA, REPUBLIC OF PANAMA
Panamá has recently invested several million dollars in their road infrastructure, making it one of the most modern systems at least in Latin America, connecting the airport to the city via a beautiful highway 20 minutes drive surrounded by the Panamá Bay.
As a matter of fact, in today´s newspaper, very important information was released that the government will invest several million dollars more between 2015-2019 to expand the strategic vial plan. With this plan, the logistic capacity will increase, connecting airports, ports, country boundaries, logistic and agricultural production zones, as well as the areas with high tourism and service potential.
According to the government, the ultimate goal is to convert Panamá into an "International Logistic HUB". Some of these protects will improve the "Corredor Norte and Sur", expansion of Corredor Sur, construction of the Howard-Puente Centenario Road, and access to the cargo department at Tocumen International Airport (the main airport situated in the city of Panamá).
There is also another highway called "Transistmica" that connects the city to Colón (the second largest city in Panamá ) that takes about two hours because of the heavy traffic, and is also connected through a modern expressway called "Autopista Panamá Colón", a one hour drive from the city.
The Interamericana Highway connects different towns and villages into the "interior" (countryside, once past the Panamá Canal going west), and from there, second roads into the different cities in the provinces, along beautiful mountains with views of rivers.
This is the case going into Pedasí. The Interamericana will take you into Pedasí. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on your driving, the traffic, and if it's a holiday. This main road is in excellent condition almost all the way. Speeding is not tolerated, even though drivers takes their chances, and many accidents happen, especially when some people drive under the influence of alcohol.
The only way to get into Pedasí from the city is to take the Interamericana by one of two bridges that go over the Canal, the "Puente de las Américas" or "Centenario", which are about 20 minutes one from the other, assuming no traffic jams. From there you drive passing by towns like Arraiján, Chorrera, Capira, Chame, Coronado, San Carlos, Santa Clara, Penonomé and Aguadulce, until you reach "RíoHato" which has a modern airport and is close to Santiago, one of the major small cities.
Then, you take a left and pass by Chitré, Las Tablas, Monagrillo and Pocrí (a picturesque and charming little town, like others in the Interior, where all the houses are around the Catholic church and a park. So cute. In every town, visitors are welcome and people is very friendly. This area has a lot of culture and folklore, and you can get all kinds of crafts, souvenirs, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Especially if you have time, and take a drive to "El Valle de Antón", one of the nicest small towns with beautiful weather, and surrounded by mountains. Hotels and restaurants are available everywhere. It is advisable to make arrangements with a tour operator, if you do not know the area.
After you get into Pocrí, it is easy get into Pedasí and Tonosí. This area is very beautiful, especially if you like outdoors adventure, and relaxing in a nice and peaceful place in a hammock taking a capuccino or a glass of wine.
This road leading into Pedasí is two lanes but nice and accessible. Speeding sometimes is a problem, for example, when passenger vans want to get to next town very fast. Just use caution. And always use sun protection and hydrate very well, as Panamá has year round beautiful weather, inviting you to be outside at the beach, or the pool. On your way there, you can visit many smaller towns and villages where you can stop and visit, maybe get some un expensive crafts and souvenirs. There are hotels in Chitré before you get into Pedasí, with many facilities. The water is good.
Also, if you need furniture, Chitré and the surrounding areas are the best, and have talented artisans who can make pieces in wood designed to your specifications, at incredibly low prices.
Some small roads leading to villages are still very dusty, and not paved.
Always be careful, and get your directions well before you leave, as towns (specially the very small ones) do not have good street signage. The way Panamanians tell directions is very well known and goes something like this: "From the pink house, its one mile to the river. Make a right and take the bridge straight to..." It sounds funny, but that´s the beauty of it. Everybody is so helpful, and you will not get lost. Always try to drive at daytime if you are not familiar with the area.
And if you rent a car, my personal advice is to always take the car rental full insurance. Otherwise, if something is not covered, you will have to pay and then work it out with your credit card company.
