We've been dreaming about living abroad in a tropical climate for years, and with careful planning and some gutsy decisions along the way we made the move. We created this blog to tell our story.
Why Panama?
Good question, probably the one we hear most often. In short - Panama is a lot like Hawaii but with great prices, all the comforts of a major US city, less impact by tourism, and a very friendly local culture. We also considered Costa Rica and Nicaragua, but Panama seemed to have the best schools and the perfect balance between a city infrastructure and deserted island. It's more westernized than any other Latin American country and i suppose that also made Panama feel just right. To give you an idea, Panama City is three times the population of Seattle and feels like a little version of New York City - loud, crowded, lots of tall buildings, and everyone honks their horn!
Decmber 2010 we brought the family to get to know Panama City, Pacific side beach towns like Coronado and Gorgona, the Caribbean and the rain forest in Gamboa. Ten days and we had a blast. Our kids had a chance to meet other kids going to Panama Coast International School and we had a chance to meet parents and other adults who made us feel welcomed. Our friends, Misty and Alex made the move from Seattle to Panama five years ago. Talking to them about meeting new friends, places to live, and which schools the kids can attend has been valuable to us and its great to have them as a great resource. Too bad they moved to Panama City... we'll miss having them around. On the bright side - they left their beach rental house to us so we could take over for awhile...
So we begin our first week settling in, adjusting to the 90 degree weather and humidity. Grocery shopping - 1/2 the price of US. Big plus. We love the fact that we don't have to think about Pesos, Euro or Yen exchange. Panama uses the US dollar. Another major plus! We are in the rainy season...but it is warm. Kind of like Hawaii.
So even though we feel like we are in vacation mode, I know it will have to come to an end. Just like summer. I have laundry piling up, school starting for the kids in a week, and Chris got a desk today for his office so he can work tomorrow. That means the honeymoon stage is coming to an end. We should be in a routine (I hope) by next week.
My thing? I'll be an artist while the kids are at school and Chris is at the "office" (guest house next door).
Looking forward to reading your blog! What a fabulous adventure. Just from the start of it, I have no idea how you're going to want to come back to Bellevue (except for all your fabulous friends of course)! Keep those pictures and updates coming!
ReplyDeleteWow..Thanks for blogging your adventure Lita. Hugs to the family. I also wondering if you will ever want to come back? We shall see. When I lived in Hawaii the only thing I missed was a cool day where I could wear a sweatshirt. But that was the ONLY downside. I could have lived there forever. Oh and your vacations might change - you might start visiting Lake Tahoe in the Winter and not Hawaii. :-)
ReplyDeleteYay! Love the blog. We're planning our visit the week of November 12. You guys will be there, right? I heard a rumor you were coming back for a visit in November. I'll be reading for more updates on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteHi Guys - Thanks for the blog. It helps those of us that already miss you terribly stay in touch. The pictures are breathtaking and it is easy to see why you fell in love with the area and want to call it home. Love you Lots!
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