By Patrick Connelly

“You live were!?” is usually the first question I get when I tell North Americans that I live in Colombia.  Yes, Colombia, the land of Pablo Escobar, cocaine, bombs, and kidnappings.  Yes, Colombia, the land of Marxist guerrillas and right wing death squads.  Yes, Colombia, the land that in 1994 had a soccer player shot a dozen times for making a mistake in the World Cup.

But the real Colombia is not like this.  It is far from the violent images seen on television around the world.

The last six years have seen a turnaround in public safety that can only be described as remarkable.  Conservative president Alvaro Uribe, whose father was murdered by guerrillas, has turned a country that a decade ago was disintegrating into one of relative peace and stability.

But what about travel and living in Colombia?  This is a complex question, and since safety is involved, generalizations cannot be made.

The Big Three: Bogotá, Medellin, Cali

Chances are most travellers, and certainly expats and retirees, will end up in one, if not all, of Colombia’s largest three cities at some point.  But are they safe?

Bogotá- The largest city at around 8 million, the capital is the business, government, and education heart of the country.  If common sense is used, it is no more dangerous than any other large city in North America or Europe.  The eastern half of the city, including the main tourist areas, is comfortably safe during the day and common sense will keep the gringo safe at night (stay in groups, no dark alleys, use taxis, etc.).  However, the western half of the city – Cuidad Bolivar – is a sprawling mess of flavelas that is certainly not safe.  Ever. Luckily, there is not much of interest for the gringo here anyway.

Medellin- The city of eternal spring was not too long ago the city of eternal violence.  Murder capital of the world, kidnapping capital of the world, and a host of other accolades no one wants made Medellin (that’s Med-eh-jean) a definite no-go unless you were George Jung, the gringo drug runner played by Johnny Depp in Blow. However, it is now one of the safest cities in South America, with a murder rate of 32 per 100,00 residents.  Thats lower than Washington, D.C. and Detriot.  Plus paisas are incredible people and Medellin is fast becoming a beautiful place to visit.  Again, the same precautions used in any large city apply here.

Cali- The salsa capital of Colombia is, like the other two main cities, a relatively safe and enjoyable place as long as common sense is used.  Wallet in the front pocket, no fancy jewelry or watches, stay with groups during the night…you get the picture.  Always ask around as well for safe and secure areas to visit.

La Costa

This, of course, is Colombia’s tourist, retiree, and expat destination of choice.  And for good reason; whtie sand beaches, Cartagena, and the carefree attitude of Costeños makes a trip here memorable for years.  But where there are tourists, there are most likely pickpocketers..

Cartagena- Widely regarded as South America’s most beautiful city, Carta has been pushed hard as a tourist destination by the Colombian government for some time now.  The result is a good tourism infrastructure, security, and enough people to help if trouble does arise.  That said, small time thieves do target the gringo crowds, and expensive jewelry and watches, large purses, and the like should be left at home.  Also, there are many moneychangers on the streets-its best to avoid them as forgeries are common.  The further out of the city’s center one ventures, the more likely he is to run into trouble.  Many out of work soldiers (from guerrilla groups and right wing militias) live in the area and some resort to petty crime to make ends meet.  That said, Cartagena is a true jewel of the Western hemisphere and with normal precautions is pretty safe.

The rest of the country

Few tourists venture outside the main cities and the Caribbean coast, but those who do are richly rewarded.  However, some areas are dangerous for foreigners, and some are downright off limits.

Boyaca- A popular weekend destination for foreigners and Bogota residents alike, the department of Boyaca is called the heart of Colombia.  Villa de Leyva is its crown, a perfect Spanish colonial city high in the mountains.  And even more, it is a pretty safe place to visit.

The Southern Departments- The mountains give way to pastures and rainforest that stretch beyond the horizon.  This is wild Colombia- and part of the country foreigners should ignore or take extreme caution in.  Pickpocketing at gunpoint is the least of your problems here, as the rebel groups and drug cartels have been pushed into this region and make money by kidnapping gringos and Colombians alike.  If you want rainforest, fly from any  major Colombian city to Leticia, on the border with Brazil.  The town has a well developed tourism infrastructure.  If you want to be brave, go for it, but just about every Colombian I know would think thrice before travelling to departments like Putumayo, Buenaventura, and deep into Meta.

Conclusion

The safety situation in Colombia is very complicated and changes on a daily basis.  But it also overblown in many areas – people seem to reiterate the fact that they got mugged in Colombia!, while if it happened in London it would be written off as just a bad apple in the bunch.  Keeping to the main tourist areas, remaining alert, and staying in a small group should be more than enough to keep the average foreigner safe in the large cities and along the coast.

