April 7, 2000

Corrections and additions:  Thanks to the people who provided me with clarifications on these two items.  The Panamanian legislator who slapped another one was not the current president of Panama. It was another lady who was offended by some sexist remarks.  Secondly, I'm informed that there was some vandalism (graffiti) associated with a demonstration at the former Albrook AFB.

The Summit Golf Course had been allowed to go to seed for several years.  However, new investment is bringing it back better than ever.  See the following picture which shows the new club house under construction.

Big news in Panama is the shooting of the movie "Tailor of Panama" which has been going on recently.  It stars Pierce Brosnan, the most recent James Bond.  The flick is based on a novel by John LeCarre.  It involves all kinds of foreign intrigue and politics.  I know nothing about the story line, but will probably watch it when it comes out to see the outdoor shots.

Work is going forward and more being planned to preserve Panama Viejo.  As in much of the world, the biggest problems to be overcome result from humanity.  Vibration, congestion, pollution, etc., sometimes make it difficult just to stay even.  Those of you who remember the ruins from the old days as being on the fringes of Panama City now would be surprised to see it completely surrounded by development with a freeway running by it out in the bay.  An interesting side effect of the reconstruction has been pre-Spanish artifacts that have turned up in digging.  Apparently, there was a fishing village at the site.

Feel bad about gas prices?  In Panama they've been running about $2.00 a gallon.

It is now illegal to indiscriminately burn land to clear it.  Not all the farmers are getting the message. However, it is reported that there has been some compliance, making dry season air cleaner than in the past.

If you are thinking it would be nice to move back to Panama, how about a house at Albrook?  There are about a 1000 available.  When I drove through a month ago, they looked pretty good and the neighborhoods are being well maintained.

The Province of Chiriqui is floating the idea of a new railroad.  This would connect with Bocas del Toro.   That might be good for tourists.  Bocas del Toro is one of the most attractive areas for people of the eco-tourism bent.