Decameron Panama: Beaches, Golf and Casinos Outside of Panama City

Decameron Panama, or The Royal Decameron Resort, Golf and Casino, is located just outside of Panama City in Farallon. This all inclusive resort has received mixed reviews from many visitors which leads me back

 to the issue of expectations when traveling Panama. When visiting this resort you should expect the typical Panamanian treatment and service. Your drink may not arrive at warp speeds, but you will get it. Your room may not be the most lavish nor will the hot water work 24 hours a day, but the staff won’t really care.
What you can expect in the Decameron Panama all inclusive resort is a great deal on food, drinks, fun and sun a short distance from the city. This place would be ideal for a family side trip when visiting panama because of the cheap rates and loads of pools for the kids. The Decameron panama will only set you back around $90 a night for one person and you’ll never have to dip into your wallet during your stay. The Decameron is only about an hour outside of Panama City so getting there is a short bus, taxi or van ride. The grounds of the Decameron are stunning. The ocean views are breathtaking and the culture is completely Panama.  The best way to enjoy this all inclusive is to relax, and once again remember that you aren’t in Kansas anymore. Take it as it comes and enjoy.

http://www.uncoverpanama.com/ For places to stay in Decameron, Playa Blanca, Miramar.


 http://panamapulse.com/browser/?onsurl=%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F~r%2FThePanamaGringo%2F~3%2F1gN45gkmoJQ%2F

Monkey Island Tours • Panama Canal Adventure

Monkey Island is located at Gatun Lake in the valley of the Chagres river between Panama and Colon Provinces in the Republic of Panama.

 

 

Its surface area is 164 square miles. Gatun lake is the second largest artificial man-made lake in the world. This lake was created in 1907 and took 6 years to flood. It was created to help the transit of ships across the isthmus. This lake is the reservoir of water needed for the operation of the Panama Canal. It is surrounded by nature and history everywhere – the flora and fauna makes this place a must-see while visiting Panama.

You can take a boat tour through the Panama Canal into secret waterways to find hidden islands where Capuchin and Howler monkeys can be seen leaping in the trees above. Occasionally, they become curious of visitors and venture down to take a closer look.
A Panama Canal tour provides a unique opportunity for viewing wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Other animals you might spot on this tour includes Two and Three-toed Sloths, Crocodiles, and turtles that are native to Gatun Lake.

The boat ride to and from the island passes through the Panama Canal, giving you the chance to spot huge container ships during their passage across the world.

Theatre of Panama

Panama and Coclé Theatre

Panama and Coclé Theatre is a new community theatre created in 2012 in the interior of Panama by T Rob Brown, Artistic Director, and his wife Yolanda Van Der Kolk.

The company is made up of local residents, many of which have never performed on stage before joining PaCT. Specializing in murder mystery musicals, the company performs dinner-theatre style shows in local area restaurants.

The first show was presented in June 2012 by Picasso Bar + Restaurant in Coronado, performing two sold out shows of "Pinchin' de Picasso" written by Yolanda Van Der Kolk. The second show "Dancing with the Dictator, Eh" , a hilarious spoof on Newfies and on Canadians, written by Rob Brown finished a run at Cami-Es Restaurant in Farallon in early March.

The next show is a murder mystery musical with all original music, story by Yolanda and music by Tara Van Der Kolk. "Lucky 13" is set in the 1920's and will include an art show and storybook set, painted by Yolanda Van Der Kolk. 

Dates and location TBA - see www.retirementdetectives.com for more information.

Contact: roberto@retirementdetectives.com

Theatre Guild of Ancon

The Theatre Guild of Ancon was founded in 1950 by a group of Panamanian and American citizens who were interested in developing English language theatre in Panama. Our productions run the gamut of the theatrical spectrum – from modern, controversial dramas, to comedies and family entertainment, to musicals. Our stage has been the first step for performers such as Robert Loggia and Ruben Blades, and for successful directors such as Bruce Quinn.

The Theatre Guild of Ancon is the only voluntary working theatre of its kind in Panama. We provide a training ground for the future performers and technicians in the theatre arts, a place for everyone to exercise their creative muscles, and a place for those who seek quality theatre in the English language, to enjoy. It is our intention to provide a creative avenue for all.

Here’s our exciting line up for 2013:
Improv8 directed by Danielle Miles  – Now taking reservations!
Point Break Live Panama! directed by Giancarlo Benedetti / Rob Gettman
Deep Fried Comedy III directed by DFC Troupe
Rocky Horror Picture Show directed by Melanie Lee
Project 1984 directed by Matthew Addis
http://anconguild.com/

 Boquete Community Players

Boquete Community Players are a talented bunch of people living in Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama in the Highlands near the border of Costa Rica, who enjoy live theatre and events produced, directed and performed by people from all around the globe who have decided to make this mountain community their home.

BCP's own facility includes a 112 seat theatre, a lobby/lounge, a party room and a wraparound patio on the river in downtown Boquete. We welcome new members and are always looking for more volunteers, so come and join the fun!