Colombia is certainly not without major problems, even though the country has improved drastically.  But it is an amazing country with colorful people, top notch attractions, and a real wild side.  Don’t let the horror stories or news programs scare you off; while crime does happen, it also happens in every country in the world.  True, Colombia is more dangerous than, say, Costa Rica, but on the other hand you aren’t coming into an all out warzone like some people would like to make you believe.

One week in Colombia and you will realize how wrong the stereotype is.

Have a different opinion? Additional safety information or updates? Please post them here, we’d love to hear from you.

photo provided by Rob Raincock at http://www.flickr.com/photos/30853953@N03/3033264799/

By Liz Small

Contributing writer to LatinWorld.com

Please look before you leap.

After reviewing the many articles that are available on the Internet on the subject of relocating to Panama and discussing the subject with friends and neighbors, we (a handful of full time Panama expat residents) thought we would try to present a realistic view of the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” of this major life style decision.

The Good

Depending on your choice of location in Panama, you will find the beaches and the beautiful oceans close at hand.  They are typically warm but breezy, thoroughly refreshing, and relatively clean.  Speaking of water, that which is intended for consumption, is fresh, pure, and entirely drinkable.  There are areas, however, where thoughtless use of pesticides has resulted in the need for the installation of home purification systems.

If gardening is your thing (or even if your prefer to just supervise), you will find an amazing array of tropical flowers (with orchids being particularly hardy and with many varieties available) and trees to plant throughout the year – different things during the two seasons, the rainy and dry months.  The climate consists of these two periods, both lasting approximately 6 months.  The dry season (or summer) starts in late December, early January and ends in mid May.  The rainy season (or winter) gets going around mid May and lasts until mid to late December.  Typically, a day in the rainy season begins with the sun out and clear skies. Then in the early afternoon, there is rain for an hour or so, and then the sun reappears.  Temperatures throughout the year (again depending on location) only vary 10 degrees or so (75-85 degrees during the day), the dry season being the higher.  The climate encourages a particularly lush environment which, in turn, provides the perfect habitat for a host of colorful birds, native animals, and exotic looking – some say “beautiful” – insects!

We have all found these things (the proximity to great beaches and oceans, the ability to be surrounded by a vibrant landscape while enjoying the magnificent weather) have greatly contributed to an easy adjustment to life in Panama.  Helping as well are the great roads which lead to many interesting sites and cities, the moderate cost of living, and the ability to meet and enjoy the Panamanian people.

The Bad

Favorite pastimes (reading best sellers, knitting, gourmet cooking, chatting endlessly with family members on the phone, or even receiving letters) sometimes have to be finessed or eliminated altogether.  Bring a good supply of books in the language of your choice – unless it’s Spanish, then “no problemo” – and encourage guests to bring some along with them when they come for a visit.  Ditto any special hobby needs or exotic ingredients which may be in short supply or unavailable altogether!  Better get hooked up on Skype or some other communication modality and be email literate.  Calling internationally and receiving mail is pricey!

Before you buy a piece of ground to begin to have your dream house built, please take into consideration the following:  the “ mañana” factor!  Everything goes at a slower pace here and there is no sense of urgency.  If you have left your ability to be patient wherever you have moved from, please go back and get it.  If you were never a patient person to begin with, please think long and hard about building versus buying an existing spec house or resale.   Retrofitting an existing structure is much easier than building from scratch.  Ask folks who have “been there, done that” and you will soon discover the wisdom of this advice.  By the way, those folks you asked for advice, they are your new “family” so try to listen carefully to what they are telling you and profit from their experience.  After you have listened and actually followed what they have told you and saved yourself no end of pain and expense, not to mention aggravation, have them over for dinner as a way of saying “Thanks”!   They may become your new best friends!

The Ugly

Have you have started to think Panama is synonymous with Utopia?  There are a few challenges of which you must be aware.  Traffic in Panama City can be daunting.  The lack of street signs combined with the curious driving habits of the cab drivers can often result in a hair-raising experience.  Are you used to having everything available at all times and in close proximity?  Unless you choose to live in Panama City, you will not enjoy that luxury.  Many  items (produce and paper goods to name two) have to be imported and therefore will not always be on the grocery store shelf and will be a bit more expensive due to importing costs.  We have a saying in Panama: “If you see it and want it, buy it!”  It may not be there the next time you go looking.  Also, there is a suspicion that some manufacturers send goods they would not be able to market elsewhere to Panama.  Quality can be an elusive characteristic.

