180 square meters lot or about 1980 square feet commercial lot on 3rd Street Bocas del Toro.

Sold for $115,000.00 (ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DOLLARS)  for 180 square meters lot or about 1980 square feet commercial lot on 3rd Street Bocas del Toro Province, Republic of Panama.  $639.00 (SIX HUNDRED THIRTY NINE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DOLLARS) price per square meter or about $58.10 (FIFTY EIGHT AND 10/100 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DOLLARS per square foot price of a commercial property lot sold in Bocas del Toro this July 2013.  Third (3rd) Street Bocas del Toro is the most busy street in Bocas del Toro with pedestrian traffic which is suitable to set up retail business, bars, restaurant, art galleries, tourism dispatcher, medical services, etc.  Lot next to My Shop Mini Supermarket own and operated by a Chinese family that moved to Bocas del Toro about 5 years ago.  Third (3rd) Street (Main) Street of Bocas del Toro was designed to allow landing for small planes back in early 1900's or late 1800's when the Germans sold the Banana Business to a Company for USA.  Because of all the electric and telephone cables on  Third (3rd) Street (Main) Street of Bocas del Toro airplanes use the Bocas del Toro International Airport for landing and take off.

Free Spirit Inn Bastimentos Bocas del Toro Republic of Panama.

http://www.freespiritinn.com/

Relaxation & Reflection with Love & Light

Our New and Eco Friendly Inn offers comfortable private suites, with dreamy beds, private bathrooms with hot showers and stone massage floors. Each suite has a balcony view of the Caribbean and other islands in the bay, and a decorated sleeping loft for two extra guests if you wish to sleep four people. There is a open air shower on the property to enjoy, an out-door grill area with tables for your enjoyment and hammocks for relaxation & WiFi Internet available.

After years of the Corporate American life, I wanted to realize my dream of being in a peaceful world and having time and place to relax and enjoy the gifts of Earth and Nature. My idea was to create a B and B Resort/Retreat where others could also find the comfort and solace that seems these days to be so lacking.
After traveling over most of the world I settled on the Caribbean coast of Panama, where the views are magnificent, the weather pleasant and the people happy and friendly.

Bastimentos Bocas del Toro Hostel B & B Business for sale. Price: USD$285,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED EIGHTHY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA).

Bastimentos Bocas del Toro Hostel B & B Business for sale.  Price:  USD$285,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED EIGHTHY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA).  Location: Bastimentos.  Titled lot size:  1,087 square meters or about 11,000 square foot.  Water:  Provided by the city.  Electricity:  Provided by Spanish Electric Company Edemet Edechi.  Buildings:  One (1) room Guest house with kitchen, complete bathroom, and porch facing the bay.  Two level building features two (2) suites with loft and ocean views from the upper level and common kitchen and roofed patio on the ground floor.  Extraordinary Caribbean Ocean views and sea breeze from the main hostel suite balcony.  Enchanting landscaping and architectural design concepts spirited by Africa and Indonesia.  Gracious Boutique guest house allows the guests to experience sensational relaxing and romantic moments.  Free Spirit Inn allows you to enjoy relaxation & reflection with Love & Light. Our New and Eco Friendly Inn offers comfortable private suites, with dreamy beds, private bathrooms with hot showers and stone massage floors. Each suite has a balcony view of the Caribbean ocean and other islands in the bay in Bocas del Toro in the Republic of Panama, and a decorated sleeping loft for two extra guests if you wish to sleep four (4) people. There is a open air shower on the property to enjoy, an out-door grill area with tables for your enjoyment and hammocks for relaxation & WiFi Internet available.  The meditation hut is been refurbished to be our new glamping hut to allow our guest to camp with glamour enjoying outdoor life in a safe environment with the daily luxuries of modern life.  Activities to do in Bastimentos are:  Snorkeling, cave ours exploring, jungle hiking, boating, kayaking, the beach is walking distance from Free Spirit Inn.  The outside shower is convenient located for the guests to rinse off at the end of that action packed day.  The eight (8) seat dining table at the breakfast-lunch-dinner hut invites the guests to enjoy al fresco meals.  The Free Spirit Inn is located on Bastimentos Island, seven (7) minutes boat ride from the Bocas del Toro Airport on Bocas del Toro Island.

