Panama 9°80° Edition 33

SUMMER THE RIVERSIDE INN RANDOMLY GOOD

EDITION #33 – YEAR #10

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PORTOBELO

THE COSMIC CRAB RED FROG ISLAND RESORT & SPA

ROAD TRIP TO SAN BLAS CUBITÁ TOURS AND THE RICE ASSEMBLY

PANAMA 9°80° www.locationpanama.com

BOQUETE HIGHLIGHTS GEISHA THE PRIDE OF PANAMA SIMPLIFY PANAMA BOCAS BREWERY

ISLA VERDE SPA

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RANDOMLY GOOD PART 9

THE ROCK BOQUETE

THE RIVERSIDE INN

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The name 9°80° is derived from the country’s location on the world map – 9 degrees north of the equator, 80 degrees west of the prime meridian.

MANAGING EDITOR Irma Marengo GRAPHIC DESIGN Falina Pérez de Valverde WRITERS Irma Marengo Joan Crabtree Julie Colosso Broce PHOTOGRAPHY Biomuseo Cubitá Gilberto Alemancia Irma Marengo Leon Barros Red Frog PEPPOPHOTOGRAPHY CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: (507)394-3452 info@panama980.com www.locationpanama.com Panama 9°80° es publicada por Avenue A. Publications, Inc. Las opiniones y recomendaciones de los autores y artistas que aparecen en Panama 9°80° no necesariamente reflejan las opiniones de la empresa.

Panama 9°80° no asume responsabilidad por los productos o servicios que se anuncian en la revista, ni por errores de contenido impreso.

No está permitido reproducir, total o parcialmente en contenido de esta publicación sin previo permiso escrito de Avenue A. Publications, Inc. © 2015 Todos los derechos reservados.

RUC: 1119547-1-564065 D.V. 92 Impreso por Panamericana Formas e Impresos, S.A. quién solo actúa como impresor.

Impreso en Colombia PANAMA 9°80°

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THE RIVERSIDE INN PANAMA 9째80째

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The Riverside Inn is located in the valley of Boquete, 1200 meters above sea level. Boquete is a quaint charming town on the northern highlands of Panama offering year-round spring like weather, a wide variety of tours and activities and some of the best boutique coffee plantations in the world.

The Riverside Inn offers their guests an intimate welcoming setting with a quiet and comfortable country feeling. The Inn is nestled in unique landscaped gardens on the banks of the Palo Alto River.

Each of its 6 spacious rooms have their own individual and stylish look making every single stay unique. White fluffy duvet covers, beautifully hand carved armoires from Bali, spacious bathrooms with bathtubs, waffle-weave bathrobes, luxury toiletries, satellite television, sound system and DVD player are some of the amenities you’ll find at The Riverside Inn. The Master Suite Orquidea is perfect for honeymoons or romantic retreats, with a four-poster bed that stands under a vaulted ceiling, a private sun deck and an oversized hydrotherapy tub.

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The Inn offers three different settings. The cozy living room with a river stone fireplace invites guests to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. The library room is perfect to catch up with your e-mails or to enjoy a good book and the sun room serves as an entertainment center with board games, satellite television, snacks and a fully stocked honor bar.

The Riverside Inn is perfect for travelers who are seeking exceptional personal service, a unique experience and a place that is noticeably different in look and feel with style and intimacy.

Guests can enjoy a refreshing and fabulous dining experience at The Rock, a Food for Senses Restaurant, where they serve food without pretenses, great wine and artisan beer.

At The Riverside the staff is genuinely friendly, offering exquisite attention to detail ensuring your stay is memorable one.

The Riverside Inn is a member of Select Small Hotels Boutique Selection

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Hotel Amenities

Activities

Free high speed wireless internet

Canopy zip line tour

Nature walks

4x4 Mountain safari

Tennis

Satellite Television

Horseback riding

Racquetball

In-room DVD player Honor bar Sound system Hair dryer Safety Box Luxury bathroom amenities Soft waffle-weave bathrobes Room service Laundry services Parking lot Continental breakfast included 14

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Bird watching Hiking Thermal springs Coffee tours River rafting Rock climbing Day Spa ATV adventure tour Mountain biking Golf Mini golf

Contact information +507-720-1076 reservations@riversideinnboquete.com www.riversideinnboquete.com

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Photos by Gilberto Alemancia

Photos by Gilberto Alemancia

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ROAD TRIP

TO SAN BLAS (GUNA YALA)

For many years the beautiful collection of pristine islands of San Blas seemed far, expensive and unobtainable unless traveling by small planes.

Today the road to San Blas is perfectly paved with the exception of a few sections where the pavement has washed out exposing dirt and rocks.

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Panama City’s Corredor Sur “the southern highway” all the way to the port of Carti.

Once you exit the Corredor Sur, keep driving straight passing the towns of 24 de Diciembre, Pacora and Chepo, until you turn left at the entrance of El Llano and drive another 40 km to the port of Carti. This route is very scenic with views of lush and pristine tropical jungle and foggy mountains.

Around 20 km into the drive you will find a SENAFRONT (National Border Services) check point where local authorities will request your personal ID if Panamanian or a resident and your passport (original not copy) if a foreigner. Be sure to have the appropriate identification since at this point and after all the driving, you don´t want to be sent back to get your passport.

A few yards after the check point, you will be approached by the Guna General Counsel where you must pay admission to the Guna territory. The fees may vary and there is a $5.00 charge for your car as well as for each Panamanian or resident while foreigners should pay $20.00.

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Photos by Gilberto Alemancia

The closer you get to Carti, the windier and steeper the road gets, so for safety reasons authorities only allow 4x4 vehicles to embark on the journey. There have been a few 4x4’s that have lost power in the middle of a steep hill but this also depends on the driver’s skills and the condition of the vehicle.

There are 3 ports, Carti, Yandup and Tupile with Carti being the main port and our destination.

When you arrive in Carti, you have to drive along the airstrip to reach the port, where you will be charged $3.00 to park your car and $2.00 per person to enter the community. The port is active and people are coming and going. Here you can grab a quick bite and use the facilities before going to your island of choice. The locals will charge you $0.25 to use the washroom which is perfectly fine because not only do they keep it clean, they remind you to wash your hands! At all times keep your admission receipts. Boat tours start from $35.00 per person ,but depend on your destination.

