Travel to Central America

Choose Panama...the Perfect Retirement Haven

Format: Paperback
Author: William Hutchings
ReleaseDate: 30 August, 2004
Publisher: Authorhouse
Rating:

Useful Book on a Pleasant Country
I have nothing but pleasant memories. First a disclaimer, I lived in Panama, went to high school and college in the old Canal Zone. In part because I left before Noriega came to power. His dictatorship was a horrible period for both countries. This well-written, up to date book points out what so many Zonians knew for generations: Panama is a lovely place to live. It has beaches, hot steamy rain forests, cool valley's, historical sites and even very chilly coffee producing mountains. Its two large major cities at both ends of the canal are very cosmopolitan. They are modern, have good medical facilities, etc. A tourist mecca for sure.
As the book points out, what is new -- since Noriega, is that the government is trying hard to entice foreigners to live there, to work there and most assuredly to retire there. It's a smart move on their part. This book carefully points out the benefits and the pitfalls. It should help those seeking a retirement haven. Nevertheless, visit before you move. .

Disappointed
Despite having some good info. Before I moved to Panama I read all of the books on the subject. this book really turned me off.
First, the title is not original. The author took the title from Choose Mexico and Choose by renowned travel writer, John Howells. Thus, he played on the popularity of two popular books by an established.

Second, the books should be about half as thick as it is. It was padded to look longer. Triple spacing is used between most paragraphs and the text is about a quarter of the width of the page in some places. The quality of the photos and paper used to print the book also leaves a lot to be desired. First'class travel do not use this format. Check out Lonely Planet books ane Moon publications guides to see the correct format.

The author also says that almost everyone speaks English in Panama. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Many Panamanians do NOT speak English.

Perhaps all of this is due to the fact that this guide is the author?s first travel book. He is is indeed a neophyte.

Choose Panama, I liked it!
I bought this book to add to the library and see what the author had to say. My wife and I are going to retire in Altos del Maria, Panama in the next few years. It is a great first book or an add-on to a collection. With nearly four years of research and visits to Panama, I found few things I would disagree with and a few new items which I didn't know. The hotel and resturants section is nice although guessing prices is a moving target. At times, the author seems to become a cheerleader and promoter, but, that may be because the subject is truly exciting. I would recommend this purchase to anyone for pre-visit/dreaming of retirement fare. Pay attention to the social and cultural sections; they are right on. And, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, take his advice on getting a lawyer for any official business regarding property purchase or obtaining a Visa. .

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Central America travel books.

	Living and Investing in Panama
	Waterproof Panama Map by ITMB
	Moon Handbooks Panama
	Lonely Planet Panama
	Don't Kill the Cow Too Quick: An Englishmans Adventures Homesteading in Panama