The process for Americans, Canadians, Europeans or foreigneres buying property in Panama is very straightforward. Our first recommendation is that you look for and  find a good lawyer to work your side of the purchase and we have a list of Panamanian English speaking lawyers should you ask us for such leads.

Titled quarter acre lot for sale in Big Creek, Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Property Number 2008001600

Category:  Playas / Beach property for sale.

Assigned Property Number	2008001600
Price	$59,000.00
Owner Financing	REDUCED
Location	Big Creek
Size of Property	960 square meters or 1/4 Acre.
Size Selection	Lot
Water Frontage	N/A
Water Frontage Feet	N/A
Water Type	Short walking distance to the beach.
Water Depth	Short walking distance to the beach.
Year round boat access	to the near by beach when ocean is calm.
Current Rental Income	N/A
Type of Ownership	Title
Type of Property (Main)	Residential
Type of Property (Sub)	Lot
Improvements on the property	Clean and cleared planted with hibiscus, papaya and others.
Road Access	Yes
Municipal Electric	Yes
Municipal Water	Yes

Titled lot features 960 m2 or ¼ acre. Only a 5 minutes walk to the quiet, calm, pristine protected white sand beach. Located at Big Creek and only a few blocks before Playa Mango Resort. A few minutes driving from Bocas Town and the sights and exotic Caribbean and international cuisines. and for the happy hour aficionado, to experience Bocas’ night life now and then. All utilities are available. Nice quite neighborhood to relax and enjoy beautiful Bocas del Toro. Great adventure head quarters for the outdoors lovers. ATV riding, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, jogging, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Great property to apply a unique Caribbean architectural design too. Other places of interest on Big Creek Bocas del Toro: http://www.vrbo.com/214453 http://pukalanihostalpanama.com/ http://hotelplayatortuga1-px.trvlclick.com/index.cfm

this is the link for the above property for sale in Big Creek, Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama.

"A native of Bocas del Toro, Panama, Ayarza is 21 years old, but already has five years of professional experience in the Houston Astros organization."

http://www.bnd.com/2013/04/30/2599009/grizzlies-sign-three-players-in.html

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/04/30/2599009/grizzlies-sign-three-players-in.html#storylink=cpy

Titled property for sale in Bocas del Drago, Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama.

Property Number 2007003900

Category:  Titulado / Titled property for sale.

Assigned Property Number	2007003900
Price	$125,000.00
Owner Financing
Location	Bocas del Drago
Size of Property	12 Acres
Size Selection	Acreage
Water Frontage	N/A
Water Frontage Feet	N/A
Water Type	About 1.8 miles to the Bocas del Drago Beach.
Water Depth	About 1.8 miles to the Bocas del Drago Beach.
Year round boat access	N/A
Current Rental Income	N/A
Type of Ownership	Titled
Type of Property (Main)	Commercial
Type of Property (Sub)	Acreage
Improvements on the property	Small H O U S E, caretaker shag, storage room and fence all around the property
Road Access	Yes
Municipal Electric	Solar
Municipal Water	Rain Catchment