When you start the journey remember: first and foremost RESPECT, respect the law, respect the culture, respect the people and respect nature. If you want to take a picture of a native, please ask for permission and be aware that you will most likely be charged for taking a Guna photo.

Here different boat drivers offer different tour options and since we were on a day trip, we decided to explore several islands.

We started at (S) Isla Aguja, (EN) Needle Island, (G) Icodub (dub means island), located 15 minutes away from the port. This tiny relaxing island has beautiful white sand, is palm fringed and perfect for camping.

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Most Islands have a General Manager, or a person in charge who is not the Chief or Cacique. The Chief is an honorary position which is not involved in the daily management of the islands, nor administering laws, the laws are handled by the Guna General Congress.

You can camp on Icodub but if you don’t feel like carrying a tent with you, you can always rent one of rustic huts that are suitable for spending the night. Even though this island is extremely pristine, Icodub has public bathroom facilities. You are allowed to bring your own food and snacks and the island has a restaurant just in case you don’t want to deal with cooking. Icodub is so small you can walk around it in less than 3 minutes.

If you want to camp or arrange lodging facilities on the island contact: Mrs. Sara at +507-6986-8548 Just 8 minutes from Icodub, you will find (S) Isla Anzuelo, (EN) Hook Island, (G) Achuerdub. Achuerdub is very similar to Icodub but slightly larger and has a rustic restaurant.

If you want to camp or arrange lodging facilities on the island contact: Mr. Russo Tel +507-6782-5842 The farther you go from the coast, the more pristine the islands become, that is why (S) Isla Perro, (EN) Dog Island, (G) Achudub, is so famous!

Just 35 minutes away from the port of Carti, Achudub offers bright turquoise waters, exotic sand, including a shipwreck that has become the habitat for several species of fish and the perfect spot to snorkel. The island has a good restaurant that constantly feeds the crowds with fresh lobster, crab, fish and coconut rice, while offering refreshing drinks and cocktails to the visitors. This island is a bit larger than the previous 2 and tends to be crowded on important holidays, which is why sometimes we jump to the next island, as beautiful but more private which is (S) Isla Perro Grande, (EN) Big dog island, (G) Achudub Tummad.

Photos by Gilberto Alemancia

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Here you can bring your food or kindly ask the local family to cook for you (you must pay for their services). On these islands where there are no restaurants, you can get incredible deals from fishermen selling lobster, crab, octopus and fish. The island also has public restroom facilities.

In this area the most iconic island is (S) Isla Pelícano, (EN) Pelican Island, (G) Korkidub. A small and pristine islet with absolutely no facilities but with the most exotic setting and great snorkeling.

There’s a family who lives here.

Near Pelican Island, there’s a spot in the middle of the ocean called the “Natural Pool”. It is a great place to spot starfish, but be aware that the moment you pull a starfish out of the water, you kill it, so we recommend not to touch them.

Photos by Gilberto Alemancia

The local people are extremely friendly and many of them sell local crafts consisting of Molas, fabrics with geometrical, anthropomorphic, mythological and zoological designs, as well as elaborate and beautiful beaded arm and leg bracelets called Chaquiras.

Remember to bring small denomination bills, $1, $5, $10 and $20. Some of the islands have an admission charge of $1 or $2 and you will not get change for a $100.

Also, there are no ATMs on the islands.

If you want to arrange your boat tour in advance, contact: Mr. Germain Pérez +507-6734-3454 / 6141-9518 sanblasadventures@yahoo.com www.cartihomestay.info

Special thanks to Gilberto Alemancia

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CUBITÁ TOURS

AND THE RICE ASSEMBLY Once again Cubitá tours organized another cultural immersion activity where guests were able to participate in a rice harvest assembly.

The rice harvest assembly is an excellent example of the spirit of solidarity that characterizes the Panamanians from the countryside and it is an excellent opportunity for local visitors and tourists to experience the Azuero traditions.

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Local countrymen from La Palma de Las Tablas welcomed the visitors at the rice fields and explained the correct techniques for cutting the rice. They use a special artisan cutting blade and cut each rice ear individually, stacking them in handfuls, many of these are then tied together forming a bundle. After receiving instructions and a shot of seco straight from the bottle, a liquor made from sugarcane, tourists chanted along with the countrymen and participated in the harvesting process.

The harvesting ended before noon and all of the rice bundles were stacked in the field so they could be collected later and transported to the farm. Once the crowd arrived at the farm, they were greeted by traditional music and a meal consisting of beef soup and the assembly juice, a juice made with roasted corn, ginger, cinnamon, anise and sweetened with sugarcane.

CubitĂĄ Tours is a pioneer in the tourism development of the Azuero peninsula, offering a wide variety of services including experiences that are 100% Panamanian, as well as the best adventure, historical, ecological and cultural tours in the central provinces of Panama.

Information Tel: +507-910-0188 info@cubitatours.com www.cubitatours.com

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Photo courtesy of Biomuseo

BIOMUSEO Panama Bridge of Life

Since the early days of the creation of the Biomuseo, the name Frank Gehry has been used to spearhead the promotion of the project, however, not to take credit away from the famous architect and his extraordinary, eclectic, origami-like metal and cement structure whose colors play with the sky, the real credit goes to the team of experts from the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama who worked tirelessly to develop the Biomuseo’s scientific content along with the Bruce Mau firm, responsible for the conceptual and graphic design of the galleries.

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The first exhibition is called The Gallery of Biodiversity. This gallery presents the subject of biodiversity along with the documented work of local scientists and features the current health of the environment including a list of species that are alive, endangered or extinct. It also has an impressive 14 meter wide by 8 meter tall multi-colored stain glass that represents the explosion of life in Panama.

The next gallery is called Panamarama “Panama’s Panorama”, a fascinating multi-dimensional projection space that provides visual and acoustic renderings of Panama’s natural wonders from the Caribbean and the Pacific ecosystems.

Building the Bridge exhibition is an insightful guide to the earth’s tectonic forces that formed the isthmus which emerged from the sea. The gallery features geological studies of volcanic origins and explains how Panama started to emerge as islands that rose up between North and South America 40 million years ago.

