One Year in Paradise

A year in Paradise has made lazy, although I was somewhat lazy before arriving here. I don't feel any pressure to do anything at a certain time or in a particular order, so I have neglected to update this blog and my www.paradisepanama.net web site on a regular basis.

I have been very busy with Photo Adventure trips, ham radio (over 7,000 contacts with other hams around the world), and preparations for construction on my new house near Volcan. Below are some of my reflections on my first year in paradise as contained in a small newsletter that I send to a list of interested contacts 2 or 3 times per year.

Reflections about Paradise after one year. I chose Panama after over a year of study and 3 visits here to get acquainted with the area, and to acquire a building site for my home. I am still happy with my decision! *Be aware that this is not the U.S. and we should not expect things to be done "out way". That said, living here is much less stressful than in the U.S.

The positives totally outweigh the few irritations. The people are friendly and almost the only crime is petty theft. The climate is mild all year up here in the mountains. You can get by without learning Spanish, although it would help.

The price of living is much less even though some things will cost as much as the states. Some of the few things that are as expensive here include:
-- gasoline but we take fewer, shorter and slower trips
-- land; in short supply in every desirable part of the world
-- electricity; although we use much less due to no
air conditioning
-- major appliances and vehicles

Things that cost less, to much less, include:
-- building costs; as much as 50% less
-- car insurance; less than 50%
-- health insurance; less than 20%
-- doctor / dentist visits; about 50%
-- rent; much less than 33% of stateside
-- food in restaurants and locally grown vegetables & beef; varies
-- car registration; varies
-- maid / cleaning service; 10% what I was paying in U.S.
-- repairs of almost any kind; 50%, to much less
-- public transportation; buses and taxis; less than 50%
-- haircut; less than 50%
-- and the list goes on

I am looking forward to a long, happy interesting life here. I welcome your questions and e-mails.

Regards and try to enjoy where you are while you are there!

Jay
panama@jaymills.org