Panama 980 Edition 22

Panama’s Lifestyle & Travel Magazine

destination

Pedasi

HOTEL FEATURE LAS CLEMENTINAS CULINARY EXPERTS TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THEY LOVE TO EAT, WHEN THEY GO OUT Golf Panama 9°80° Edition 22

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ALTOS DEL MARIA

Top 10 reasons to make Altos del Maria your home in Panama

GOLF

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is not just a sport; it is a way of life…..

Find a club, resort, or a residential community that best fits you.

56 MIRACULOUS 62 FINCA DRACULA

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contents

21 CULINARY 30 EXPERTS PEDASI

10 LAS CLEMENTINAS WELCOME TO 14 PANAMA 20 EURASIA

GENERAL MANAGER Irma Marengo GRAPHIC DESIGN Falina Pérez de Valverde SALES Armando A. Calvo sales@panama980.com WRITERS Thomas Brymer Irma Marengo Lee Ann Harper PHOTOGRAPHY Armando Calvo Eden Graziani Irma Marengo Sergio Ochoa Tucan Country Club & Resort Club de Golf de Panamá Altos del María COLLABORATORS John Bodenburg Nancy Helmer Armando Rosas Explora Ya

The name 9°80° is derived from the country’s location on the world map – 9 degrees north of the equator, 80 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Contact information

Phone: 394-3452 info@panama980.com www.locationpanama.com

Panama 9°80° es publicada por Latin American Trails, Inc. Las opiniones y recomendaciones de los autores y artistas que aparecen en Panama 9°80° no necesariamente reflejan las opiniones de la empresa.

Panama 9°80° no asume responsabilidad por los productos o servicios que se anuncian en la revista, ni por errores de contenido impreso.

No está permitido reproducir, total o parcialmente en contenido de esta publicación sin previo permiso escrito de Latin American Trails, Inc. © 2011 Todos los derechos reservados.

RUC: 506094-01-436477 DV:91 Impreso por Panamericana Formas e Impresos S.A. Impreso en Colombia © 2010 Todos los derechos reservados

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LAS CLEMENTINAS

Located in the once bustling and trendy street of Casco Antiguo, stands a hotel that feels like home.

The moment you step into one of the chambers, you are swept away by the idea that this place is not a hotel room; this is a fully equipped apartment.

It is inexplicable, how it takes about 2 minutes to sit down in the living room, look around and realize you could live here quite comfortably, and wonder if it is possible to buy this place?

Would they sell it?, I would love to entertain people here….

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The building’s classic architecture from the 1930’s, sets a nostalgic yet charming and cozy atmosphere adorned with warm and relaxing furnishings, wooden floors and modern art.

Also classic historic pieces hang on the walls such as an Alberto Galimany (one of Panama´s greatest musicians, and grandfather to Guillermo Endara Galimany, former Panamanian President) piano score called “ESSEX” dance, dedicated to the 1926 Carnival Queen, Miss Aida Pacheco.

Standing on a restored desk, an old reveille, a very symbolic item to Panama’s independence from Colombia, a special detail knowing that the reveille tradition started on November 3rd 1903, just a few blocks away from the hotel.

All the traditional touches blend in with the modern and comfortable furnishings and amenities, great literature is cleverly placed around the living room and dining room, again creating a homey feeling. Extended balconies along the living room and dining room allow you to take a peek at the immediate eclectic colorful neighborhood. Further glimpse takes you to Panama city’s skyline on one side, and on the other side you can see the Ancon Hills, another landmark in Panama´s political fight for sovereignty.

Originally built as an apartment building in the 1930’s,

by Doña Clementina Herrera’s family, the hotel offers ample and comfortable rooms with tall ceilings and doors, and an abundance of natural light. The bedrooms are decorated with soft and relaxing colors, fluffy duvets and pillows and a private balcony with views to the garden. The bathroom is equipped with delightful toiletries, and the shower wall is adorned with hand painted tiles.

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One of the greatest amenities you can find in the chambers is a fully equipped kitchen, spacious and modern.

Beyond the rooms, Las Clementinas offers a delightful palm garden with a cozy terrace where regional fruits and herbs are grown, many of which are used in the culinary preparations at the Café, a Secret Garden located 2 levels below the main street, a Roof Terrace with incredible 360° views of all Panama city, and a retro-trendy café.

Each Chamber Features: 1. Fully equipped kitchen 2. High speed wireless internet 3. Satellite Television 4. Central air 5. Double-pane windows 6. Queen bed 7. Convertible sofa bed 8. Ipod docking station 9. Safe 10. Access to the roof-top terrace 11. 24 hour concierge service 12. Parking

Available Services 1. Airport pickup 2. Chauffeured car 3. Thousands of worldwide newspapers available for daily delivery in printed format.