B O C A S del D R A G O, 12 acres, T I T L E D, road acces, road frontage: 244 meters or 805 feet, G R E A T property for a small exclusive subdivision, resort hotel or better: P R I V A T E finca. Short drive to Bocas Downtown and shortest drive to Bocas del Drago B E A C H. The is a small single family 1 bed and 1 bath H O U S E with kitchen, veranda to relax and E N J O Y the visit of many birds species, this property is flat and easy to clean and clear, it was cow pasture so it will represent M I N I M U M impact to the E N V I R O N M E N T at the moment of building. Some information about Bocas del Drago by Tourism Authority of Panama: It was in this area where, 500 years ago, Columbus docked with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Vast stretches of beautiful golden sand beaches are bathed in crystal clear waters that blend into the blue sky. Today, this region of the archipelago is a tourist attraction. Those who practice diving or snorkeling are also attracted by the coral reefs that lie beyond the beaches. http://www.visitpanama.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1413&Itemid=615&lang=en Bocas del Drago has turned into a favorite destination visited by tourists. Bocas del Drago can be access by road or boat. On the way to Bocas del Drago by road be on the look for howler monkeys, hawks, sloths, iguanas (when in season) and the natural beauty provided by nature.

this is the link to the above listing for property for sale in Bocas del Drago, Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama:  http://www.bocasparadise.com/listing_detail.asp?Lid=162

this is the link to our web page for more property for sale in Bocas del Toro, Panama:  http://www.bocasparadise.com/index.asp

here are some property pictures for the above listing:

A gonzo, haphazard account of my life on the road and living off the grid on an island in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Homeless by Choice

A gonzo, haphazard account of my life on the road and living off the grid on an island in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Resort Work

I've been searching for a diesel generator for the resort.  A mechanic in town told me of one that was a first rate unit, in fine shape, with low hours at a good price.   Others have been buying propane generators.  There is a good reason for doing so.  As propane in twentyfive pound tanks is highly subsidized the fuel cost is far lower than for diesel generators. Diesel generators cost much less to run than gas generators. Low end gas and propane generators are really not intended for continuous duty, they are standby units that need to be replaced every few years even if only used to top off batteries on cloudy days or to equalize batteries.  This generator will probably use between a quart to half a gallon of diesel and hour.  At a cost of $4.50 a gallon that's $9 to $18 a day if run for eight hours.  On propane the cost would be less than $4 a day.  The downside is, the unit is likely to fail at the most inopportune time.  Maybe I'll put in a propane generator if the resort generates revenue.  Most likely my first priority would be to put in solar.

I'll need about two thousand watts to run the pool pump.  The current price of solar panels is about one dollar a watt.  I'll need about two thousand watts to run the refrigerators and freezers.  I should probably use a chest freezer as a refrigerator.  Cold air stays in chest freezers, it pours out the door on refrigerators.

The guy with the generator called.  I went off to his house to inspect then spent a couple of hours with the man.  A very interesting person, but I can't go into the details as I don't have the cash to pay for it yet as I can only withdraw $500 a day and some local who reads this might have cash in hand first.     Very high end diesel generator, well maintained, with low hours.

I got a call that a buddy was handed my new telephoto lens and a propane conversion kit for my home generator.  I went back to town and picked it up.   A very annoying person was in attendance, one whom I avoid.   This is a guy who owns no business, nor boat nor is ever in the company of women but is never short of ill words to say about everybody else's business, boat or women.  I got out of there as quickly as possible.

On Friday I met with a neighbor of the resort.  Per my instructions he tapped into the water supply for the school at the point the pipes cross the resort.  This water is being utilized in compliance with a former agreement for usage of the water in exchange for a right of way for the pipes.  No water is available in the daytime due to low pressure as a result of usage by the school and the community.  With the blessing of the community, the water to the community is shut off late at night and the full flow is diverted to the pool.  About 1,500 gallons a day are obtained this way, so the pool should be filled by mid next week.

In my hasty departure I had left an Android tablet in a boat bag.  I quickly returned to fetch it but the wait staff said it wasn't there.   I later was told that "Hurrricane", a whirling cocaine maelstrom had taken it for safekeeping.  I called him and he returned with it in his dinghy.  The boat bag was floating in a pool of water. This wasn't meant for long term submersion.  I opened the bag to find the unit dry.  I opened the case, the screen was cracked.  He had stepped on it. "I didn't know what was in the bag."  So you fucking stepped on it? Thanks for looking out for me.  You should have just left  it there.

