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Well, we miss you too, Ed! I look forward to seeing back here. I know it can seem forever, but September is not that far away!-

Fred, the Panama Canal Authority does indeed generate its own electricity as part of its responsibility to operate the Canal continuously, 24 hours a day, 7days a week, 52 weeks a year. Excess is sold in the open market. It is entirely likely that some of that ends up at Tucan via one of the electrical systems here, but there is no special relationship with a single commercial outfit that I have ever heard of and I don't think that would be at all appreciated by other competing real estate developments, to put it mildly! Just for the record, the same is even more significant for water. From the Canal's site, "Water extracted from this system undergoes treatment to meet drinking water standards and is distributed to over 50% of the country’s population residing in the districts of Panama, San Miguelito, Arraijan, Chorrera, and Colon. Currently, eight water treatment plants extract water from Gatun Lake, with two more under construction. The Federico Guardia Conte water treatment plant, the largest in the country, draws water from Alhajuela Lake." Both lakes mentioned are actually reservoirs built in support of the Canal. As for frequent outages, most areas are not seriously affected, but there has been criticism and the two largest private electricity providers have been fined millions of dollars just a few days ago. If you are looking for a residence here, don't be shy! Find a local resident and ask. If it is a problem, you will hear about it! Panamanians are not shy to tell you what there experience is, but don't depend only on real estate agents for that kind of information. Frankly, if I have a question like this, I walk into a local convenience store or restaurant and ask! They know.

@@panamawave Thanks Bob. It looks like the new President means business! "Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1, 2024, said in June that “the entire country is overwhelmed” by the constant blackouts, and promised measures to “restore order” and ensure that state concessionaires that distribute electricity offer good service."

And the first responsibility is to pay customers their $14 million fine!

Judith, it continues on the same direction but nothing unexpected since the video as posted. I don't promote one area or another, but in this case I wanted to mention something no one else was talking about and yet deserved attention. If you come down, let me know and we can introduce you to this growing area. Real estate agents here generally stick with areas they know well and where they have developed special relationships with some developers But once you are here, you are free to look anywhere you like!

Thank you, Chuck. It's good to be back.

From the day in 1513 that this city was declared to be a city of the Spanish Empire, the first European city on the entire Pacific coast of the Americas, it has been a center of business and finance, not tourism or a retirement haven. Until early in the 20th century, the city's population suffered from malaria, dengue, and yellow fever carried by masses of mosquitos. Today, you can live here for years and never see a mosquito. You have to visit the countryside for that, but the city was not built for comfort but for business. All that has changed and it now has the challenge of dealing with some very old infrastructure and a whole new world of visitors and residents from everywhere. Much has been done to change things and people spend time just walking for pleasure in Costa del Este, the Cinta Costera including Balboa Avenue, Casco Viejo, Via Argentina, much of Obarrio, Bella Vista, Marbella and more. I have walked from Obarrio to Casco Viejo more than once and enjoyed it. A few years ago, Via España was completely renovated and suddenly was walkable. And this is the “city proper” as areas like Albrook are overlooked. Of course, future plans are focused on citizens. The Metro's growth has had a huge impact and a lot more is coming. This has brought the suburbs into the city, so to speak, and to say it is popular with the citizenry is an understatement. Additionally, an inexpensive Uber service fills another gap. Panama City is truly a "work in progress" and our new Mayor gives every sign of determination to make it better. In the 20 years since I first arrived, the changes already in place seemed, at best, very unlikely or even possible, but here we are. Your point is well-taken and this city has many sidewalks that need improvement or replacement, but you have to consider the whole ''transportation system" of which sidewalks are one part. Give it time and it will change. That has been true for more than five centuries. In the meantime, let David Nuñez share his many "walking tours" at www.youtube.com/@davidwalkingforyou. Something there might catch your eye.

Thank you!

True, Mateo, but the stats have always been there. Traditional politicians just don't want to admit it since they benefit from it too. Now there are Deputies who will demand transparency and benefit from that. That is a big step up.

Sorry, Mateo, I forgot to answer your question. I think we are 33 now, the Canal Authority says it will be 35 on August 1, and that is a conservative estimate. Lake levels are rising rapidly. So we are not quite there yet, but give us a couple weeks!

My pleasure, Paul!

Well, Janet, you are the first person to mention it. I get it without problems as do others who comment here or write me separately. Be sure to check your sound in the loiwer-right corner of your screen (in Windows) by clicking on the "speaker" symbol. Also people often accidentally click on the little red box on the ":tab" at the top of the video and that will turn off the sound. If so, then clicking it again will turn it back on. I assure you I don't send out videos without audio. However, some folks have set their video so low that I have to raise the level here to roughly double normal for them to to get it. I will do that text time and see if that helps, but it is too late to change the video now. Thankfully, this is a short video. For now, just turn on the closed captions (the CC at the bottom of the video) and you will be able to read it all and I will pop the sound up next time and see if that helps you.

Volume is fine.

But that's a way to make money for people who see each of us as just another credit card...or debit, better yet.

What a great message! Thanks so much, Bobby and Angie! I look forward to seeing you both here in Psnsms City!

!Muchisimas gracias, Gregorio!

With my off-and-on posting, it is a wonder so many folks hang on, Vicki! Thank you so much for the kind words.

