Expatriate Forums in Panama

SHOPPING IN PANAMA / PANAMA SHOPPING GUIDE

Panama Info — Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:54 am

Author: Panama Info

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:54 am

SHOPPING IN PANAMA

Panama is known throughout the Americas as a "shopper's paradise" and rightly so. North Americans will be fascinated by high quality,colorful handicrafts made by Panamanian artisans. Only Mexico rivals Panama in the variety and creativeness of native handicrafts.

Panamanian Handicrafts

Large selections of Panamanian handicrafts can be found in two places in Panama City. The closest location are the Gran Morrison stores with branches near most downtown hotels.

Outside of the business district, go to the Balboa Artisans market which offers the possibility of bargaining with the artisans themselves and a more "get-close-to-the-natives" setting. Lodged in an historical building in the former American Canal Zone, the market offers a great variety of handicrafts and you'll get to know a different Panama than the commercial district. To get there, just tell one of Panama's trusty taxi drivers to take you to "la antigua YMCA en Balboa" or show him this article. It's a 15 minute drive from downtown and the taxi ride will be about $3.00.

Types of Handicrafts
"Molas" are Panama's most famous handicraft. They are colourful, intricate, multi-leveled appliqué fabric panel designs made by the Kuna Indian women of the San Blas Islands. They made them originally for their blouses. You can buy molas loose, framed or as decorative part of a shirt, blouse or bag.

Also recommended are the tightly woven baskets of the Embera Indians. Many are exported to Europe and the US, but here you can purchase them starting at $10. The baskets are made of palm materials of the nahuala bush and the chunga tree. All the dyes are natural extracts from tropical fruits and trees. (Similar baskets by the Navajo Indians in the US cost a small fortune.)

You will also find a fascinating selection of horses, dragons, fish and turtles cleverly carved from soapstone and a tropical hardwood called cocbolo. Other tiny figurines are carved from the ivory-coloured tagua nut.

If you want to bring home a very special memento, it is possible to purchase high quality "huacas"- jewelry items that are replicas of the golden figures placed in pre-Conquest Indian burial sites. No one knows the exact meaning of these objects, but they surely had some kind of mystical significance. Your hotel jewelry store will have them and you can find a complete selection at Reprosa, a jewelry store specializing in such reproductions adjacent to Plaza Obarrio on Samuel Lewis Street.

Malls

Multiplaza Mall: An upscale, mall freaturing 30 restaurants and cafes, 155 stores, in addition to 50 brand-name and 7 prestigious department stores as well as a Courtyard by Mariott hotel. Items can be found by designers from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the U.S. and Latin American at the same competitive prices a tourist finds in Miami! Fully air-conditioned, Multiplaza Mall also features eight Cinepolis cinemas and ample parking.

Multicentro Mall: This stylish, upper-scale mall is fully air-conditioned. Multicentro features 177 brand-name stores, a 26 restaurant food court overlooking the Pacific Bay, 7 outdoor restaurants, game rooms, movie theatres, a night club, the first Hard Rock Cafe in Central America, Majestic Casino, and even a Culture Plaza next to the city lights and the sea breeze. Very client friendly with 20 escalators, ample indoor parking as well as wheelchairs and baby carriages available for your convenience.

Albrook Mall: A large mall built around the Albrook Bus Terminal, featuring a food court with a carousel, cinema, and many discount stores sure to delight the serious bargain shopper. You won't have to worry about getting lost as each section is marked by a zoo animal.

Los Pueblos Shopping Center: Right near the International Airport, this mall is series of around 150 stores set up in strip-mall fashion where you can get great deals on everything from cothing to electronics.

Jewelry

For a truly special jewelry gift, Reprosa, located in the business district and in the Amador Shopping Complex is recommended. Reprosa has a wide selection of beautiful jewelry inspired by Panama's native culture and natural beauty. They are the only company authorized to make molds from the Pre-Colombian jewelry found in ancient burial sites. Tel: 269.0457.

Another jewelry find and very special gift are Rainforest Designs Cameos- exquisite cameos carved by the Wounaan Indians of the Darien Rainforest. The cameos are available at the Marriott Hotel Gift Shop and the Duty Free Shop on Flamingo Island at Amador.

Gems, electronics, luxury & bargain clothings

As Panama is near Colombia there are also good bargains in gem stones. A handsome sapphire or emerald ring for example will cost about a third less than in the States. It is important to buy at a reputable jewelry store like Joyeria La Huaca in front of the Continental Hotel.

For a large selection of fine watches and jewelry try Mercurio jewelers on Samuel Lewis Street in front of the National Sanctuary.

People from all over Latin America come to Panama to buy electronic and computers. By the way, you don't have to make the long trip to the Colon Free Trade Zone to get good prices. The Free Zone is more oriented to the wholesaler. Buying retail you will find Panama City store prices are nearly the same as the Free Zone's.

For electronic items and home appliances Audio Foto and Panasonic are the best.They are both located in the Business District and any taxi driver will get you there if this is not within walking distance of your hotel.