We hold a number of recurring events to which we welcome all, no matter from where you hail, and no matter what your mindset. There is something for everyone at the BCP Theatre and Event Center.
Today, the BCP Theatre & Events Center is the hub of the ExPat community’s entertainment life. The Tuesday Morning Meeting is now held there….a weekly meeting that presents speakers who are authorities on subjects of interest to ExPats that provide vital information to make living in our new home town even better. There is also a period where announcements are made about new businesses, activities and services that share information with us all. The TMM is held every Tuesday at the BCP Events Center beginning at 10:30 am and ends around 12 noon.

2013 Theatre Line-Up

May   22nd - 26th Bench Warmers New One Act Plays  A series of new one act plays, whose authors are winners of the BCP Bench Warmer New play contest.  Last year we had entrants from the United States and many home grown right here in Panama.
“A delightful and fun filled evening.”     
July   31st - Aug 4th Proof by David Auburn Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play. Proof combines elements of mystery and surprise with old-fashioned storytelling to provide a compelling evening of theatre.    
October   16th - 20th  Hank Williams: Lost Highway

Music & Lyrics by Hank Williams, Sr. by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik

“Exhilarating! Serves up classic country with the edges raw and the energy hot.” – Rolling Stone

In the span of his short life, Hank Williams changed the landscape of American popular music forever.

Lost Highway follows Williams from his roots in Alabama to his meteoric rise to stardom on the stage of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. This toe-tapping musical tribute showcases what Williams did best: performing, and features over 20 of Williams's best loved songs, performed live by Hank and the Drifting Cowboys, including timeless classics such as “Move It On Over”, “Jambalaya”, and “Your Cheatin' Heart”.

A humorous and heartfelt tribute, Hank Williams: Lost Highway reveals an intimate portrait of the passionate and troubled man behind the music.

http://www.bcpboquete.com/index.html

Natá - Explore This Historical Church With Us

Natá, Coclé Province, Panamá, S.A.
Story by Wendy Brausam & Tamara Rowe
Photos by Wendy Brausam
www.UncoverPanama.com

On a pleasant half day adventure from Penonomé, (the halfway point in Panamá, S.A. between Costa Rica to the northwest and Columbia to the southeast), our first stop is a visit to the famous Inglesia de Natá, one of the oldest churches in Panamá.

The town of Natá, named after an indigenous chief, is located approximately 36 km (map). southwest of Penonomé on the Interamerican highway and was one of the earliest settlements in Panamá.  The church was originally completed in 1522 and has undergone extensive restorations.  A surprising discovery in 1995, while restoring the floor, was the remains of three people. Their identities remain a mystery. 

The present day structure still contains the original columns that support the church’s roof made of hardwood from the níspero tree found in Bocus del Toro Province.  One thing to look for when visiting the church is the hand carving at the Altar of the Virgin which details fruit, leaves and feathered serpents.

If you like a challenge, cautiously climb the steep, narrow stairs that open out into the steeple.  Watch out for the pigeons!  The view is fantastic but quite breezy.   Make sure you bring your camera because the view is truly worth the climb. 

Providing employment for many locals is the Nestlé plant located in the west end of town beside the Interamerican highway.  Unlike the car filled company parking lots in North America, the lot at Nestlé is filled mainly with bicycles.

If you’re travelling through Coclé Province in Panamá, it’s definitely worth a visit to this example of Panamanian history.

Thanks for sharing our adventure.  Now, let’s see, where to next?
Tamara & Wendy
www.UncoverPanama.com

Fishing in Santa Catalina

Written by Kevin Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com
Santa Catalina is located on the Pacific Coast of Veraguas providence. Best known for incredible surfing and diving, Santa Catalina attracts surfers and divers from all over the globe. It is most comparable to Oahu’s own Sunset Beach. The aquatic life along Isla Coiba is not short of amazing.

Enough about surfing and diving! I traveled to Santa Catalina to go fishing. I have heard many fishing tales of endless catches on fishing trips in this area.  So my wife, son and I embarked on a road trip to the beautiful island town of Santa Catalina. I live in the Cocle Provence, approximately a 4 hour drive to Santa Catalina. That is if you don’t stop at Santiago for last-minute shopping (Santiago is the third largest city in Panama). 

From Santiago we headed south to the city of Sona. The scenery along the way was incredible; rolling hills, green pastors and grazing cattle as far as the eye can see. It reminded me a bit of my home in Idaho, USA. With the exception of all of the palm trees, not many palm trees in Idaho. 

My family and I reached Sona just in time for lunch. We came upon a roadside open BBQ stand, with two items on the menu: chicken or pork. Both cook on a 55 gallon drum barrel.  My wife had the chicken. My son and I had the pork. The food was good and the price was even better.

On the road again, next stop Santa Catalina! Arriving at our destination, we soon discovered that Santa Catalina is a small-island town consisting of a local market and a few small hotels and hostels. We previously made reservations at hotel Sol y Mar. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is needed it to get up the hill to the living cabins. Sol y Mar (Sun and Ocean) is on the edge of town. Cabins include air-conditioning, cable TV and exquisite sea views.