You're most welcome! And at this moment, I am uploading a new one...finally! So maybe I'll post it tonight or maybe tomorrow morning. I will see how long it takes to get it uploaded this time!

Thanks, Bobby, but I just got my computer back from the shop after it failed me last weekend. I m in the process of getting everything back in order and will be back soon...and mention vegetables!

Thank you for watching, Ann Jean!

@user-ft9kv9cq1l Tristan, if you are from Germany, I have received all your emails and responded to every one of them. I have no idea why you are not getting my responses. Are you checking your spam filter?

Good for you! I'm glad to be back and see everyone again!

My pleasure, Paul!

It's great to be back, Anthony! I feel new energy now!

@@panamawave So nice to hear back from you Bob. Have a blessed evening from Vancouver, Bob. I have heard people smarter than me say that 2024 was going to be a bad year. The next six months are definitely going to be crazy. I hope they don't lock us down again. I visited Panama in November / December 2022 for a month after Justine finally let us out of the country. Visit number two is scheduled for three months starting in November / December 2024. Maybe I can take you out for a meal when I arrive in Panama City, if you're interested. Anthony

Make it coffee and a pastry, and we''l do it! I have my favorite place for that!

@@panamawave Perfecto! I will WhatsApp you as we get closer to November 2024. Be well Bob! Good night, brother!!! Anthony

I look forward to that!

W will be waiting for you you, Carole!

Enjoy!

It means nothing to me. No one has ever commented on the color of my skin, much less treated me any differently. The one factor that gets me real respect is my age. Otherwise, you stand on your own two feet and earn your own reputation. If you don't practice racism, no problem. Elsewhere in Latin America, racism is more prevalent. If you see a Spanish-speaking person acting racist in Panama, the odds are very high that you are not looking at a Panamanian. The problem is usually an expat problem and that becomes more and more apparent every year.

Indeed, I do, Dave! I have had my share of those moments!

I am not sure exactly what you mean, Janice. This is simply a question asked of every adult citizen during the census. They provide the answer. They do not choose from a list as in most censuses, so they are providing their own perspective. It has nothing to do with expat residents who answer far fewer questions.

I think the creation by the government of Mes de la Etnia Negra celebration (Month of Black Ethnicity) since the year 2000 has gradually achieved the intended purpose.

I am sure that helped, but I think this is another example of a new generation reaching adulthood .

Hi, Mateo! We are fortunate to have this beautiful park within our metro area. It is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. I am glad you had the opportunity to enjoy it. There is a lot more to Panama City than buildings! Here's z link for others to see what you are talking about - parquemetropolitano.org/en/. They are doing some remodeling, but are still open from 7 am to 4:30 pm.

Yes, you need to be here. It is way better for your health! And you will be happy to know that the landfill fires are history now.

Hi Bob, you are looking great! Mother nature is providing nourishment for the canal and the election is settled and accepted by the people. Positive news for the country and it's people! I am so happy for you. Thank you for the report.

You are most welcome, James. It is always my pleasure!

Keep in mind, these were individual decisions. A lot has changed in the 13 years between 2010 and 2023. The same generation that made it clear that corruption had to end feels the same with racism. And both are happening without hate or violence. I don't expect that will change with the 2030 census.

@tonyglive Thank you, Tony! Sorry to be slow getting to your message, but I'm still cleaning up after the UTI! A pain in the butt, as you know! Hope to see you here in days to come!

@@panamawave Dear Bob, God willing you will see me again in Panama!... looking forward to it my friend. Be well and feel better. thank you for responding!

You are very welcome, Mateo!

Ed, they are smart, focused, organized, and dedicated to change. They are also the largest political group in the National Assembly. They have clout and they know it.

Exacto Guillermo! ¡Todos los panameños son verdaderos panameños!

Thank you so much! I wish I saw more of this very pragmatic activity going on in other nations, but I am fortunate to be here to see it work! It won't be easy, but the beginning of the major change is always that way.

Shucks, Brandon, I just do my best (shuffle, red-faced)... Good to hear from you!

I am glad it was helpful, Monique! It will not be a walk in the park, but they know that and focus on the future.

You are always very welcome, Drummer!

Every election is a new beginning, if that is what the people want. And there is only one way to find out how millions of people feel. You have to ask them and be prepared to deal constructively with their answer. But if you do not ask and they cannot answer freely, the future is seen with fear, not hope. I stand with hope. Take a look at some of the other articles at the link I share in the description. I trust President-elect Mulino will recognize this and work with it successfully. ¡Viva Panamá!

Thank you, Kim! I'm glad to be back.

Glad you enjoyed it!

And thank you for the being part of our community!

Well, Ed, we miss you! The shark in your pot hole asked after you this morning and I assured him you would return! I figure he's either lonely or hungry. I'll ask.

That's great to hear! We would be happy to help you find a rental, just let us know when your schedule is set.

I missed you guys too!

It's always my pleasure, Paul!

Thanks so much, James! I am so happy to be back!

And thank you for sharing your kind words!

Well, "old guy", at 79 in a few days, I am way too young to think in those terms!

@@panamawave Unboubtedly....but one day far far away you might get old.....

I will take my chances. Come to think of it, I don't have much choice!

Thank you, I will my best to do exactly that!