Off to the beach for a barbecue.  "Who's this cutie?" "That's Port Dick's girlfriend from the states."  Here we go.  She said, "Why do you call him that?"  Another guy replied, "because he screwed every drunken slut in town while you were waiting for him in the states.  He was kicked out of Casa Verde for taking these sluts to the employee dorm room and banging them there while other employees were trying to sleep."   "I've heard some bad things about him, but he's really sweet."

Starry night, clear skies.

That's Ursa Minor, the little dipper, that's Polaris, the North Star. That's Crux, the Southern Cross."

"Which way are we going?"

Cute, but not too bright.

Third World Healthcare?

http://scottmcada.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 22, 2013

Third World Healthcare?

Being home after surgery and 5 days of hospitalization feels wonderful. There is no one to blame but myself for the self inflicted injury I suffered while working outside, but there are many people to thank for helping me while I was hurt and sick.  I will get to that later in the blog.   

In his book, A Pirate Looks at Fifty, Jimmy Buffet writes that travel outside the U.S. changes a person.  The more places and cultures one is exposed to around the world the more one learns, engrained beliefs are challenged and the mind is opened to new ways of thinking.   When I read A Pirate Looks at Fifty I had just turned 50 and what Jimmy said rang true with me.  I had already traveled extensively and lived outside the U.S. and it had been a life changing experience.  My recent hospitalization in a Central American country that is considered by many to be third world was a positive experience that makes me appreciate living in Panama even more.  

Since only about 20 percent of native born Americans have their passport that means around 80% have never traveled outside the country for that eye-opening experience of foreign travel that Jimmy Buffet writes about.  That is easy to understand.  For over 50 years, from sometime after the end of WWII up until sometime before 911, the United States was probably one of the best places on the planet to live.  My grandparents, with the exception of brief trips over the border to Mexico back in the days when it was safe, never traveled outside of the U.S.A.  The same was true for my father.  Nobody retired toMexico in the 60’s unless they had escaped from prison, as portrayed in the Shaw Shank Redemption.  Today, despite the violence in Mexico, fueled by the U.S. appetite for illegal drugs, many Americans have retired to places in Mexico.  Many other countries are also popular retirement destinations for U.S. citizens who are looking for a better life, better weather and a more affordable daily existence than the U.S.offers.  Some, but not many people initially consider leaving the U.S. in search of better healthcare or to escape the bureaucratic healthcare nightmare that has become the U.S. system, but they should.   

My wife and I do not return to the U.S. frequently.  Collectively we spend less than 6 weeks a years visiting relatives in the U.S.  Twice, I have gone 2 years without a state-side trip.  One of our biggest fears is getting sick or being in an accident while visiting in the United Statesand having to see a doctor there or even worse, having a health problem that would require hospitalization.  Why?  Because over the last 9 years we have become accustomed to the far superior and flexible healthcare available in Panama, Central America.   The lack of medical bureaucracy, the ease of seeing and communicating with your doctor, the medicines that are available in Panama (and the rest of the world) that are not allowed in the U.S. and, importantly, the ability to have access to this care WITHOUT health insurance.  Health Insurance is not part of our budget.

Early on a Sunday morning when I realized I was in trouble from my injury, Belinda called the surgeon at home on his cell phone and he told us to go immediately to the hospital and that he would be waiting for us.  He was waiting at the admission desk for us, by-passing the emergency room.  First question….”Do you have insurance?”  I answered, “No, I’ll self pay”.  “Good, give us a $300.00 deposit and sign here.  Do you want a private room?” was the concise response.  I took the private room option and was in my room hooked to an I.V. within minutes.  No complicated paperwork, no filling out forms, no delay, no hassle whatsoever.  Just $300.00 and signature and I was being helped by what seemed to be an army of caregivers.       