Bienvenidos a Panama!

front photo provided by ethantate at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethantate/2750089356/

first photo provided by seracat at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mserarolsbcn/3370563337/

second photo provided by Alexander H.m: Cascone at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascone/1295936293/

The famous Hercilio Luz bridge alight

By Patrick Connelly

Florianopolis is a city cursed with names.  The current label is in reference to Floriano Peixoto, who was Brazil’s president from 1891-1894 and is accused by many residents of the city of being a brutal dictator that murdered hundred in the area during his administration.  Not exactly someone to build statues of or name streets after.  But, alas, he gets his own city.  However, the alternative is just as cacophonic.  Many residents are campaigning for the name to be restored to its original moniker: Our Lady of the Banished.

Despite its inability to come up with a suitable name, Florianapolis is booming.  The island city – well, half of it is on an island – has become a tourist and expat destination for adventurous people all over the world.  Great beaches are in no short supply and the climate, while still tropical, is not the same scorching heat that typifies some of the more northern cities.

Surfers first made the city famous abroad during the 1970’s and 80’s with the discovery of incredible wave breaks at the Joaquina and Campeche beaches, both of which are still hugely popular today.  Already frequented by Brazilians as a prime weekend destination, foriegners soon began to flock to the “magic island” in the 90’s and a healthy English-speaking expat population now exists.

The island, which is the main tourist and expat draw, is divided into north and south sections.  The northern half has seen the majority of tourist attention and thus has the hotels, popular beaches and nightspots, etc. etc.  Along with Joaquina and Campeche, the north also has uber-popular beaches like Jurere and Inglesias, popular among partygoers, expats, and families alike.

Conversely, the southern part of the island has been able to retain a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years.  Portuguese immigrants from the Azores islands arrived to the island in the 18th century and set up a fishing/agriculture society which is still evident despite the growing number of surfers and sunbathers around their fishing nets.  For the foreigner, the south offers a a refuge from the sometimes crowded north and, despite being underdeveloped in terms of tourist infrastructure, still has a number of hotels and real estate opportunities.

The island of Santa Catarina, on which the city is located, has been named by Newsweek as one of the most dynamic places to live in the entire world (http://www.newsweek.com/id/46125/page/12).  It is an extreme mix of traditional shrimping villages and modern skyscrapers, of bikini-clad women and sleepy hamlets.  Each year hundreds of foreigners fall victim to the spell of the “magic island” and now call it home.

Florianopolis can be reached by air from almost any city in Brazil and is a only a short flight from both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Here’s a video about the region

If you are interested in renting or buying Florianopolis real estate, visit VivaReal.

cover photo by Joao H at http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_jones/1537275160/

first photo by Eduardo Cavasotti at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavasotti/16306955/

second photo by Pablo O Palmiero at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pablopalmeiro/2856353153/

By Patrick Connelly

With seemingly unlimited picturesque landscapes to work with – from cacti-strewn deserts to sandy beaches – the world’s most renowned golf course designers have made Mexico a playground for fans of the gentleman’s game.  Whether you think you are the successor to Tiger Woods or only use that $400 driver a dozen times a year, Mexico has stunning, challenging courses throughout the country.

Just as in the U.S., there are both private and public courses, with the former sometimes being extremely exclusive.  So if you aren’t willing to dish out half a million dollars on a resort condo to gain access to the links, public courses are the way to go.  But these are no coach-cabin second class fairways; conversely, Mexico has several top-notch public courses at decent values.

1. Cabo del Sol Golf (Ocean and Desert courses)

10% of every green fee goes to putting cool logos on golf balls

Located close to Cabo San Lucas, the Cabo del Sol courses are two of Mexico’s signature public masterpieces.  The ocean course, an 18-hole, 7,103 yard work of art borders the Sea of Cortez and has been named as one of the top 100 courses in the world. Designed by the famed Jack Nicholas, it has been the host of several Senior PGA tour events and ProAms in its 15 year history.  The course has also been described as the “Pebble Beach of Mexico”, albeit by Nicholas himself.  Regardless of the designer’s self-aggrandizing, the ocean course is a true joy to play and continually receives high marks in Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. The clubhouse itself worth the trip; a 40,000 ft. haven inspired by local architecture offers fine dining, stocked golf store, and much more.  With quality comes costs, however; prices range from $125 to $350 depending on the tee time and the month. http://www.cabodelsol.com/content/golf_ocean.html

The desert course, on the other hand, is dominated by sand, rock, and cacti (imagine that).  Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this 18-hole course rolls through 7,100 yards of intimidating elevation shifts and difficult bunkers.  While it may often be overshadowed by its older and more illustrious brother, the desert course has been ranked as high as #6 in Mexico by Golf Digest. Like its brethren, the course’s clubhouse is based on classic Mexican architecture and offers all the glossy amenities to make a visit memorable.  A round of golf among the dunes will run you anywhere between $85 and $220. http://www.cabodelsol.com/content/golf_desert.html