4. Business services (fax, color copies, meeting equipment and secretarial services) 5. Babysitting service 6. In-house spa treatments, or appointments at Panama City’s finest spas.

7. Laundry (same day) and Dry Cleaning (24 hours) 8. Customized tours to fit guests interests and schedules

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Welcome to Panama!

This was music to my ears as I saw the greeter open the door to the second huge bus loaded with tourists after it pulled into the Marriott Courtyard at Multiplaza Mall. Something in the air told me that we were off to another busy tourist season this year. The hotel was full, and you could see the anticipation of people ready to begin their adventure, some of whom might return soon to live in Panama.

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So let me tell you why

I love this country of my birth

and why I moved here.

Before I do, let me lay the groundwork for my decision to leave the US. A friend and neighbor of mine, who also lives part time in Ecuador, wrote something in her blog that really struck a chord with me on why I left for Panama. “It’s not that we want to leave. It’s that we want to go. . .to see more, to learn more, to feel more deeply. We want to understand how other people live and why they make the choices they do. Maybe it can best be summed up in the words of Mark Twain spoken so many years ago. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.

Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

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My first trip to Panama began in 1954 when a young couple was stationed here with the US Army. My parents lived here for several years and while my first memories of Panama were fleeting, I still remember the place of my birth. Building 124 in Kobe Hills is still there, but soon to be replaced by luxury housing in the newly developed Panama Pacifico project. From there I ventured to Korea where I grew up, returning to the US until 2006, when I decided to return to my roots.

HERE I AM AND HERE I WILL STAY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN BE BLESSED WITH THIS LIFE IN PARADISE.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the First Trip to Panama!

When I grew up in Korea, I often traveled to Hong Kong back in the 60s, and it amazed me how the city looked so bright at night with its high rise buildings clustered together and crowded streets full of people going places at all hours. I used to tell my young girlfriend, “This city is great, and I bet that it will be going places!!” If I had only realized the real estate acumen I possessed in my youth and invested in an apartment there (remember when gold was $35 per ounce). Well, I see Panama city and I feel the same way now. Only this time, I know that it will only be a matter of a few years before this city becomes the Capital of the Americas. For anyone considering a move here as I once did, this is extremely important. Panama’s financial future is secure, and that gives it the stability other countries lack.

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When I tell people back home in Miami why I live in Panama they lo ok at me f u nny, co oler cl i mate s? Yes, I live in the mountains, where the weather is kind of like Aspen in the summer.

The town is called Boquete, and it is in the province of Chiriqui in the western highlands of Panama. Some people moved here to get away from it all and live in a remote area to enjoy that life style. We wanted to move into an area where we could be embedded in the local community, both domestic and foreign and enjoy a full social life with new friends.

We found that place in the sun and each day we thank God for leading us to this wonderful country and town we live in. On a typical evening out we head to a nearby restaurant for a gourmet meal before the opening night of a new production at the local theatre, where our community players put

on plays.

After the show, we stop for a night cap at the restaurant on the river, the moon and stars are out, a fire is crackling in the fire place (remember we live in the mountains), and we are just ecstatic that we had spent such a lovely evening. We enjoy such good company with friends, and we all comment about the better quality of life here, social life where friends regularly gather for a night out. On occasion, we all did this back home, but not on such a routine basis, and not at the cost of say $60 per couple for an incredible evening of enjoyment.

Many of our friends back home would have to graciously take a pass as they are trying to stretch the dollar to cover necessities, and forget about the cost of doing this in a place like Miami where you would spend $60 on the bottle of Argentinean wine that costs $15 down here.

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In the United States, Boomers will continue to be respected for their cultural achievements (it’s not a fluke of history that Boomer music and other forms of entertainments are still wildly popular among the young), but will be increasingly ignored in the political debate. While this change will entail a great deal of pain and a reduced standard of living for a large number of people, it will effect a change that I think will benefit Panama. Many people believe, including this author, that we will see the maturing Boomer generation venturing outside the United States where they can have a better quality of life with the limited wealth that they have left to count on in their retirement years.

Many will bring with them talents and professions, that they can leverage in a new country to ensure a continued quality of life and seek out new adventures at the same time. Yes, I am one of those people.

Ex-pats, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, are those who leave one’s native country to live elsewhere.

This unique breed may have a few motivational variations for permanently traversing beyond borders, but they tend to share a common character trait – a great sense of adventure in abandoning what is socially, culturally, and geographically familiar to pursue their dream of a healthier, happier, less hectic lifestyle. And, given the current economic state of affairs, perhaps they share the collective desire to avoid a possible catastrophe.