The Worlds Collide Gallery illustrates what the scientists call the great biotic interchange. 3 million years ago, hordes of animals crossed into a new world for the first time and they have evolved in separate continents for 70 million years. The gallery describes the different species existing in both continents and how their ancestors migrated from the north or the south after the isthmus emerged.

Panama is one of the most biodiverse countries of the world because it was here that animals from opposite ends of the earth met and mingled and competed with each other for the very first time.

Photo courtesy of Biomuseo PANAMA 9°80° www.locationpanama.com

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Photo courtesy of Biomuseo - Panamarama

The Human Path exhibition is located on a partially open air space and sets a different rhythm to explore the relationship between human activity and Panama’s natural habitat since the arrival of the first settlers on the isthmus 15 million years ago. It deals with the migration of the homo sapiens sapiens from Africa and Europe, the ice age effects, pre-Columbian native tribes, the Spanish conquest and its repercussions including the decline of 90% of the native population, the introduction of African slaves, Panama becoming a crossroad, and how the actual Panamanian diet has been influenced from products coming from all over the world as well as Panama’s new challenges.

Currently there are 3 temporary exhibitions: Giant sharks, Gehry in Panama and The Future Biomuseo, they are small but nevertheless interesting.

We have heard mixed reviews about the museum’s experience and at the end of the day it is all relative since there are different levels of appreciation. While some people may visit because of the hype on its architecture, others may visit because of their thirst of knowledge, education and the instinct to explore. If you belong to the second group, I believe the museum will surprise you and will exceed your expectations. It is all in the details.

Information: Admission for nonresidents: Adults: $22.00 Students and children under 18: $11.00 Admission for Panamanians and residents: Adults: $12.00 Senior, students and children under 18: $6.00

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Museum Hours: Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed Wednesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact information: Telephone: +507-830 – 6700 http://www.biomuseopanama.org/en Building 136, Amador Causeway

Photo courtesy of Biomuseo - The Human Path

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PORTOBELO Declared by UNESCO as “World Heritage”, the town of Portobelo is known as a “historic monument collection”, since you can visit several sites in the same place.

Portobelo Bay

Even though Christopher Columbus visited the bay on his fourth voyage in 1502, it took another 95 years to build a town in that area.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, Portobelo became one of the most important silver exportation ports of Nueva Grenada, the Spanish Colonial Jurisdiction corresponding to what is today modern Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. Portobelo also became one of the most important departure points from the “Indies”.

The fact that Portobelo harvested so much valuable merchandise, created the necessity for a fortification. For the same reason, this town was subject to many pirate attacks from Francis Drake, William Parker, William Hiking, Henry Morgan, Edward Vernon, and William Kingles.

Some of the attacks were very intense as was Henry Morgan’s in 1668, when a fleet of privateers and 450 men led

by Morgan, who despite Portobelo’s great fortifications, were able to brutally capture and loot the town for 14 days, stripping it of all its wealth.

Another famous attack was led by Admiral Edward Vernon in 1739, but this time the town was recovered by the Spaniards, and Vernon was forced to return to England with many casualties.

Many of the fortresses, castles and buildings, still remain today, like Fort Santiago, San Jerónimo, San Fernando, the Customs and Controller’s building, and the San Juan de Dios Church.

Fort Santiago

It was created with the intention to protect the town after Francis Drake’s attacks. Today, this will be the first fort you encounter when arriving in the town of Portobelo. You can still observe some details like rows of cannons pointing out to the bay, dormitories, kitchen and the gunpowder house.

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Photo by PEPPOPHOTOGRAPHY

Fort San Fernando

The ruins of Fort San Fernando can be spotted on the other side of the bay of Portobelo. This fortress was created after Henry Morgan´s vicious attack offering a second line of defense for the bay and here you can see the barracks as well as 14 cannons pointing out from the ruins toward the bay.

Fort San Jeronimo

Fort San Jeronimo was attacked by Henry Morgan while the fort was under construction. It was reconstructed, and later it was attacked by Edward Vernon during the war of Jenkins Ear.

Customs and Controller’s Building

This building is a museum today exhibiting colonial artifacts, guns, cannon balls, tools and pottery. Back in the day, this place served as a storage place for all wealth, including silver and gold brought from South American colonies.

San Juan de Dios Hospital - Church

Originally built in 1598 as the first hospital in Latin America with the objective to cure dysentery patients and to aid crew members disembarking from galleon fleets arriving at port.

This church was partially destroyed by William Kingels in 1774 and reconstructed in 1801. Today this church is home to the famous Black Christ which draws thousands of pilgrims every year due to the legend of his miracles.

Aside from the historic buildings, the town of Portobello offers many restaurants where you can taste the local Caribbean cuisine.

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A COSMIC EXPERIENCE COSMICALLY DELICIOUS COSMICALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD 30

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A trip to Bocas always includes an afternoon at the Cosmic Crab Café in Careening Cay Resort, on Isla Carenero, enjoying a spectacular sunset from waterfront seats, and indulging in 9°80°’s favorite Cosmic cocktail – the Hot Passionate Rita, a divine rim salted Margarita made with jalapeno infused Tequila and freshly squeezed lime and passion fruit juices. This is just one of the many original cocktails, frozen drinks and martinis found on the Cosmic Crab cocktail menu. The Cosmic Colors, the CC signature drink, is a frozen blend of rums, blue curacao, fresh passion fruit, fresh frozen pineapple and coconut cream, a color coordinated masterpiece of deliciousness. Mixology expertise and humor can be found throughout the menu. Enjoy the chuckles as guests come across the Kiss My Nuts Martini … a mixture of Amaretto and Frangelico garnished with a chocolate kiss. The ChocoNuttaButta Martini tastes like a liquor enhanced Reeses cup rimmed with chocolate cream and peanut butter. And then there are the Bloody Marys. The secret is in the amazing flavors and herbs of the homemade mixes. Try the Cosmic Classic Bloody, Chipotle Bloody or Saucy Horseradish, they are ALL delicious. If you like yours extra Bloody hot, ask for the Jalapeno infused vodka, also the key to the Hot & Dirty Martini with the….interesting little pickle & olive garnish.