2. El Tamarindo (Jalisco)

Learning the Spanish word for mulligan will help at Tamarindo

The best golf courses connect the sport with the natural beauty, creating a synthesis that puts the golfer into another environment.  The Tamarindo golf course, set amidst a 2,000 acre nature preserve, is a great example of this technique.  Plus its a damn fine course, 6,750 yards bordering the rugged Pacific coastline and fringed by tall palms.  Located in Jalisco, about 130 miles from Puerto Vallarta, Tamarindo has been ranked as high as #2 in Mexico and is perfect for amateurs and seasoned pros alike. http://www.eltamarindoresort.com/en/index.shtml

3. Palmilla Golf Club, Cabo

Another one of Jack Nicholas’ creations, Palmilla is unique because of it offers 27 holes in three mini-courses.  The Arroyo (stream) Nine, the Ocean Nine, and the Mountain Nine are all pretty much self explanatory in what the terrain is like.  Much like its neighboring courses in Cabo del Sol, elevations shifts are the golfer’s main enemy.  At 6,369 yards, the course is a difficult challenge, but with several sets of tees to play from, all levels of skill are accommodated.  Palmilla routinely gets high accolades yet is less expensive than many comparable courses in Mexico; fees range from $60 to $220 per round of 27 holes. http://www.palmillagc.com/index.html

4. El Cameléon Golf Course ( Quintana Roo)

On the other side of the country in the heart of the Yucatan is the impressive El Cameléon course.  A 7,000 yard Greg Norman creation, this course does an impeccable job combining the man-made with the natural.  Its promoters note that the 18 holes wind through three different environments: mangrove forests, beaches, and hills.  The Mayakoba Resort, which houses this stunning course, is a mere 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, yet seems a million miles away from civilization. http://www.mayakoba.com/index.html

5. VistaVallarta (both courses) – Puerto Vallarta

Foliage is slightly different than your neighborhood course in Ohio

Mexico’s two seminal course designers, Nicholas and Tom Wieskopf, team up at the Vista Vallarta resort to create a double offering of sweet courses.  The Nicholas course is a 7,000 yard par 72 built on high elevation, providing golfers with incredible views of Puerto Vallarta below.  Wieskopf’s creation is an exercise in extremes; he brilliantly uses the area’s unique characteristics offer an immensely challenging 18 holes.  Rates vary between $130 and $195. http://www.vistavallartagolf.com/

cover photo provided by tdwhite63 at http://www.flickr.com/photos/toms-pics/106817290/

first photo provided by happygirljen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/happygirljen/727793153/

second photo provided by Jessica New at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicanew/493938122/

third photo provided by stelter13 at http://www.flickr.com/photos/11383359@N03/2226482896/

If you are staying for a short trip you might want go for a vacation rental in Mexico or if you are looking for an extended stay you can see all types of Mexico real estate here.

This one’s for you guys. Which is better, the inland haven or the Caribbean getaway? We want to hear from everyone…tourists that have visited as well as expats and retirees currently living there. Voice your opinion below.

photo provided by cocolimemonkey at http://www.flickr.com/photos/locachica/2926141774/

The fourth in a series of articles comparing Central America’s two leading expat and retiree destinations.  Costa Rica is the more established of the two, but Panama is the upstart new kid on the block with a full head of steam and a pocket full of dollars.  Who will come out on top? Read more and find out.

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 2: Climate

Click here for Round 3: People and Culture

Round 4: Things to do

If you are going to pack up (or sell) everything and move to Central America, you might as well go somewhere where there is stuff to do; after all, you can only sit on the porch and drink so many margaritas before it becomes mundane (or does it…).  In this matchup, the cultural and outdoor activities of each country are looked at and a winner decided.  Round four, begin!

Note: While sitting on the beach all day is fun, it can be done in both countries with equal laziness. Thus, beachbumming does not count as an activity.

Costa Rica

Expats, retirees, and tourists wouldn’t have been flocking to CR for two decades if all there was to do was sit on the beach all day.  For a tiny country, Costa Rica boasts a huge array of attractions that can keep the average gringo busy for months, if not years.  Here are a few top picks, both in outdoor activities and cultural discoveries.

Into the wild:

1. Arenal volcano- Yeah, its been exploited more than Macauley Caulkin, but Arenal still is one of Costa Rica’s most impressive, and easily accessible, natural attraction.  Not only does lava commonly spurt from the top, but the surrounding area is popular for hiking, fishing, and canopy tours.