Now to the fishing! Up at 6:00 am to pack a lunch for our fishing trip, we headed to the beach where Capitan David was ready and waiting for us. On the boat we headed towards the Isla Coiba. Just a half-mile offshore the water turned to a deep royal blue. It was a perfect day, plenty of sunshine, no wind and flat calm waters. Trolling along, the scenery is breathtaking.
Just an hour into the fishing trip, we spotted dolphins playing and following along side the boat. Typically when you find dolphins, you will find fish, but keeping up with the dolphins is difficult they can disappear in the blink of an eye. After fishing for about an hour and not having much luck . . . not even a bite. Another hour passes; again nothing! Then we spot the dolphins jumping just in front of us along accompanied by Amberjacks. WHAM! Both polls strike and the reels start singing. We run to the back of the boat and start reeling in the fish.

Finally land both fish, each Amberjacks weighing around 20 lbs. All excited we quickly get our pole back in the water, looking for the dolphins again. They are no where to be found. Back to trolling, watching for the dolphins that were never seen again. No more fish that day, but as the old saying goes, “the worst day of fishing is still better than any day working.”

Luxurious Retirement for a Fraction of the Cost

Written by Christian Busnardo
www.UncoverPanama.com

Depends on whom you ask . . . most retireesare after year-round sunshine, a comfortable lifestyle and theexcitement of living abroad . . . getting all of these things andcutting your cost of living by half makes retiring in Panama a smartchoice, especially in today’s economy. Who doesn’t like a bargain!
 

Living for less in Panama is a hot topic.Ever wonder what it cost to live in Panama City? Learn about safe andaffordable locations, such as Bethania, El Cangrejo, San Francisco, LaLoma, and Hato Pintado, within Panama City at International Living’s “Live Large for Less in Panama City” IL Postcard.

Beach and golf getaways are no longer forthe Panama elite. Over the last decade, Panama has become a popularNorth American relocation destination!

No destination is more popularthan the beachfront golfing community of Costa Blanca, at the RoyalDecameron Resort; a great place to spend weekends, escape cold NorthAmerican winters or live fulltime and enjoy year-round sunshine. CoastBlanca offers beautiful golf-course views, access to several swimmingpools, private beach club and restaurant with a stretch of privatebeach.

The Royal Decameron Golf, Villa’s & Beach Resort

Written by Kevin Rowe www.UncoverPanama.com Say the word “Panama” and most people immediately think of the “Panama Canal.” But, just one visit is all it takes to make pristine beaches; lush rainforest; fantastic weather and a high standard of living also come to mind.  Welcome to The Royal Decameron, a modern, thriving, Panama’s international destination that offers you an incredible beach, golf course and spa resort. Check out Royal Decameron Real Estate & Vacation Rentals! The Royal Decameron Golf Course is as inspiring as the natural beauty that surrounds it with lakes, immaculate landscaping and majestic distant mountain views, - it’s a golfer’s paradise and a nature lover’s retreat.  You’re sure to enjoy the elegant golf Clubhouse and Pro Shop which features a wide variety of stylish golf wear and state-of-the-art clubs and accessories. The Royal Decameron’s golf course, formally Mantaraya golf course, is the most challenging course in Panama.  This 18 hole, Par 72 course stretches for 7,091 yards with a slope of 139 from the black tees, whites at 6,656 yards with a 130 slope, senior tees at 6,031 with a 124 slope and finally the ladies at 5,508 with a 129 slope.  The course was designed by the internationally renowned designer Randall Thompson, in association with the American Golf Course Design Company.  This course is extremely well guarded by 85 bunkers and water comes into play on 12 holes. The incredibly beautiful fairways of the front nine are lined with mature landscaping, townhouses, golf villas and nature views.  The front nine has many challenging holes that require pin point accuracy.  Holes 3, 5, 6, and 9 require more precision ball placement off the tee than distance. Score well on the first 12 holes because the last 6 are very long and difficult.  Starting with hole 13, this 445 yard Par 4 has water on both the left and right and 3 fairway bunkers.  This then brings us to 14, a 232 yard Par 3, the longest Par 3 on the course.  This is also the most difficult two tiered green.  No relief in sight on 15, it's up hill all the way on this Par 4, 456 yard challenge.  I personally consider hole 16 the toughest at 465 yards; it requires a long and accurate drive over the first water hazard but short of the second water hazard, leaving you with a long second shot averaging about 200 yards to an elevated green.   Bogie is a “good score” and Par feels like a “birdie”.  This takes you to hole 17, a downhill 411 yards.  Finally 18, a 596 yard Par 5, this hole is a true 3 shot hole….because of the water hazard in front of the green that spreads across the entire width of the fairway.  Get on in 3, take your Par and head to the Clubhouse for a cold beverage. The Royal Decameron Golf, Villa’s & BeachResort features a host of fun-filled amenities including an all inclusive hotel, casino, disco, sports bar, and live entertainment.  Great fishing, water sports, horseback riding, nature and outdoor tours are also available. The Royal Decameron Golf Course is located just 90 minutes from Panama City in the town of Farallón, Coclé on Panama’s beautiful Pacific Coast.  This course is playable year round due to the area’s micro-climate.  Royal Decameron Golf Course is open to the public and meets the demands of serious golfers as well as weekend warriors.  For more information: www.decameron.com