Owner Chef, Joan Crabtree designed her menus inspired by the abundant variety of tropical produce, and availability of fresh fish and seafood. She has creatively combined diverse cultures, recipes, spices into an eclectic and savory adventure in Caribbean cuisine and cocktails. “I endeavor to use fresh local products integrated with international influences to enhance the overall Caribbean flavor experience. While it is sometimes challenging acquiring certain ingredients in Bocas, we incorporate what is most readily available…..or easy to grow. Mint, sage, anise, culantro, wild oregano, lemon grass, wild dill, hibiscus and a variety of ginger plants grow in the gardens around the resort. We pick fresh mint for our mojitos, garnish our Ginger Snap Martini with a fragrant and edible white ginger flower.

Homegrown culantro, habaneros, jalapenos and fresh lime are the main ingredients in our homemade salsa picante, HOT ‘N COOLantro, and is a perfect topping for our Jerusalem Style Hummus. Coconuts from our own plentiful trees contribute to make coconut milk which we use in many recipes, including coconut rice, topped also with roasted coconut”.

‘Pipa water’ from young green coconuts makes a refreshing (and electrolyte balancing!) drink over ice…..and in the Coconut Rum enhanced Pipatini. A favorite on the menu, Coconut Shrimp, is dipped in tempura batter, then rolled in freshly grated coconut, fried and served with a spicy fresh pineapple dipping sauce. The house specialties, Crab or Lobster Cakes are topped with a spicy island dressing. Our Banana Leaf Wrapped Baked Red Snapper has fresh local vegetables and pineapple on a Snapper filet, then topped with a creamy garlic herb wine sauce, with herbs of course blended from the garden. All is wrapped in a banana leaf (from our banana trees), and baked to tender moist perfection, infusing the blend of flavors with a unique presentation”.

A special sight to behold is when local fishermen and divers come right up to the dock of the Cosmic Crab with cayukos “dugout boat” filled with Caribbean King Crab, Lobster, Red Snapper, Grouper, Yellow Fin Tuna, Lionfish and occasionally Kingfish and Wahoo. Now, imagine your fresh fish or Lobster, grilled with a Tequila Lime & Garden Herb Marinade or Passion fruit butter.

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Photo by Leon Barros

Aromatic, tart and tangy, passion fruit is a favorite ingredient in local cuisine. Here it is scooped out of its shell, blended, strained, then mixed with melted butter and a dash of salt. Simply prepared, yet the flavor is exotically delicious.

The Cosmic Crab also hosts the All You Can Eat Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Freshly baked breads, muffins bagels, salmon caper cream cheese, spiced maple brandy ham, sausage, bacon, the As You Like It Omelet (you choose the mixings and a huge fluffy omelet is delivered to your table), pancakes, French toast, deviled eggs, quiche, cheese blintzes with hot blueberry sauce, pasta, soups, salads and additional weekly specials fill the buffet. With live music on Sundays, usually jazz, R&B, reggae or mellow rock, a friendly atmosphere, dancing around t he swimming hole, comfortable

seating, cool breezes, gorgeous wide water views and, of course, wonderful food and drinks, the Cosmic Crab is a perfect choice for a leisurely Sunday afternoon……or any time. Open Tuesday-Sunday, noon9pm (closed Mondays)

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THE RED FROG ISLAND Resort & Spa The Red Frog Island Resort & Spa is located in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro. The beaches here are among the best in Central America. It is a unique area of renowned natural beauty, secluded beaches, enriching culture, rare tropical vegetation and wildlife and includes one of the world’s greatest national marine parks. The Resort offers upscale private villas with private pools and more unique tours and activities than anywhere else in Panama.

A hidden secret in the Caribbean since Columbus discovered the island in 1502 A.D., Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa offers an unforgettable experience whether you are looking for a relaxing or an adventurous vacation. www.redfrogbeach.com

Photoby courtesy of Red Frog Photo IM

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Photo courtesy of Red Frog

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Mark Perren Jones studied massage therapy and acupuncture in Australia. He specializes in pain treatment and has worked all over the world in different spas massaging people from all walks of life, from celebrities to presidents of countries, athletes, Olympic athletes, and sports professionals.

Ten years ago, he came to Boquete to work in a spa and two and half years ago he started his own spa at Isla Verde. In less than a year of operation Isla Verde Spa ranked #1 in Trip Advisor getting an incredible average of 100% excellent reviews and also Isla Verde Spa has been honored with the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Isla Verde Spa stands out because the core of their service for Mark and his professional team is to give the very best massage they can give. “When you are laying face down on a table, it really does not matter if you are in a luxury million dollar spa, of course you want the place to be nice and clean, but at the end of the day the only thing that counts is that you get an amazing massage”, says Mark.

“The most important part of a massage is depth. The great majority of spa massages are way too light, it is what I call skin polish. You want the massage to reach a certain depth where you feel what we call happy pain - it is not painful but you can feel it getting in and releasing your muscles and that’s what I call The Goldie Locks Zone, not too firm not to light.

We offer deep tissue relaxation massage, hot stone massage and a product we call the three favorites which is a massage that focuses on the back, neck and feet. We also offer Thai massages where you lay on a futon fully clothed with loose comfortable clothing - certainly one of the most amazing forms of massage. In addition to the massages, we also offer luxury facials. At the spa we use Germaine De Capuccini vitamin C facial which is fantastic and we have an ozone vaporizing steamer which opens the pores.

95% of what I do is to treat people with shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain, knee pain, and any kind of pain that they may have. What I really try to do is to teach them why they have the pain and how to relieve it themselves, thereby empowering them. So, for example, when a person´s back goes out and they are experiencing back pain, I point out the causes, whether its related to posture or something they are doing and very quickly assess what is going on so I can show them what to avoid and teach them exercises that will help their pain, so they don’t have to rely on a practitioner all the time.”