2. White water rafting- This is some intense stuff. The #1 river to raft is the Pacuare River, which not only offers a rush of adrenaline but also a chance to see virgin rainforest up close, without the mosquito bites.

3. Parque Corcovado.  It would be a sin to leave out Corcovado from any list.  This is the absolute best place in Central America to immerse oneself in the rainforest without going “Man vs Wild” Bear Grylls-style.  Far enough from the tourist trail but still within civilization, the park offers unparalleled access to plants and animals in their natural habitat.  And the hiking isn’t all that difficult.

Whats a Tico, anyway?

1. San Jose museums and opera house- not many travellers or expats spend much time in the capital, but the gold and jade museums, along with the Belgian/Italian designed opera house, are worth checking out to get some background on Costa Rica’s long history.

2. Grana de oro- Coffee is big time in CR, and even non-fans of the stuff (like me) will find the coffee regions intrguing.  The process, the climate, the scenery, plus the opportunity to taste and buy some of the “gold grain”

3. Craft shopping- Even the guys out there will enjoy this, as every manpad (or dining room…) should have at least one piece of badass foreign art that you can tell your friends about.  Despite not having a gloried pre-Colombian past, the country boasts some excellent handmade crafts, from pottery and dolls to colorful oxcarts, that are available for a fraction of what you would pay for them in North America.

While it can sometimes feel like you are being led around by the hand by tour guides and its often hard to go five minutes without seeing a fellow gringo, Costa Rica has a ton of activitis to offer, too many to list here.  The infrastructure is top notch, making even the novice traveler or expat feel comfortable.

Panama

In a country that is still being discovered by gringos, Panama has some really cool stuff for the expat, retiree, and tourist alike.

Into the wild:

1. Wildlife viewing- Rainforests and cloudforests dominate Panama, so there is no lack of opportunity to get out and see some nature.  The famed Pipeline Road is close to the capital in the Soberania Park and is great for birdwatching, and the Baru National Park in Chiriqui is well known for its Quetzal birds.

2. Tree canopy adventures- scattered in forests throughout the country, these “rides” consist of a person being harnessed and attached to a zipline, then literally flying around the forest canopy from one platform to another.  Really cool, safe, and a total adrenaline rush.

3. Diving and snokeling- Get off the beach and into the water.  Around Portobello, Isla Grande has well-established dive programs and Bocas del Toro offers some untouched diving spots.

The canal and more

1. Panama Canal- Every tourist, expat, and retiree should see the canal in action at least once.  Not only is it really a remarkable feat of engineering, but also a big part of each Panamanian; a true source of pride.  If possible, book a trip from the Pacific to the Caribbean or vice-versa.

2. Portobello- Steeped in history, this Caribbean town was once one of the most important cities in the Western hemisphere.  Some of the most famous pirates fought brutal campaigns in and around the town, and the ruins are quite amazing and the tourist infrastrure well set up.

3. Go native- Panama boasts some pretty unique and accessible indigenous tribes, each one being different in some way, beit customs or language.  The Embera people mainly inhabit the dangerous Darien forest along the border with Colombia, but a few communities have made their way to the Chagres River by the canal area and welcome visitors daily.  Along the Caribbean coast, the Kuna people make their home among the 400 islands of San Blas, so visitors are treated to an incredible setting as well as indigenous customs.

Round 4 winner: Costa Rica. This was a close one, but Costa Rica’s far superior infrasture gives it the edge.  While this might not appeal to everyone, CR is just more accessable than Panama; however, given the right oversight Panama could easily equal, or even surpass, Costa Rica in terms of cool things to do. And man, Corcovado just plain rocks. Score: Costa Rica: 2, Panama: 1, 1 tie

Voice your opinion below.  Agree, disagree, or have additional info thats been left out?  We want to hear from you…

As the H1N1 Swine Flu enters its second full week of being the world’s #1 news story, Mexico – ground zero of the whole mess – continues to be hit the hardest.  Mexico City is still in full lockdown mode in an attempt to contain the virus, with nearly all commerce stopped.  Despite not reporting large numbers of H1N1 cases, the tourist and epxat hotspots on Mexico’s coastlines are reporting incredible losses as gringos stay away: Rodrigo de la Peña, Cancun’s hotel association president, says that reservations are down 30% and still dropping quickly.  Here’s a rundown of how Mexico’s top destinations are being affected.

