The first time we visited Panama, some 4 1/2 years ago, we were stunned by the sight of a large capital city with high-rise condo buildings and skyscrapers, which are home to multinational corporations and…
I just had to laugh when I saw that they had finally named a hurricane after my wife, Norma! Although she is usually reasonably calm, when she gets her dander up, you probably don’t want…
Just in case you were wondering, Yes! Frank Backe is alive and well and still living in and loving Panama! Let me share with you what led to the absence of my newsletter over these…
On May 4, 2014, the people of Panama elected Juan Carlos Varela as President of Panama for a term of 6 years. His name has been very familiar to many (or most) of the Panamaian…
Newspapers. There are lots of good uses for newspapers: To bring us the news, sports, etc. To make a hat (do people do that anymore?) To fan ourselves To cover the floor when we…
Who doesn’t love a rich, fragrant, steaming, dark cup of coffee? Well, okay, there are a lot of people who don’t love coffee–but, there are still millions and millions who do! And even though there…
Impact on World Economies…Opening New Markets! The Chinese Megaship COSCO, recently renamed PANAMA, is the first ship to transit through the expanded Panama Canal! Aided by tugboats, rather than the traditional “mules,” or trains, used…
The Trip The dugout canoes sat along the shore of the mostly-dried Chagres River awaiting their cargo of tourists eager for a glimpse of Panama’s past right here in Panama’s present. The young men who…
This is not a resort town in Colorado or in the European Alps–This is Beautiful Boquete, Panama! After spending hot and humid days looking at rainforests, Norma and I decided to spend a few days…
The world really does seem to be upside down. What happened to the famous friendliness of the American People? Now they are telling the world how to run their lives! Fighting each other for positions…