For computers and and related items, it is well worth a trip to Multitek on Tumba Muerto Ave. At this big computer store, which is about 20 minutes by taxi from the business district, you'll find everything you would find in a large American computer store including similar prices.

NIGHTLIFE IN PANAMA / PANAMA NIGHTLIFE GUIDE (PANAMA CITY)

Panama Info — Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:16 am

Author: Panama Info

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:16 am

NIGHTLIFE IN PANAMA (PANAMA CITY)

Panama City is known for its lively nightlife. It all takes place in three sectors of the city; the business district, Casco Viejo, the historic Spanish Colonial sector of the city and spectacular Amador Causeway connecting a string of Panama Bay islands with ocean and city views both day and night.

The Panamanian people love a party - a fact reflected in a wide variety of nightlife spots-bars, discos, pubs and casinos. As in any big city, keep to the lighted main streets and have a great time. Taking a taxi from your hotel is a safe way to get to any of these places.

BUSINESS DISTRICT

The Wine Bar: The place for wine lovers, the Wine Bar has more than 300 wine selections and a big cheese selection and pizza. Great place for conversation with an in house live music trio. In El Cangrejo in the business district near the El Panama Hotel as well as the Amador Causeway.

El Pavo Real: An authentic British pub in the heart of Panama City. Good pub food, a sedate, friendly bar scene and a favourite place for natives, Americans and Brits. Around the corner from the Marriot Hotel in the business district.

S6IS: Mostly standing room making it easy to meet people, casual, all ages. Calle Uruguay 264.5237

Unplugged Bar & Restaurant: A small bar which stands out for its colourful retro décor including a leopard skin and musical records. Young and hip, it also has one pool table.

Anemos: Calle Uruguay 214.6038

Green House: Uruguay Street 264.6484

Clubs

Oz: Small bar and lounge with fun nightly specials and live bands.
Calle 53 Marbella, 265.2805.

Wasabi Sushi Lounge: Combination electronic and DJ music and sushi. Colorful and stylish retro décor, host to international guest DJs and themed parties.

Rock Cafe: Near Calle 50 in front of the World Trade Center. Features one of the biggest dance floors in town and Tuesdays Ladies’ night.

Moods: Popular nightclub recently renovated, on Uruguay St.

Next: The biggest nightclub in Central America. Draws a stylish, upscale crowd of early twenties to 30s. Features the biggest parties and concerts on Fridays and Saturdays. Ave. Balboa Marbella

CASCO VIEJO

La Casona de las Brujas:This nightspot’s dark and momentous atmosphere matches its location in Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic old colonial area. Its open roof surrounded by broken ruins walls creates a haunted feel. Much more than a nightspot, it is host of many cultural events—sip on a glass of wine while enjoying the attached art gallery and a diversity of live DJs and bands.

Las Bovedas: French food. Jazz Bar; Friday and Saturday night, Live jazz 228.8058

Casablanca: International and Thai food. /Bar- Friday and Saturday nights.

AMADOR CAUSEWAY

Bars

Café Barko: For the over-30 crowd, sea breezes, great sushi, live music on weekends 314.0001

Play: Resembles a trendy nightspot in Miami, featuring loungey décor and in house DJs as well as ocean views.

The Wine Bar: The place for wine lovers, the Wine Bar has more than 300 wine selections and a big cheese selection and pizza. Great place for conversation with a live in house music trio.

La Marina: Pool table, live music, food, dancing, and patio area 314.3360

Bolero: Bella Vista, 42nd Street 225.4924

Gasthaus Bavaria: Bella Vista, 50th Street 265.6772

Happy’s: Aquilino de la Guarida 213.2242

Hard Rock Café: Multicentro Mall 208.2800

Café Santé: Multicentro Mall 208.2534

Steinbock: Via Cincuentenario 270.2784. Features large selection of beers and German appetizers.

Casinos

Crown Casino: Caesar Park Hotel

Fiesta Casino: El Panama Hotel

Majestic Casinos: Multicentro

Veneto Casino: Veneto Hotel – New state-of-art casino- you will feel you are in Las Vegas.

FOOD & DINING IN PANAMA / PANAMA DINING GUIDE

Panama Info — Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:09 am

Author: Panama Info

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:09 am

FOOD & DINING IN PANAMA

GENERAL

Panama has its own unique and rich cuisine. As a land bridge between two continents Panama is blessed by nature with an unusual variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used in native cooking. Also, as a crossroads of the world, Panama’s cuisine is influenced by its diverse population of Hispanic, native Indian, European, African and even Chinese migrations.

The following are descriptions of some of Panama’s most popular native dishes.