Acapulco

99.9% of the time its good to be the favorite beach destination for a city of 25 million, but alas the coastal resort town is experienceing that .1% right now.  As wealthy residents of the capital enjoy a mini vacation, and with much of Mexico City closed, many are flocking to ‘Pulco for some fun and sun….but in the eyes of the town’s residents, they are potentially bringing the dreaded flu along with the sunscreen and beach towels.  And they aren’t happy: Police report that as many as four cars with Mexico City plates have been stoned by Acapulco residents as they entered the town. So much for a warm welcome…

Despite Covadonga Gomez, the town’s hotel and tourism cheif, publicly pleading with capital city residents to stay away from Acapulco, a steady stream of vacationers made the five hour trip from Mexico City last weekend.  And while Apaculco officials reiterated the fact that every restaurant, bar, and disco were closed, many establishments deemed the almighty dollar, er, peso, was too much to ignore.  High profile places like Señor Frog’s and Sibu were open for business and reportedly quite crowded.

Cancun

It’s without surprise that Cancun, which relies so heavily on foreign tourists and expats, is getting economically kicked all over the place by the flu outbreak.  As soon as news of the flu began, most cruise lines cancelled their stops in Cancun and the rest of the Maya Riviera, taking away the lucrative invasions of cruisegoers.  Hotels are reported to be half empty with cancellations coming in every hour and outbound flights are jam packed with tourists trying to flee.  Additionally, many European and U.S. airlines have cancelled or cut back the number of flights to Cancun since the confirmation that several New York students have the H1N1 virus and also just returned from the resort town (no official link between the two has been found, however).

Mónica Roberts, operations chief for Real Resorts in Cancun, reports only 20% of the rooms are full at a time when 80-90% should be, according to the Washington Post.

Following local leaders’ insistence that not one case of H1N1 has been confirmed in Cancun or the state of Quintana Roo, tourists and expats in the area report that there seems to be a hush-hush attitude held by hotel staff, restaurant waiters, and just about everyone else with vested interest in the tourist industry.  Without foreigners, Cancun will suffer terribly, and for now it seems like it is just doing enough to keep its head above water…

San Miguel Allende

San MA, and the state of Guanajuato in whole, has not confirmed one case of H1N1 and the population is reported to be quite healthy.  Despite this, fear and panic have taken over many of the citizens of this popular expat and retiree destination.  Like Mexico City, many of the public sectors have shut down and, unlike in the coastal resort towns, green facemasks have become the new fashion craze.  As with the rest of the country, schools are closed for the foreseeable future, but for the time being there is no H1N1 in the area.

Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula

The expat and tourist mega-destination that is the southern Baja Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas, has been confirmed “Swine flu free” by the Mexican government, however, this did not stop Rosarito officials from cancelling Cinco de Mayo celebrations or several cruise line operators to cancel stops in Baja.  Tourist numbers are reported to be slightly down in the last week, but again, there have been no confirmed cases.

Have more information about the H1N1 flu in Mexico? Are you an expat, retiree, or tourist somewhere in this great country?  We want to hear your story!  Let us know whats going on in your community.

photo provided by Current News Stories at http://www.flickr.com/photos/currentnews/3489545692/

The third in a series of articles comparing Central America’s two leading expat and retiree destinations.  Costa Rica is the more established of the two, but Panama is the upstart new kid on the block with a full head of steam and a pocket full of dollars.  Who will come out on top? Read more and find out.

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 2: Climate

Click here for Round 4: Things To Do

Round 3: People and Culture

If you are going to relocate, either as an expat or retiree, its important to know what your neighbors will be like.  Considering that most prospective expats and retirees don’t want to live in a country full of jerks, this article takes a look at the culture and people in both countries and determines a winner.  Round 3, begin!

Note: These are generalizations and not meant to include every citizen.  Also, food will be covered in another article.
Costa Rica

The oft-repeated generalization is that Costa Rica, in fact, has no culture.  This is impossible; even a land of brain-eating zombies have a culture of, well, eating brains.  The Ticos certainly do have a culture, albeit not as impressive as the Mayan-rich countries to the north.  And if culture is defined by recent social and political instability, then I think most Costa Ricans would be more than happy to have little of it.

CR is definitely the whiter of the two countries, with 97% of the population classifying themselves as white or mestizo.  Some Ticos will claim that there isn’t racism in the country, which is easy to say when you never really see Afro-Caribbeans or pure indigenous people.  In fact, Afro-Caribbeans were not allowed to leave the Limón province until 1949 (however, the U.S. had some pretty draconian racial laws at this time as well).  But alas it is the 21st century and for the most part all is well.

Ticos are generally conservative people who for the most part shun the weird and bizarre.  Additionally, they shy away from debate in an almost offensive manner as to, ironically, not offend anyone.  Perhaps that is the Central American key to political stability: don’t talk about politics, don’t stir the pot.  They will, however, do whatever they can to impress their guests and are extremely amiable.