Mark’s treatment is based on a 3 step program: Step 1: remove the causes Step 2: remove the pain Step 3: how to maintain a healthy spine or joints You can buy Mark’s videos on how to get a back and neck free of pain at www.spinal-institute.com For more information contact: Mark Perren Jones Isla Verde Spa 507-6948-6664 mark@boquetemassage.com www.boquetemassage.com www.spinal-institute.com Open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Isla Verde Spa can arrange to visit clients in their hotels

Photo by IM

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Photo by IM

THE BLARNEY STONE The Blarney Stone is a unique piece of Ireland in Panama and one must say that the menu and the décor go far and beyond the traditional Irish Pub. The fully stocked bar is tastefully decorated with a stained glass sky light, offering a warm atmosphere set by the tones of the wood that contrast with the traditional green, elegantly displayed through the pub’s furnishings.

Irish memorabilia is displayed all over the restaurant and a beautiful map of Ireland on the ceiling welcomes patrons as they walk inside the pub.

The menu offers a selection of great traditional Irish dishes and comfort food from all over the world. Some of the Irish dishes they serve include Dublin bay seafood chowder, traditional Sheppard’s pie, a classic lamb stew and Irish sausage.

The homemade traditional Irish sausage with mashed potatoes with an

onion gravy is a great way to start your journey through the multi-cultural menu.

Chef Mike Thompson surprises us with the most flavorful and delicious Scotch eggs, hard boiled eggs wrapped in beef sausage, coated with bread crumbs and served with a Dijon mustard. This is a dish you should not miss; it is pleasantly satisfying.

On the side, we ordered the most indulging pub fries topped with a thick and savory tzatziki sauce followed by the lamb burger which also had tzatziki sauce and sliced beets and it is, to put it in a simple phrase, to die for.

This is a generous dish.

We sealed our visit with the most delicious and beautifully presented grilled Vietnamese steak, cooked to perfection with the right kick of spice, sprouts and exotic edible flowers.

The Blarney Stone has a surprisingly vast selection of spirits and liquors and

serves a local variety of artisan beer.

Attention to detail and outstanding cooking skills make the Blarney Stone a must visit restaurant where not only do you get to sample the Irish classics but also great ethnic food and enjoy good music.

Information Hours Monday to Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m.

Tel: +507-395-7494 / 95 Location: 47th Street, Bella Vista, Aquarius building, ground floor.

Facebook: The Blarney Stone About the name: The Irish legend says that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are granted with the gift of gab.

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MUELLE 67 Let’s start by saying that any place that has a fish tank with live lobsters and king crab and, above all, a casual atmosphere is ranked #1 in my book.

Muelle 67 serves the freshest seafood from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The menu is extensive and in addition to seafood, they offer soups, salads, pasta, beef tenderloin, pork, wings and a delicious selection of sides.

We started with the Marbella Octopus, cooked to perfection, tender as can be and tossed with garlic, bell peppers and olive oil. We followed this with the lobster pockets, an elegant and delicate dish, the perfect crispness, flavor and bite.

Our favorite, the king crab with butter on the side was beautifully presented and so deliciously indulging and satisfying. “Sweet dreams are made of this”.

Puerquito Tableño, the chef’s take on the traditional finger licking pork from Las Tablas, a town located in a region rich in traditions. Not only is this dish one of the best examples of real Panamanian food but it´s also great with beer!

The Paella is one of the favorite dishes of their loyal clientele and I dare to say that the Paella has a fan club.

Of course when you mix the freshest and highest quality ingredients with the chef’s great skills, nothing less can be expected.

Muelle 67 also serves a good variety of spirits including a good selection of artisan, local and imported beers.

You can also play pool, darts or just hang out. That, as well as personalized service, makes this is the preferred gathering place for many tribes; you could call it a cult restaurant.

If you like to entertain at home, you can order any of the dishes on the menu and you can pick them up or delivery can be arranged depending on the time or availability of the service.

Downstairs, there’s a small market where you can buy live lobster and king crab to go and they also offer a great selection of vacuum packed seafood for your convenience.

This is one of those places that you may drive by without acknowledging it, but once you step inside, it may be the best kept secret unveiled.

Information: Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 p.m.

Sunday from 5:00 p.m.

Location: 67th Street San Francisco Tel: +507-209-2730 Facebook: Muelle67 Panama Instagram: Muelle67 PANAMA 9°80° www.locationpanama.com

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DAINER 16

Straight up good food!

(No spelling mistake, as one of the owners says, “We Panamanianized the word dinner, just for the fun of it”.)

This cool eclectic laid back home of comfort food is the creation of 5 friends, a radio personality, a CrossFit trainer and 3 chefs.

The concept of the restaurant is based on the premise of serving the kind of food the owners like to eat, a place where you can feel comfortable walking in either wearing flip flops and shorts or coming straight from the office, a place with no protocol, a place where breakfast is served all day and bacon can be added to absolutely everything!

Many ingenious minds worked together to create the different settings in the restaurant and recycled material was transformed to create tables, counters and art. There are all kinds of curious knick knacks all over the place, from Kiss figurines and a custom made beer bottle chandelier to vintage license plates.

One of the cool things they do at Dainer 16 is Character Tuesdays. If on Tuesday you place your order while impersonating the voice of a famous character, let’s say Darth Vader or the Godfather for instance, you get waffles à la mode or sometimes beer “on the house”.

We started with the house specialty, Chicken and Waffles, crispy waffles covered with powdered sugar accompanied by a delicious berry compote and a selection of either regular maple or the grownup syrup infused with Ron Abuelo, served with delicious fried chicken breast tenders.

The Guayabera wings were mind blowing!

Wings covered in a delicious guava sauce, the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

The Chili dog is a messy love affair, a jumbo 100% beef frank served on a huge artisan bread bun topped with a decadent homemade chili, cheddar cheese and the house secret sauce.

The KA EFE CE a goofy phonetics game on how KFC sounds in Spanish. An oversized fried chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce, cheese, BBQ sauce and the house sauce. Actually, you can order it with any of the house sauces including the guava sauce.

The Lincoln Burger, a glorious large rib-eye patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and beer battered onion rings, accompanied by mouthwatering sweet potato fries. It actually comes with French fries but we decided to give it a twist. All burgers are made with 100% ribeye, the meat is fresh and never frozen to keep the natural juices.

