Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup. This week, we look at Boquete as a premier retirement destination. We give you a taste of Panama’s top restaurants. And, the “biomuseo” is opening to the public. Here’s the latest.
Expansion of Panama Canal Expected to Open in 2016.
The expansion of the Panama Canal has been a hot topic in Panama for a while. Original plans had it slated for a 2014 opening, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the man-made waterway. This plan, however, was derailed by complications with logistics and a labor strike. With what seems to be all their ducks in a row, the Canal Authority is now set on a completion date: 2016.
The project is expected to be finished in December 2015, and President Juan Carlos Varela says it will open early the following year, despite construction setbacks. A dispute with the European consortium that is expanding the canal led to a two-week work stoppage earlier this year. Varela said Tuesday in Spain that Panama is working closely with Madrid and with Spanish company Sacyr, which is leading the consortium.
The $5.25 billion project aims to reduce congestion and expand capacity. The new channel will be able to accommodate ships with twice the cargo capability of vessels that currently traverse the existing canal.
Source: ABC News
Frank Gehry’s “Biomuseo” in Panama, Finally Open for Business
After a much anticipated wait, the Biomuseo is finally open to the public. The museum, designed be renowned architect Frank Gehry, is an homage to modern design, as well as a massive educational resource for Central American biodiversity. The museum is located on the outer banks of the Canal, a mere stones throw form Casco Viejo, at the bas of the Amador Causway.
Initial public funding for the 43,000 square-foot project was secured in 2001, but it wasn’t until Gehry signed on in 2002 that money really started to pour in. In 2005, he broke ground on the Biomuseo—his first project in Latin America—with a budget of $60 million. Construction was scheduled to be completed by 2011.
The museum is heavily staffed. Employees and guides are casually dressed in jeans and black polo shirts. They have walkie-talkies and headsets. Other than a few lingering scaffolds, things seem pretty much ready. As they prepare for their official opening and inauguration ceremony on October 2, the troupe appears to be in a state of general fluffing and primping—making the most of the three months of soft opening.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Panama’s Restaurant Scene: Growing as fast as the country itself
Panama gets a lot of press for its growing economy, Canal, and development these days. But the culinary scene is also gaining a lot of attention. Panama City has gradually established itself as a culinary destination over the pas few years with some banner restaurants making a name for themselves in the region. There is something for everyone. International cuisine, local flavors, and everything in between. Check out some of our local favorites.
Tantalo has been on the foodie radar for a while, and for good reason. It’s a boutique hotel with a restaurant, and roof deck bar that has one of the best views in the city. The restaurant décor is modern, and spacious, with high ceilings, and long rustic wooden tables. The food is also modern, with a good variety of tapa style dishes, salads, meats and seafood. Tantalo doesn’t necessarily push the envelope like Manolo, but their take on traditional North American, European, and Caribbean dishes is both creative, and delicious. They are also very well known for their cocktail list, and host many different art/music/cultural events throughout the year.
Read more about restaurants in Panama City
Living in Boquete: Panama’s Retirement Haven
Boquete is one of the world’s top retirement destinations. It’s on the map as far as expat retirement towns, and for a good reason. Boquete is charming, small, inexpensive, and has a great climate. It’s a short flight from Panama City, or a 6-hour drive, and has a lot of cultural activities and services that are perfect for any expat, young or old.
For example, as far as housing, you can buy a nicely finished 2-bedroom house, between 1,500-2,000 sq. ft. for around $150,000. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, and higher-end, you can get a villa for around $300,000-$350,000. And the best part of real estate in Boquete is that many properties come with a decent sized plot of land. It’s mountain living, so not for everyone, but as far as land and property size, the value is unmistakable.
It’s also a great place for renters who choose not to buy, or need an intermediate place before buying. A typical 1-2 bedroom house can be rented for around $450-$700 a month in town, with bigger, more luxurious options ranging from about $800-$1,200.
Read more about retiring in Boquete