It is highly recommended that you try these typical dishes at these Panama City restaurants:

Barandas at the Bristol Hotel- Panama’s premier restaurant for gourmet Panamanian food with a nouveau cuisine flair- for lunch and dinner. Tel:263.7890

Las Tinajas- This business district restaurant features delicious typical Panamanian food and a very popular floor show: Tuesday,Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm a folkloric dance show of typical Panamanian dances. Lunch and dinner only. Tel: 269.4353

El Trapiche- Located in the El Cangrejo sector of the business district, El Trapiche specializes in the best of Panamanian homestyle food serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Portions are generous and the restaurant is nearly always packed with locals- a testimony from Panamanians on just how good their Panamanian dishes are. Tel: 269.7844

TYPICAL PANAMANIAN DISHES

Breakfast

Tortillas are very popular for breakfast, but these are not Mexican style tortillas. In Panama “tortillas”are half inch thick rounds of corn dough deep fried and usually served with a melting piece of cheese on top and eggs.This is a dish that will stick to your innards all morning.

Hojaldras Another typical breakfast treat served with eggs are “hojaldras”.These are “Panamanian donuts”…a flattened piece of dough deep fried and served hot…you sprinkle some sugar on top- delicious! Especially with a cup of fine Panamanian coffee.

Snacks & Side Dishes

Patacones: Fried plantain which is still green, cut in rounds, pressed ,deep fried and salted. You can order it as an appetizer for lunch or dinner, as your starchy vegetable or they make a great snack.

Platano Maduro: Ripe plaintians cut in long slices and sauteed in oil. Ripe plaintains are sweet and so they make sweet sidedish that accompanies most typical Panamanian meals. “Platanos tentación” is a popular way to prepare them in a carmelized sugar sauce seasoned with some cinnamon and nutmeg.

Carimañola: A delicious roll made with dough from the tropical root yucca and stuffed with a bit of meat and boiled eggs.

Fried yuca: Yuca is a starchy root that is a countryside staple…a tropical version of the potato…it is good fried as a snack or side dish.

Ceviche: Served like a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, small pieces of corvina ( sea bass) “cooked” in lemon juice and spices. Watch out- you may get addicted- this is a very popular and delicious dish.

Arroz con guandu: Panama’s most popular side dish, this rice dish is cooked with guandu, a bean of African origin that gives the rice a subtle, delectable flavour. Coconut water is often used to cook the rice giving it even more tropical taste.

Main Courses

Sancocho: A hearty chicken soup and Panama’s most typical countryside dish, In addition to chicken pieces, sancocho has a starchy root called namé and is spiced with culandro- a leaf similar in taste to cilantro.

Corvina: If you love fish, don’t leave Panama before tasting its premier fish known locally as “corvina” and internationally as sea bass. This delectable fish has absolutely no “fishy” taste. It is a feature on the menus of most Panamanian restaurants served with a variety of sauces or fried or as ceviche.

Shrimp, Lobster, Fish: Panama means “abundance of fish” in the original Indian language and indeed fresh seafood is another Panamanian attraction given Panama’s extensive coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You will find a variety of shrimp,lobster and fish dishes on many menus.

Tamales: Again same name but not the Mexican kind at all- Panamanian tamales are like a square burrtio and are made from a dough of ground corn with a filling of chicken or pork with spices- They are all wrapped up in a banana leaf and boiled. Delicious! Several make a meal,one makes a handy snack- unwrap the banana leaf and enjoy.

Desserts

Flans: Like the rest of Latin America, flan- or a light egg custard in a carmelized sauce is hands down Panama’s favourite dessert.

Pastel Tres Leches: “Three Milk Cake”- This is a rich cake made from three milks-regular, evaporated and condensed- it is very sweet and satisfying.

Tropical fruit batidos: Another favourite dessert or snack are batidos which are milk shakes consisting fresh tropical fruits blended with milk and a bit of sugar. Papaya, strawberry and pineapple shakes are some of the most common.

Tropical fruits: Panama’s best desserts are its tropical fruits which abound, are inexpensive and are incomparably delicious…so indulge…papayas, mangos, pineapples, a variety of melons, and some fruits you’ve never seen before like maracuyá ( that is passion fruit-makes one of the best juices anywhere), guanabana ( sour sop) etc.

Raspados: These are snow cones known locally as “raspados”. You will find them served everywhere from a friendly vendor with a mobile cart. You can choose from a large variety of tropical flavored toppings and Panamanians top their snow cones off with a dollup of condensed milk- a cooling and most refreshing snack.

Sell NIKE and ADIDAS

windson_zhu — Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:48 am

Author: windson_zhu

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:48 am

A really good news for everyone in Panama:

Our company can supply nearly any model of NIKE and ADIDAS, the price is just 18-35 dolllars.

But why our price is so low? That is because these shoes are produced by the factory that produce NIKE and ADIDAS. But these shoes are not sold by NIKE and ADIDAS company. The factory sell to companies like us and earn a lot of $$$.

Our company's website is www.nikeip.com. Pls feel easy to contact me, you will find a great opportunity of earn a lot.

Our clients are mainly from USA, ITALY, FRANCE,etc. They sell the shoes on their countries' EBAY. If you do not trust me, you can go to these coutries' EBAY to check. And you will find many NIKE and ADIDS' price is about 80-100 dollars. Nearly all the shoes are from China.