Although this is the Mecca of decadent comfort food, the menu offers a good variety of the now trending Paleolithic diet, a modern nutritional diet designed to imitate, using modern foods, the diet of wild animals and plants eaten by humans during the Paleolithic era. The Paleo, as the guys call it, include swordfish, roasted tomatoes, the chicken and mango salad and even pancakes.

Dainer 16 offers a variety of artisan beers ranging from 35 to 50 brands and many of them are rotated to satisfy the taste and curiosity of artisan beer drinkers.

Information: Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 65th Street San Francisco Tel: 209-5109 Instagram: somosdainer16 Facebook: Dainer 16

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LA HUERTA DE MANOLO CARACOL “Fine-dining-country-rustic” Originally from Andalucía, Spain, Manolo Caracol came to Panama many years ago to break the traditional restaurant concept, bringing with him influences from his travels through Europe, Africa, Asia and America and establishing a trademark of working with the freshest ingredients available.

La Huerta de Manolo Caracol in Pedasi is an extension of his renowned Casco Antiguo restaurant in Panama City where we first met him. His passion about food and the countryside led him to create a farm that would guarantee the supply of the best quality products while indulging in a laid back quality lifestyle for his family.

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Manolo’s wife, Josefina, tells us, “Our menu revolves around locally sourced high quality products such as seafood, meats and vegetables; at the farm among other produce, we grow yam, sweet potato, anise, basil, cilantro, coriander, mint, spearmint, sweet and hot chili, lemongrass, passion fruit, coconut, soursop, and all the tropical fruits you can imagine. We work with local talent in the kitchen and our prices are extremely accessible”.

La Huerta de Manolo Caracol goes far and beyond a place to grab a bite. It is an experience in itself, an opportunity to enjoy fresh delicious food with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. The open air country setting has large picnic tables, a clay oven, a collection of artisan crafts and, best of all, the backyard happens to be the orchard where fruits and vegetables come directly from the soil to the kitchen.

Upon arrival, you are served rustic bread accompanied by a delicious fresh tomato sauce and salad on the house to enjoy while you make a selection from the alluring chalkboard menu.

On our recent visit, we indulged in one of our favorite dishes which is the the mouthwatering ribs – we just had to have them. Those were followed by the flavorful grilled octopus served with rice and vegetables, the must have Pacific grilled lobster, the juicy pork chops and the catch of the day that happened to be grilled Dorado served with roasted local cheese, roasted tomato, roasted garlic and yucca with mojito and beets. Here the food is unpretentious, and main ingredients are meant to stand out without flair!

La Huerta de Manolo Caracol is a must visit during your trip to Pedasi.

Hours: Thursday to Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 9-9:30 p.m.

Location Calle del Colegio, on the way to the new airport. Pedasi.

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STYLO SUSHI - BAR Hotel Ciudad de David offers a great selection of rolls that range from the traditional to the exotic. This endeavor has been a great addition to the restaurant´s international approach and the public simply loves it.

One of the most popular rolls is of course the Chiricanito, named after the province of Chiriqui and its people. Neatly executed, a combination of avocado, cream cheese and battered shrimp, covered with ripe plantain and topped with a delicious sweet sauce.

Our favorite, the Stylo Roll, is a heavenly avocado and fresh tuna roll, with a succulent filling of jumbo shrimp, cream cheese and crab.

The Salmon Spice roll has a curious

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and extravagant mix of smoked salmon, chives, chipotle, cream cheese and avocado; it is one of those tastebud picker uppers.

We ended our visit with the Tempura HCD Roll, lightly battered and filled with salmon, cream cheese and chives; very indulging.

Another favorite combination is the Leyenda Roll, Gouda cheese and vegetable filling covered with fried plantain, avocado and sesame seeds - sweet and salty.

Stylo also serves a range of tempuras from plantain, vegetables, calamari to shrimp.

When ordering sushi rolls, the California Special with its mix of salmon, masago, avocado and fresh cucumber is always a traditional choice.

A good vegetarian option is the Primavera Roll “spring roll”, a delicious combination of sesame seeds, avocado, spinach, cucumber, carrots and seaweed, topped with a decadent sweet sauce.

You can order a variety of dipping sauces such as onion dip, chipotle sauce, crab sauce, spicy garlic sauce, sweet and spicy sauce and soy sauce.

Information Location: Hotel Ciudad de David, David – Chiriquí Hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m.

Tel: +507-774-3333 www.hotelciudaddedavid.com

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THE ROCK BOQUETE

A Food for Senses Restaurant rocking the highlands of Chiriqui.

Panoramic views, a crackling fireplace and an outdoor wooden deck beside a garden overlooking the Palo Alto River, sets a cozy and uncomplicated atmosphere to enjoy a fabulous meal.

The Rock team works tirelessly to source Chirqui’s best ingredients from a select network of smallscale suppliers, with an emphasis on farm-to-table products. In addition to the local products, The Rock offers a great selection of imported steaks and an exciting and well-balanced wine list.

The service is highly personable, with staff helping to create an atmosphere that is always relaxed.

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We enjoyed a casual afternoon on the terrace and ordered a selection of enticing appetizers, starting with the corvina wafers which were impeccably prepared, thinly sliced and lightly battered sea bass chips, accompanied by a delicious sweet chili dip. These were followed by the air-dried beef tartar, delicate bites of aged beef tenderloin, elegantly mixed with green apples, crisp vegetables and an old fashioned mustard and, finally, one of our favorites, the Rocking Shrimp tossed in the house garlic chili dip. While we enjoyed our appetizer medley, we sampled the house artisan beers, made with the finest malt, hops and Chiriqui’s cloud forest spring waters, surprisingly refreshing with a full body and fruity undertones.

Moving on to the main dishes, we ordered the succulent beef kabobs, juicy beef tenderloin skewers, served with roasted bell peppers and onions and the heavenly, pun intended, angel hair pasta with Pacific shrimps, sun dried tomatoes, green beans and fresh herbs, tossed in cold pressed olive oil.

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Executive Chef Erick Cabrera Bozo, originally from Venezuela, brings his distinctive hands-on approach and an intense focus to detail that extends not only to his cuisine, but also to the talented team. “I like to create dishes the flavors and aromas of which appeal to the diner’s taste memory, bringing them back to their childhood and The Rock”.

