Panama is one of the most popular destinations for health tourism and medical vacations, and it is easy to see why. Not only is it extremely close to the United States, but the first world infrastructure you see in Panama is unique to this Central American country. While other countries such as Costa Rica are popular for medical tourism, Panama has a one-up because of its close proximity to the United States and its extensive network of American trained doctors.

Consider these reasons to elect to receive medical treatment or cosmetic surgery or dental care done in Panama:

1. Panama City is the most modern city in Central America and is also a world-class vacation hot-spot.
2. There is a wide selection of English speaking doctors and state of the art hospitals to choose from.
3. The cost can be half that of the same procedure in the United States.
4. Many specialists and physicians received their training in the in United States and use the same procedures and techniques.
5. Package deals from health tourism companies include your hotel and other medical costs.

If you are interested in receiving medical care in Panama, whether it be dental, cosmetic or for other health related issues, then sign up to receive more information in the Gringo’s Little Black Book and let my personal medical team guide you on your Panama health tourism experience.

The menu at La Papa covers all your basic dishes: fish, chicken, beef, soups and salads. There are so many options to choose from, this is the perfect place to eat if you have a large group or picky eaters; everyone is sure to find something they will like at La Papa. (They even have falafel, which pleases most vegetarian friends!)

Inside the decor is nice, very relaxing and it reminds me of a chill cafe in the States. There is a huge big screen TV and a long bar. The windows out front let a lot of natural light in, and it makes the place seem bigger than it is.

I definitely recommend this place for a business meeting, or a casual lunch or dinner with friends. You won’t be disappointed.

If you want to eat at La Papa, head to Calle 51 Este Bella Vista or if you feel like staying in for the evening call (507) 265–5800 and get La Papa delivered straight to your door.

Visit www.lapapa.net for more information.

In the financial heart of Panama, designed for a select clientele accustomed to the finest service and personalized attention.

Rates per room from June to September 2009:

Oversized Deluxe Rooms                                           $ 199.00     regular pricing     $260

Junior Suites                                                            $ 225.00     regular pricing     $275

Two Bedroom Suites                                                 $ 300.00     regular pricing     $400

Grand Luxury Suites                                                 $ 400.00     regular pricing     $450

• Book any of these rooms for 2 nights and get 1 FREE

All the rooms are Suites, equipped with two telephone lines plus direct internet access via a special high speed line.

Price includes: Full breakfast, Butler and Concierge services, a Business Center, complete with computers, copying machines, faxes, translation services, binding and pasting, local newspapers delivered to your Suite, plus availability of numerous international newspapers.

 On the Pacific Coast of Panama…, with 2 kms of private beach on the Pacific Coast of Panama, overlooking the sunrise and the entrance of the Panama Canal

Rates per room from June to July 19th and August 17th to November 2009

Ocean view Deluxe Rooms                                          $189.00       regular pricing    $242

 Nestled among the vast Soberania National Park Rainforest, on the banks of the Chagres River and Panama Canal.

Rates per room from June to July 19th and August 17th to November 2009

HISTORIC 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS 

1 Queen Bed, Dining and Living Room Separate                            $140    regular pricing    $219

STANDARD ROOM                                                                     $170    regular pricing    $230

DELUXE ROOM

1 King Size Bed, River View                                                        $190    regular pricing    $250

For more great offers from GiGGi Travel, visit www.giggitravelpanama.com

What you may not have known is that the Kuna tribe from right here off the coast of Panama is partially responsible for all the excitement. Melanie Grimes reported for HealthNews.com that a Harvard University study of the Kuna tribe, which drinks 5 cups of cocoa everyday, has practically perfect blood pressure numbers and a lower occurance of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and diabetes.

From their studies, researchers have concluded that chocolate has a relaxing effect on blood vessels, increasing blood flow. This is because of the flavanoids, an antioxident found in chocolate.

As long as you are eating the cocoa, or rich dark chocolate without added ingredients such as massive amounts of milk or sugar, it just might be good for you health. Check out the full article from HealthNews.com here.

Take a trip to see the Kuna Indians and drink a cup of cocoa with them. It’s no Swiss Miss, that’s for sure, this is the real deal!

Customs workers managed to receive  see Customs officially recognized as a career path, raise wages and have the appointment of 197 workers who were deemed as temporary named as permanent employees. The Director of Customs estimates that these changes will cost the government $1.6 million and $1 million respectively.