Just for the people seeking retiring in Panamá, when you are a legal retiree (expat) you have the same benefits as locals, meaning that you are eligible for discounts everywhere, on items ranging from airlines tickets to medical assistance, to medications, movie, train travel, metro tickets, among others.
And above all, there is beautiful weather, so you do not have to worry about changing clothes because of the snow. There is always sunshine, even though it will sometimes be punctuated by light or heavy rain. Life in the "Interior" is very different from the city.
Are there American-trained doctors in Ambergris Caye?
David Drummond - Georgetown Trust
Most of the doctors that I have met here in Ambergris Caye were trained in Cuba. They are very good doctors and with great medical programs. I am not saying that there are no American doctors here. For example, my chiropractor on the island is from America. It is, however, more common to see a Canadian doctor than a US doctor based in Ambergris Caye.
Typically, you are going to find Central American schooled doctors – Belize doctors who trained in the States and came...
Most of the doctors that I have met here in Ambergris Caye were trained in Cuba. They are very good doctors and with great medical programs. I am not saying that there are no American doctors here. For example, my chiropractor on the island is from America. It is, however, more common to see a Canadian doctor than a US doctor based in Ambergris Caye.
Typically, you are going to find Central American schooled doctors – Belize doctors who trained in the States and came back. So there are some American-trained doctors here. My dentist is from Cuba and my private doctor is also from Cuba, so it is just that I just ran into more Cuban doctors than American doctors.
It was mid-November, overcast, 72 degrees, with just a hint of rain in the air. On the highway a few hours after leaving Cordoba and headed southeast to our planned destination of Palenque, there were literally no other cars within sight in either direction. The road was high quality and safe. Even the shoulders were full width, as opposed to ¾ width shoulders we had seen so many times before, that were used for...
The first neighbor we met was Moises. He looked to me like a gangster at first glance, and I believe he wants the people around here to think so as well. He usually wears pointed-toe cowboy boots and a black leather jacket with some sparkly studs in a few places. There has been a fashion going for some time where people show their prosperity by having gold caps put on their front teeth. I mistakenly thought they had had dental repairs and had elected the gold caps; I couldn’t figure out...
The Metro de Panama, the first subway system in Central America, started operating on April 5. Line 1 operates from Albrook to Los Andes, with 19 trains that make stops at 12 stations. It takes only 23 minutes to travel the length of the line. Seven stations are underground and five are elevated.
Each train consists of three cars, with air conditioning, video surveillance, passenger information systems, and wheel chair accessibility. The trains also have fire safety systems...
In my opinion, the doctors here in Yucatan are far superior to doctors in Canada. I have had only two medical issues since I have been here and both times the doctor saw me and within minutes, I was diagnosed and/or sent for laboratory tests or x-rays. If you go to doctor at around 10 AM, you will have the results of your laboratory test and x-rays in your hand by 1 PM, and then you can go back in to see your doctor for him to read the results. 
Yes. Portugal is a laic state with religious freedom and tolerance. Although Portugal has a long lasting Catholic tradition, it is one of the best European examples of religious tolerance with successful integration of the minority religions, as there is no track record of any religious conflicts. 
You need to learn a little bit of Spanish in order to get by in Nicaragua. There are places that you would go to, especially in the government offices, where they speak little to no English. If you are going to any office that is run by the government, you must be able to speak Spanish or at least have an interpreter. Most expats in Leon, where I live, do know how to speak basic Spanish. 
Later, we came down to Panama, to Boquete, to visit friends who lived here and were enthusiastic about retiring here, so their attitude influenced us. In addition, the cost of living and the lifestyle we saw in Panama were totally different than what we had in Toronto, Canada, which is where we’re from, so we decided to build a vacation home in Panama. Having a vacation home in Panama worked for us because we could visit before making the final move.
In Boquete, which is up in the mountains, the weather is especially nice, if you like cooler weather in the evening. Here at Tucan, in Arraijan, we’re closer to the ocean, so the weather is not as cool in the evening. We do, however, have other advantages that may appeal to you: 
It all started so innocently. 