The Rock is famous for welcoming guests with warm hospitality, serving appetizing and creative dishes in a relaxed setting of casual elegance.

A highly satisfying experience that we will repeat again and again.

Oh…don’t miss the popular all you can eat baby back rib Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Information Tel: +507-720-2516 reservations@therockboquete.com www.therockboquete.com Facebook: The Rock Restaurant Twitter: @therockboquete

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BOQUETE HIGHLIGHTS

Flowers and Coffee Fair People from all over the world flock to the festival fairgrounds to taste local coffees, see stunning flower exhibits and experience the festival that lasts ten days.

There are other attractions including food stands, live music, amusement rides, artisan booths and more. Floral exhibits bloom and remain on display until April. Daily entrance fees apply.

The fair is located on the eastern bank of the Palo Alto River, just across the bridge on the left hand side.

The fair is held in January, however floral exhibits bloom and remain on display until June.

Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival The biggest music festival in Chiriqui is the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival, which has been growing every year since its inception in 2007. The stunning vistas and natural beauty of Boquete are a perfect backdrop to showcase the creative talent of Panamanian and international artists, as well as local musicians.

The festival takes place at a number of venues in Boquete during the course of four days, with open air day time concerts, jam sessions and a New Orleans style street parade. The Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival is held from February 4th to 8th. www.boquetejazzandbluesfestival.com

The Orchid Expo The Orchid Expo is an annual event in Boquete that takes place at the Flowers and Coffee Fairgrounds around Easter time.

Orchid lovers around the world have formed associations and clubs to collect and cultivate these exquisite flowers, which occur in thousands of varieties.

More than just a chance to show off their beauty, the expo raises awareness of the threat to orchid plants by excessive logging.

Plant exhibits, local handicrafts, conferences and cultural presentations are all part of the expo. The Expo takes place from March 26th to April 5th.

Tel: 720-1600 www.feriadeboquete.com

Tel: 720-1600 www.feriadeboquete.com

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Señor Gyros

Strawberries

A recent discovery, serving up succulent gyros with roasted beef or chicken, or the supreme with beef, chicken and bacon, served with fresh vegetables and a delicious tzatziki sauce and the new addition, freshly made falafel. Señor Gyros is an excellent option for a healthier snack to go and portions are generous.

One of the great traditions in Boquete is to visit any of the many rural strawberry and cream cafés. One of the popular venues is Fresas Café, where you can enjoy fresh strawberries with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, custard, marshmallow, yogurt, condensed milk, milkshakes and much more.

Tel: 6948-6664 Facebook: Señor Gyros Greek Restaurant Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tel: 730-9554 / 6413-6433 fresascafe@gmail.com www.fresascafeboquete.com

Tucan Tile Company The best spot to buy beautiful souvenirs like hand painted ceramic art tiles and bead bracelets.

Custom designs are welcome.

Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tel: +507-730-9323 tucantile@hotmail.com Photo by IM PANAMA 9°80°

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GEISHA

THE PRIDE OF PANAMA Author: Emily Janson

Arabica Coffee in Panama is recognized as some of the best in the world. Panama has continued to put itself on the map of outstanding coffees with the Geisha varietal of arabica coffee. Geisha is an heirloom varietal from the Gesha province of Ethiopia. This variety of arabica coffees stands out above all other coffees of this type produced in Panama.

The story of Geisha in Panama is a romantic one. It has been over a decade since Geisha coffee from Panama has been in the limelight of an international audience. During the Panama Cupping Competition known as ‘Best of Panama’, the world watches as the winners are selected each year.

In order to produce gourmet coffee you must have an ideal coffee producing environment. This requires high elevation, volcanic soil, and the right balance of moisture and sun.

Throw in limited availability and truly exceptional quality and you have a coffee treasure. Geisha is one of the treasures of Chiriqui, Panama.

Geisha coffee is distinguished for its light body with honey and citrus flavors that provide an outstanding taste profile and cup character. Geisha coffee exhibits a subdued yet intense floral and jasmine-like aroma. Adding to Geishas´ rarity is the fact that only a handful of Panamanian farms 58

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produce it. These farms surround Volcan Baru, the highest peak in Panama.

But what constitutes exceptional? By what objective standards is one coffee pronounced exceptional while another of equally limited availability is denied this attention? There are objective standards and the tasting wheel followed by the cupping experts. There are hundreds of combinations of descriptors for the fragrance and taste of a particular cup of coffee, all subject to the interpretation of a cuppers’ nose and tongue.

Even amongst the Geishas, there are differences in taste, depending on which farm they come from. Also significant is how the coffee is processed. There are three common ways to process coffee; Natural, Honey, & Washed. ‘Natural’ means you pick the coffee cherries and let them dry in the sun as is, ‘Honey’ refers to when you take the skin off and then let the fruit dry in the sun, and ‘Washed’ means you take off the skin and pulp around the bean and let it dry in the sun. Each process develops a different cup character.

‘Natural’ is generally the most expensive as it is the most time consuming to process and the most sought after because of its exceptional cup character.

Geisha has changed the coffee story in Panama and world over. There is no arguing that Geisha has stood the test of time as a precious commodity in the coffee industry of Panama. And with all the hype, one can say that they will always remember their first cup of Geisha. “It just simply tastes good!” Now with the sought after Geisha Natural, people are saying that they will never experience coffee the same. Geisha Coffee from Panama on the world connoisseurs platform, “Is one of the Best!”

Setting themselves apart from the rest, Janson Coffee Farm in Volcan, Panama is selling Geisha nationally and internationally direct from the farm. Meaning, when selling to you we do not use intermediaries.

That is why Janson Coffee can sell to you for less than you will see online. When ordering Janson Coffee you are getting fresh micro-roasted coffee right from the farm. The Janson’s have a large following in Panama because of the freshness and quality of their coffees.

In reference to gourmet arabicas, fresh micro-roasted coffee shipped farm direct is very unique world over.

Knowing your coffee farm can be an incredibly active decision that you can make towards making responsible choices with what you consume. It is special to be able to buy farm direct from a three generation family run sustainable farm that is growing Geisha, an heirloom varietal. The Janson’s are excited about their Janson Alpes Reserve, Geisha Natural. The Coffee Shop on the Farm has been getting rave reviews for the Janson Geisha Natural.

