Latest Expat Stories

A New Twist on Life in Nicaragua

Jet Metier first heard of the term “tail twisting” from Kent Payne, who explained that it’s a way to get a cow to move where it should go by twisting its tail.  Kent expounded that the same principle could be applied to people.  Jet learns it did not take much tail twisting for Kent and his wife to settle down in beautiful Gran Pacifica, Nicaragua.
 
Jet Metier: Good morning, Kent! This interview is our way on behalf of our visitors to thank you for all...

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Coronado Panama - Pet Health Care

This is a picture of our dear calico cat Coronado Panama - Pet Health Care  – Best Places In The World To Retire – International Livingnamed Purr-Cie.  Believe it or not Purr-Cie adopted us more than 21 years ago... that's no typo - yes more than 21 years ago when my wife & I lived in Illinois.  Purr-Cie has traveled with us from Illinois to Florida & then to Costa Rica & since February 2007 Purr-Cie has been with us here in Panama.  Lately Purr-Cie has been to say the least a bit under the weather... so we took her to an English speaking...

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The Need For Insurance Lives On In Panama

In Panama, the government doesn't allow insurance to be written for individuals over 62. That makes health care an important issue. Yes, it is cheaper than in the USA.  However, the type of insurance available with MS Chiriqui Hospital in David has changed!  (David is the closest large city to Boquete.  The picture to the right is of the author, Linda Jensen.)
 
When we originally signed up for coverage we paid $147 per month and it had a term...

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New Metro (Subway) in Panamá

Public transportation in Panamá made Metro in Panama City Panama showing train and boarding area – Best Places In The World To Retire – International Livinghistory last April 5, 2014 with the inauguration of the first metro (subway) in Central América.
 
Above and  beyond all expectations, the construction of the modern metro was made in 38 months.  It has 20 trains of 3 wagons each, accommodating 600  people per train.
 
But the most amazing thing is that the President of Panamá, Mr. Ricardo Martinelli, a nice and simple fellow,...

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Patriots in Panama; No More, No Less

A Proud Marine 2014, my granson Dakota John Franklin – Best Places In The World To Retire – International LivingWe have many friends who are living the day-to-day hardship of the crisis in America. They choose to stay and deal with the political, economic and emotional stress on a daily basis. It takes a toll on everyone of all ages. 
 
My husband and I chose to leave in hopes we could find a less stressful lifestyle. We wanted to be able to afford a more comfortable life in a climate that seems to boost our spirits. We found it in Boquete, Panama! Along with thousands of...

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Panama History Was Made Today - Canadian Sunwing Charter Flight Lands At Panama's New Scarlett Martinez Airpoort!

Panama's new international beach airportPanama's Scarlett Martinez International Airport - First Canadian Sunwing Charter Flight Lands Today April 4, 2014 – Best Places In The World To Retire – International Living named Scarlett Martinez and located in the general Coronado Panama area received its very first international flight from Toronto Canada this morning!  The Sunwing charter flight arrived right on time, packed with happy vacationing Canadians seeking to escape from the northland cold to the warm & sunny Panamanian Pacific Ocean Beaches.
 
Weekly Sunwing charter flights are scheduled for each...

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A White Christmas?

It's the small things that you miss.  They don't hit you right away, but over time, they become big things.  
 
When we lived in the US, I hated the snow and the cold and winter in general.  I could not wait to get away from it.  Finally, I was in Nicaragua and there is definitely no cold weather or snow or winter there.  I was so happy about it.  That is... until I had a small child and it was Christmas.  I suddenly missed...

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No More Winters or Expensive Beer for Sarah

Sarah Booth is a long way from the snowy mountains and ski trails of Whistler, British Columbia, where she began a career that would make an international lifestyle possible.  Jet Metier finds out what a blast Sarah is having in Coronado, Panama and the essentials of how to pack like a pro.
  

Jet  Metier: Good morning, Sarah!

Sarah Booth: Hi Jet!

Jet Metier: Hello. My first thought when I saw your picture was: What's it like being the being...

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Anne of the Wild and Sea

Not many little girls who love animals grow up to be animal trainers in films, but as Jet Metier found out about Anne Gordon de Barrigón, that was one of her earlier steps to do what she really wanted to do: swim with dolphins and whales as a way of life.  And along the way she married a man from a native Panamanian tribe and opened a B & B on Contadora Island that offers studies for those interested in spiritually connecting with dolphins and whales.

This interview...

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Lifestyle? I Found it in Comfortable Condo Living in Boquete, Panama

Our gatedBoquete Valley of Flowers Condos Boquete Panama – Best Places In The World To Retire – International Living ​condo community is a good place to call home. It has been our home for longer than a year and is located in a great location.
 
Some of the condos here are owned and some are rented out.  Others have owners who come for a several months out of the year, while there are long-term residents here almost all the time.
 
The floor plans consist of two bedroom, two bath units with large patios on the back.  The condos are all pretty much the...

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