Religiously, Costa Rica is a dominantly Catholic country.  However, the church does not have the kind of power or influence it does with CR’s neighbors; many Ticos claim to be Catholic but practice it more as a tradition than a lifestyle.  A crucial part of the country’s culture is its strong middle class, something of an oddity in Latin America.  It acts as a sort of homogenizing ease between the poor (yes, Costa Rica has poor people despite claims to the contrary) and the rich elite, smoothing over tensions by giving the poor an feasible economic ladder to climb.  Thus, coupled by the fact that the country has no army and no military budget, is the reason why the school, medical, and road systems are developed.

Summing up, Ticos are smart, kind people who wish to leave a good impression on visitors.  While this makes for a great vacation and you know your neighbors will be peaceful folks who invite you over for sunset dinners, the general disdain for healthy debate takes some of the spark out of conversation

Panama

Panamanians must be split up into two groups: those living in the capital, and everyone else.  Just about every city-dweller in the world makes fun of, looks down on, or thinks less of the hicks, rednecks, countryfolk, farmboys, etc etc that live outside the metropolis’ limits.  But the inhabitants of Panama City seem to have an indignation, nearly reaching hatred status, of everyone else in the country.  Once, when telling a Panama City friend of mine that I was going to go to the rainforests to the west of the city, he became perplexed and responded simply with “Why would you want to go there?”.  PCity is the place to be; if you don’t live there, then you haven’t made it to the top yet.  Thus the snobbish attitude that many capital residents have and the reason why two groups must be made when looking at the people and culture of the country.

Whereas Costa Rica is very, very white, Panama is a melting pot of races and cultures.  A healthy population of Afro-Panamanians, as well as several indigenous communities, inject a good deal of diversity into the country.  Additionally, the canal project and subsequent international trade has brought sizable enclaves of Chinese, Koreans, and Indians to the capital.  The diverse crowd, along with prosperous economic times, makes racism a mute point, although it does exist.

The Panamanian attitude, especially in the capital, is a combination of New Orleans’ “let the good times roll” and Las Vegas extravagance. The new found wealth that the canal and international banking have brought has fostered a forward-thinking capitalistic society that could care less about the past; in fact, I had a Panamanian history and culture professor in Panama City tell me that history is pretty much irrelevant and can even be a hindrance.Panamanians can be a bit more closed off than their Tico counterparts, but once the initial ice is broken they are as inviting as any culture.  They love to talk about anything, which is perhaps a vestige from their Colombian roots.  However, the wealthy elite, who are growing in number, can be a bit prudish and flashy.

Round 3 Winner: TIE.  While their timidity and political disassociation can get a bit annoying at times, the Tico’s welcoming vibes are irresistible and definitely add to the charm of the country.  Also, their predominately European heritage makes them unique in Central America.  Panamanians love a good party and are cool people, but the initial closed circles and penchant for the uber-rich to flash money around is a turnoff.  But the diverse racial mix of the country, including several indigenous groups and the Afro-Panamanians on the Caribbean coast, make up for any big-spending showboaters.

The second in a series of articles comparing Central America’s two leading expat and retiree destinations.  Costa Rica is the more established of the two, but Panama is the upstart new kid on the block with a full head of steam and a pocket full of dollars.  Who will come out on top? Read more and find out.

Click here for Round 1: Retirement Benefits

Click here for Round 3: People and Culture

Click here for Round 4: Things To Do

Round 2: Climate

A major consideration for any prospective retiree or expat wanting to relocate to Central America is climate.  No where in the U.S. or Europe does the climate change so rapidly, even within an hour or two by car.  Let’s take a look at the climates in each country and see who comes out on top.  Round 2, begin!

Panama

What happens when decide to build your capital city in the rainforest?  A metropolis that is hot as hell.  That’s precisely what Panama (well, the Spaniards) did and the result is a swealtering, humid city where it is impossible to stay dry, especially if you are a gringo.  That, coupled with the Panama City penchant for always wearing collared shirts and suits, and it is nearly impossible not to sweat out every toxin in your body.  I lived there, and needed a shower after my walk to the university at 7:30 in the morning.

Outside of the city things change dramatically.  The coasts, especially the Pacific, enjoy a nice ocean breeze that keeps things comfortable, and this is where many foreigners spend much of their time.  The rainforest – and Panama certainly has a lot of it – is hot, muggy, and wet (duh) but I found it to actually be cooler than the burning concrete of the capital.  Conversely, the awesome Azuero Peninsula is much like southern Spain: hot and arid.