Photo by Emily Janson

Janson Coffee Farm now shipping farm direct has changed the buyers´ ability both in Panama and abroad to get some of the best coffee in the world that´s fresh and micro-roasted.

“Do yourself a favor, try Geisha from Panama!”

Please check out jansoncoffeefarm.com and buy fresh micro-roasted coffee, “From Our Farm to Your Cup!” For Panama prices please contact us directly or visit our Coffee Shop. Come visit Janson Coffee Farm and experience the Geisha V.I.P. Coffee Tour & Tasting with Lagunas Adventures.

For more information contact : Janson Coffee Farm 507) 6867-3884 (Spanish) 507) 6569-7494 (English) jansoncoffeefarm.com info@jansoncoffeefarm.com lagunasadeventures.com lagunasadventures@hotmail.com Las Lagunas, Cafetales Baru, Volcan, Chiriqui, Panama PANAMA 9°80°

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It’s a common story here. Tourist visits Panama, tourist falls in love with Panama, tourist moves to Panama and starts a new life.

And once they’re here, what next? How do they navigate through their transition? How do they find what they need to settle into their new life and perhaps start a new business? That’s where Simplify Panama will help.

Located in Panama City, Simplify Panama offers services throughout the country for small businesses and individuals. SP clients include small hotels, restaurants, construction contractors and other small businesses that need to source supplies, furniture, electronics, equipment, distributors, marketing materials and more.

Small business services include project management, consulting, research, errands and shopping.

Simplify Panama is the duo Julie Colosso Broce and Hans Wilson. They started visiting Panama regularly from 2003, and finally moved here in 2010. After managing two remote hotels and working with a specialty food and wine importer, they chose to launch their own business, a business born of their own needs and experiences.

In this busy country, it’s time consuming to run a small business and tackle special projects. Small business people are often overloaded with responsibilities and have little time to spare. Simplify Panama offers professional assistance for those endeavors.

Remote living creates a challenge in obtaining even basic goods. It can be expensive and burdensome to leave a small business or busy life just to gather supplies.

Simplify Panama also offers concierge services. They will take care of VIP clients unfamiliar with the region, who may have difficulties with the language and need assistance while in the city.

hesitate to wonder. One stood out above the rest. In June of 2014 the Floating Doctors, a wonderful non-profit organization that helps indigenous communities, had scheduled a surgery clinic for disabled children. It had all been scheduled with a local hospital far in advance, and the children were transported to the city, hours away from their rural mountain and island homes. The doctors even brought in special equipment from the USA just for this event. Unfortunately one important item was missing - test strips to determine the blood type of the patients. Without these, the doctors could not proceed.

That’s when Simplify Panama was contacted. In a race against time, they scrambled to connect with medical suppliers and find the necessary equipment. SP was able to obtain the supplies and ship them out on the next plane. The surgeries took place as scheduled, and 24 children were able to receive the medical care they needed. “This was by far the most important and rewarding thing we’ve done,” said Simpilfy Panama director Julie Colosso Broce.

“We enjoy helping people. Finding things in Panama can be a real challenge. For us it’s fun and rewarding.

It’s like a treasure hunt,” said Hans Wilson.

With their wealth of experience, local and national networks, the team of Simplify Panama can quickly and efficiently take care of time consuming tasks. Simplify Panama offers an eye for detail and quality – when and where it is needed. Just as their name explains, they really do simplify Panama. info@simplifypanama.com +507.6747-9677 +507.6679-6879 Simplifypanama.com facebook.com/SimplifyPanama

Relocating to Panama? SP will help make the relocation transition smoother. They help folks shopping for a new home, car & getting settled. They also assist with pet relocation.

In and around Panama City, Simplify Panama provides property management for full & part time residents. SP provides a personalized level of management for any real estate investment. After establishing the goals that owners have for their property, SP will tailor service to suit those particular needs.

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BOCAS BREWERY Bocas del Toro never ceases to surprise me, beyond its beautiful islands, its organic chocolate and its Caribbean laid back lifestyle, there’s always somebody doing something new and exciting. On this occasion we stumbled upon a cool microbrewery overlooking the ocean on Isla Colon – yes, a tropical microbrewery!

Originally from The United States, Wally and Evyn Wild combined forces with brew master Peter Wagener to create a space where people could enjoy and appreciate great artisan beer and a good selection of pub food.

Bocas Brewery is the first microbrewery in the Caribbean region of Panama, and the fifth in the whole country, pioneering in a land previously conquered by traditional local lagers and pilsners.

Being a beer enthusiast, I can say that Peter’s Porter is by far and no contest, the best artisan beer produced in this country. It has a dark roasted coffee-ish taste with a robust and sophisticated flavor, yet surprisingly smooth.

The house Amber Ale is one of the most popular brews at Bocas Brewery; it is smooth and refreshing with caramel undertones.

The Old Bank is a traditional pale ale with extra hops, full bodied, and is one of those beers that you could drink all day.

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Another favorite thirst quencher is the Shanty, the house special mix of the homemade ginger soda and the Black Top Amber Ale. The ginger soda is an amazing nonalcoholic option to freshen up under the sun.

Bocas Brewery also serves artisan beer from Casa Bruja Brewery in Panama City and the traditional Panamanian local beers thereby catering to all tastes and levels of beer appreciation.

The menu has been designed to serve traditional pub style food that pairs well with beer like cheeseburgers, jalapeno cream cheese burgers, BBQ pork sandwiches, wings, onion rings, French fries, cheese fries, ceviche, nachos, sausage sandwich, and empanadas amongst other finger food delights.

The beach deck has a great atmosphere where people can come and can enjoy the beer and the beach and feel the breeze.

The Bocas Brewery hosts fun activities like bingo and trivia nights as well as the famous Tuesday market, every other Tuesday, where all kinds of local goods are sold from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Information Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Las Cabañas, Calle Carretera, Isla Colón Bocas del Toro Tel: +507 6347-5279 bocasbreweery@gmail.com www.bocasbrewery.com

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