  

Over the next 5 days there were x-rays, numerous ulta-sounds, a cat scan, an EKG, general anesthesia surgery, lots of I.V. delivered painkiller, antibiotics, temperature and blood pressure checks and pretty good food when I could eat.  There were no requests for money beyond the first $300.00 deposit I made on that early Sunday morning, other than 60 cents for extra coffee.  Remember that I have no insurance.  However, every two days they brought me an itemized accounting of what my bill was up to that moment so there were no financial surprises.

The nurses and the doctors all seemed to enjoy their work and care about me.  When it came time to be discharged from the hospital I did have one question about the bill which was answered and explained within moments with another detailed statement.  Because I am retired, without asking, they surprised me with a 20 percent discount on the already very reasonable hospital charges.   With the swipe of a credit card we were on our way home, feeling grateful to the professional and friendly staff of Mae Lewis Hospital in David, Panama.  Thanks to Dr. Cattan for being so accessible and doing the surgery that brought me immediate relief.  Thanks to Dr. DeGracias for his managing my infection and for being so friendly and interested in me.  Thanks to my wife, Belinda, who made the long trip back and forth to the hospital daily and for taking care of everything on the farm while I was gone.  Thanks to my friend Mike Smith for bringing me really good hot coffee each morning and thus saving me the 60 cents for extra coffee.   Also thanks to those who were concerned and who came to see me.            

Healthcare is an important consideration for those who expatriate from the United States. Living outside the U.S. has taught me that there are places where the weather is better, the climate is more agreeable, the cost of living is lower, the food is fresher, the air is cleaner, the beer is cheaper and the health care is superior.  I wouldn’t want to give up any of these things. Thanks Panama.

P.S. If you can afford it, get a passport and follow Jimmy Buffet’s advice and explore the world, learn a new language and explore other cultures.  It will change you.  If you can’t afford to travel it may be because it costs so damn much to live where you are that there are no funds left over for international travel.  If you are not young enough to back pack, use the internet to explore the world and your options for healthcare outside the U.S.  If you are sick and are not getting the care you need in the U.S., consider that many people are discovering, for example, they can travel to Puerto Rico for good healthcare at a fraction of the cost of U.S. based care.  

Property for sale in Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Category:  Casas / Homes for sale.

Assigned Property Number	2010007000
Price	$225,000.00
Owner Financing
Location	Punta Juan Brown Point Bastimentos
Size of Property	1,880 square meters or nearly half acre (12,696 square feet) on the lot.
Size Selection	Lot
Water Frontage	Yes
Water Frontage Feet	40 meters or approx. 132 feet beach frontage.
Water Type	Beach & creek.
Water Depth	Beach & creek.
Year round boat access	Yes
Current Rental Income
Type of Ownership
Type of Property (Main)
Type of Property (Sub)
Improvements on the property	Common dock, roofed front terrace, living dining room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, laundry, storage, french doors. Some furniture included.
Road Access	no roads in Bastimentos. Access only by boat.
Municipal Electric	batteries - solar
Municipal Water	raincatchment, water cistern, water pump

Located about 10 minute boat ride from Columbus' Island on one of the most popular islands of Bocas, Bastimentos. House sits on an elevated close to half acre lot that provides advantage of receiving sea breezes and enjoying great views with the benefit of relaxation at the front roofed terrace. The home floor plan features a single family building with a casual open design that blends the living room, dining room, kitchen and the roofed terrace with open french doors. Access to the rest of the lot and green areas thru the back door near the laundry and storage area, The back side of the lot provides space to build guests cabins or cottages with ocean views. Great place for Yoga. The house is surrounded by tropical luxuriant vegetation of palm trees, breadfruit trees, ferns and hibiscus. Fresh water creek on the side of the lot.

link to this listing is:  http://www.bocasparadise.com/listing_detail.asp?Lid=474

from this site:  www.bocasparadise.com