The mountains, of course, are much more temperate.  Thus the reason Boquete feels like a suburb of a U.S. city.  El Valle de Anton is also a quaint mountain hamlet within striking distance of Panama City  But Panama just doesn’t have the mountains that Costa Rica does.

Costa Rica

There is a reason Costa Rica has been the expat and retiree haven for 30 years.  The climate is quite incredible, extremely diverse, and for the most part predictable.  The rainforests are hot and sticky, which of course is what makes them rainforests.  The central mountains (including San Jose) are cool year round (60’s and 70’s) with moderate rainfall, providing the climate needed to produce the famous coffee.  The nights are cool here and light jackets are fashionable.  The beaches, like Panama’s, benefit from the seabreeze; however, the Caribbean can get sweltering and it can rain like hell.

Round Two Winner: Costa Rica.  While Panama City may rule in terms of nightlife, diversity, and commerce, its like an oven.  An oven with a rainforest in it.  San Jose’s mild climate and close proximity to rainforests and beaches gives it the edge in terms of climate.  The mere fact that Costa Rica has more mountains, thus a milder climate, makes it the winner in round two.

Voice your opinion below.  Agree, disagree, or have additional info thats been left out?  We want to hear from you…

Click here for hourly updates on the H1N1 virus in Latin America

Every weekend tens of thousands of soccer fans crowd into Mexico City’s stadiums to cheer on the city’s three teams and transform the grey concrete stands into a vibrant array of flags and song.  But last weekend the

Mexico's cavernous Azteca Stadium sits empty during a game last weekend

games were played in silence; not one spectator was allowed to enter.

As of April 27th, the swine flu outbreak in Mexico has caused the deaths of at least 100 people, with thousands more suspected to be ill with the disease.  The sudden appearance, along with the rapid spread of the disease, has caused major concern around the globe, with several governments warning travelers to stay clear of Mexico.

The disease, caused by the influenza strain H1N1, is similar to the H5N1 strain that caused the bird flu panic in Asia a few years back.  While not as deadly, this new strain appears to be much more transmissible between humans.  Mexican health officials are working closely with the U.S. Center for Disease Control and have located the origin of the outbreak to be in the pig farming region of La Gloria in southeastern Veracruz; however, the spread of the swine flu has been so rampant that most of the country has been affected.  Hundreds of cases have been determined throughout the central mountain chain, particularly in Mexico City and San Luis Potosi and as far south as Oaxaca.  This, of course, makes sense since a highly transmissible disease will flourish in populous areas.  Cases have also been reported in the northern Baja region, centering around Tijuana. Mexico City is in a near panic as the 4 million facemasks given out to prevent infection have been quickly used up. Riots have been reported outside some city hospitals.

This flu – aptly named with such a disgusting moniker – is a real threat to the health of the entire country. Incredibly, Mexico has canceled all school until May 6th in an attempt to prevent the gathering of large groups of children. This is an enormous country, and closing down every school in the country is something that doesn’t happen very often anywhere in the world. Additionally, most of the capital’s theatres are closing for the foreseeable future and the qualification tournament for North American youth national soccer teams has been called off. Thus is the seriousness in which the government is taking this situation.

Passengers wear masks on a Mexico City subway

The flu has now reached some of the tourist and expat hotspots along the Pacific coasts, most notably in Acapulco, where the usually vibrant nightlife has ground to a halt after the government ordered nightclubs and bars to close. Incidentally, there are fears that citizens from the capital, enjoying something of a vacation because of the school cancellations, will accidentally infect previously clean areas. And with the speed in which this disease is spreading such fears are rational.

U.S. officials have dismissed talk of strict travel restrictions to and from Mexico, as well as any border closures.  They have, however, recommended that U.S. citizens think twice about traveling to Mexico unless it is essential, echoing the words of European governments.  Its too early to tell to what extent the swine flu will spread, but with situation escalating on a daily basis, things may get worse before they get better. While the spread of this flu is alarming, the number of people infected is still relatively low, and the mortality rate is, for now, staying down.  Don’t go buy a ton of bottled water and Spam and head for the bunker, but normal health precautions should be taken.  We here at Latinworld.com want to keep the expat and retiree community up to date on this evolving problem, and will keep our readers updated with daily reports about the situation on the ground. Check back often.

Are you an expat or retiree living in Latin America?  We want to here your story.  What is your country, community, or family doing to stay healthy?  Are you worried, or is this a exaggeration of the media?  Tell us, and the world, your story below.

front photo provided by fchin123 at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fchin123/3484595995/sizes/o/

internal photo #1 provided by muisicneverstopped1 at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mnsblog1/3480234976/sizes/o/

internal photo #2 provided by victormahk at http://www.flickr.com/photos/79978901@N00/3475075969/