Vehicle Inspection Fees
The vehicle inspection system is being overhauled. I haven't received
full details yet, but it seems the tailpipe sniffer law that was passed
back in the 90s will finally be implemented and real inspections will
be made. There is supposedly only one company in Panama that owns a
tailpipe sniffer and rumor is that that company will have an exclusive
contract for all inspections. The one thing you can be certain of is
that it will cost you more money. The figures I've heard are $25.00 for
the basic inspection and $15.00 for the tailpipe sniff.
Embassy Tosses Military Retirees
That wonderful State Department that all US expats know and love has
never been happy about providing mail service to military retirees,
which they have done since 1999. Last year, they switched from an APO
(Military Post Office) to a DPO (Diplomatic Post Office), and I
predicted then that military retiree mail service in Panama was on its
deathbed. I was right. December 31, 2009 will mark the end of mail
service for military retirees. For many, it will also mark the end of
another military retiree entitlement; the TriCare Pharmacy, which will
not ship to overseas addresses. For those who choose to use a freight
forwarder, they will have to contend with Panama import duties on the
medicine, and naturally, the fees of the freight forwarder.
For others, like me, it means a major hassle in change of address, and
finding a new US address for credit card billing, and of course, an
additional monthly cost.
Thank you, State Department, may I have another?
Halloween Party
One nice thing the influx of expats has brought to Panama are some
great Halloween parties, and Nora and I were privileged to attend one
in Alto de Cerro Azul on Saturday. There was quite an international mix
of characters; Belgium, France, Canada, US, Panama, Colombia, Chile,
Germany, and Texas were all represented, as no doubt were a few others
I missed.
There were also many outstanding costumes. I went as an Old West
Brothel Inspector, complete with an appropriate badge, cowboy hat and
boots, pearl button shirt and my Colt 1860 Army black powder revolver.
There were more than enough floozies and saloon girls to keep me busy
all evening. Look on the website for a slide-show. Here's the direct
link;
http://www.panamaretire.net/living/halloween-09/
The Ginger House
I will have a lot more to say about this new Bed and Breakfast in Altos
de Cerro Azul later, but for now I will tell you it is top-notch, first
class, wonderful, and other superlatives. We were honored to be among
the first guests since its opening this weekend. We slept like
babies, and enjoyed a marvelous brunch with about 60 other people on
Sunday morning. If you'd like to spend some time in Altos de Cerro
Azul, enjoying the abundance of natural beauty, drop me an email and I
will give you contact details.
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