This is in addition to the multi-million dollar effect the strike has already had on the Panamanian economy. Well… at least things are moving again!

Labor actions began last month, in May, with workers demanding higher salaries and better working conditions. The put their demands to the National Government, and have not since heard an answer. Workers in Customs as well as the Association of Customs Employees will go on strike until they receive an answer from the National Government.

This means if you are in the midst of importing something into Panama, such as a car, household goods, or other random items, actually getting it into the country might be a little difficult. It remains to be seen how the strike will afffect shipping and processing of goods, but for the moment it seems everything is on hold.

The group is meeting to mix and mingle at about 5 pm at Twisters in Coronado, which is located on the north side of the highway across from the Coronado Rey and west of the new Cochez store. For more info call Guillermo, the owner of Tusters at 240–1532 and 6673–4155.

Twisters serves up all different kinds of food, and it’s good, so come hungry. You can choose between Italian, Mexican, Columbian, Panamanian and American food.

ExPats West meets pretty much every 4^th Wednesday of the month, and is a great way to connect with other foreigners.

Be careful when buying appliances that you buy sturdy ones. Spikes in power can cause problems on fancier models. It is almost always best to go with trusted brands you know, rather than go the cheap route and pay for it later.

In addition to Panafoto you can find good deals on appliances at Price Costco, but they have the most limited selection. They have 3 branches in Panama City: one in El Dorado, one in Los Pueblos shopping center, and one off Via Espana. (They also have a branch in David, which is good for retirees in Boquete.)

Other stores with large appliance selections are Raenco and Rodelag, both located on Transistimica Ave.

Shop around between these stores, and ask around for any sales. Sometimes you can find virtually the same thing at a way better price depending on the store.

That’s right Surfline.com is holding a contest called “Bottom’s Up” in preparation for the Miss Reef contest. All you have to do is vote on your favorite derrière and you will be entered in for a chance to win a free trip to Panama and be a guest judge at the Miss Reef contest.

You can also download wallpaper for you computer from Reef.com.

Shameful? I think not. Afterall, it is a free trip to Panama!

If you’re staying for a few days in Panama City and are looking for a first-rate, luxurious place to call home while you’re there, we can’t recommend the Veneto Panama enough. It’s located in the heart of Via Espana, right in the middle of Panama City’s banking district. It’s also within walking distance of some pretty amazing shopping and dining, and is only a 20-minute drive from Tocumen Airport.  

If you love to play the slots or the blackjack tables, the Veneto will do you right, too. A Las Vegas casino has nothing on the Veneto’s five-star casino, and you’ll swear you were rolling the dice in Sin City.  

Other accommodations include a huge business center, where you can get Internet access, hones, faxes, computers, and just about any other business need you might have. You can also take a load off in the executive lounge, where you can get a complimentary breakfast, snacks, and drinks all day long.  

As for food, you can’t do any better than the four restaurants at the Veneto. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and what they have to offer: 

Vivaldi

This Italian eatery boasts handcrafted sauces made with the best olive oil money can buy. You’ll smell it from about a mile away! The Vivaldi has become one of our favorite Italian restaurants in all of Panama City. 

New York Steakhouse

A fine restaurant, this steakhouse feels like it was transplanted directly from Midtown Manhattan. With its mahogany details and red brick floors, New York Steakhouse has exquisite meals with gorgeous cuts of beef and an amazing selection of wine. 

La Fontana Sushi Lounge

Feeling like a taste of the Far East is more to your taste? Drop by La Fontana for a bite to eat in glamorous style. Donna Karan designed the accessories, and contemporary furniture completes the look of this restaurant. They also have tapas and appetizers if you’re feeling like something on the lighter side. 

Bamboo Spa Pool Bar

If you’re just looking for an unfussy sandwich, this restaurant/bar is your ticket. It overlooks the pool area, which is great scenery for sipping a margarita and chowing down on something light and refreshing.  

The Veneto Panama also has a full-service spa (c’mon, you didn’t really think there wouldn’t be a spa, right?). Get a massage, a manicure, a facial—whatever you need to relax and unwind.  

All that, and one of the best concierge services in all of Panama. Just ask; chances are good, they’ll be able to help you. The competition for luxury Panama hotels is pretty tough, but the Veneto has to be right up there among the very best. We recommend it to anyone visiting Panama for the first time, or, for that matter, seasoned gringos living in Panama who just need a little escape. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the Veneto Panama.