They seek a better quality of life married to a lower cost of living. They’re confident enough to start over in a new environment, making new friends. Ex-pats likely possess a libertarian streak, a do-it-yourself mentality that propels them to create their lives anew, whether it means transforming a piece of property into a model of green energy self-sufficiency, launching a new school for local kids, or opening a new café. And characteristically, they want to integrate into a community of similar-minded souls.

What gives a particular area the gravitational pull for ex-pats? It often starts with a warm climate and beautiful scenery surrounding a charming, affordable city or town. An abundance of fresh water sources, locally grown food and reliable hydro-electric power. Add a big welcome mat to foreigners from the local people, and a government actively enticing you to stay with such incentives as no property tax for the first 20 years, a generous program for newcomers to guarantee permanent residency, equal rights under the law, discounts for products and services across the board, plus excellent asset protection from the banking institutions.

Welcome To Panama,

and leave the door open.

There’s more coming.

See you on our next adventure and remember, while your health and financial means allow, travel abroad at least once in your life. Then, once you are away from your familiar surroundings, look thoughtfully into the eyes of a stranger and then listen attentively to the words he or she may speak.

You will be exposed to new ways of doing and seeing things. It will be good for you.

Tom Brymer tbrymer@brymerpa.com www.PanamaAdvisoryGroup.com

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Eurasia A culinary institution in Panama City with a long and outstanding list of reviews from The Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, Fodor’s, Frommers and picked up by the New York Times, just to mention a few.

Eurasia is also the only Panamanian

restaurant twice awarded with the 5 Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality, making it one of the very few to be awarded by the Academy in Central America.

Reviews and awards aside, Eurasia’s eclecticfusion style is a high exponent of creativity, sensibility and good taste.

The building itself is a work of art containing both exquisite paintings and decorations, carefully selected by owner Gloria.

The atmosphere is warm and elegant; the love for food lingers in the air just like the great aromas coming from the kitchen.

In our recent visit to Eurasia, we decided to indulge ourselves with a sampling journey through a vast 20

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variety of dishes to share among friends, perhaps and without intention dining in the customary Asian tradition of sharing, and celebrating food, life and friendship.

We started the evening with shrimp rolls in a citrus sweet and hot sauce and a lightly dressed, fresh herb salad with dates, nuts, and parmesan cheese.

Our next course was a delicate cream of seafood with scallops, calamari, shrimp, clams and leeks, cleverly presented with a pastry top.

During the course of the evening we venture into the wild with the lamb chop in a sweet honey prune savory sauce with sesame seeds, served with asparagus and mushrooms, followed by steak medallions in a delicious wine reduction, paired with panko breaded green plantain, carrot and otoe croquets.

Our arborian cravings were soon fulfilled with the most exquisite wild mushroom, shrimp and fresh aromatic chive risotto, such delicate flavors, yet such a powerful sensorial experience.

Like most of the great operas, we end the evening on a high note, a sugar supernova, a spoon battle for sweet decadence. We started with the ever amazing chocolate fondant, fought over “The Black Beast” an A+, #1, plus ultra flourless chocolate cake, overindulged with the chocolate caramel fudge, then after the chocolate symphony, we shared the lovely and delightful carrotcoconut cake, and ended with the always memorable pecan pie.

Eurasia, always a journey, always a pleasure.

Located in Bella Vista’s 48 street Telephone: 264-7859

PEDASI

The town of Pedasí is located in the southeastern section of the p rov i nce o f Lo s Sa n t o s , c h a r a c t e r ized by an eclectic geography of prairies, mountains and vast coast lines, including abundant marine life.

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A 4 ½ hour drive will take you to a very small town lost in time, where the very first thing that greets you is a large billboard that proudly reads “Welcome to Pedasí, hometown

of Mireya Moscoso, first female Panamanian President”.

Driving to Pedasí you start to get a nostalgic feeling of the simpler times in life, where milk canisters await to be picked

up on the side of the road, and where an actual cowboy can be spotted leading a herd of cattle.

The town is small with the traditional church square, and adobe thatched homes with old school tiled roof tops, still stand after generations of colonial history. Pedasi boasts of being one of the most culturally rich towns in Panama, and celebrates at least 50 festivals throughout the year.

Although Pedasí has been recently discovered in the past 5 to 6 years as a tourist and second home destination, it has always been very popular with the local and international surfing communities for its incredible waves and hospitality.

Now that progress is reaching the small town, everybody from Real Estate developments to hospitality entrepreneurs agree that the architecture and culture of the region should and must be preserved and cherished. As a matter of fact, a group consisting of local and international members has been organized to create a development master plan making the following a priority: the protection of the town and village architecture, signposting, attention to areas that require restoration, the establishment of parameters to protect the local customs and traditions, as well as environment protection.

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So….

what is really happening

in Pedasí?

Ovidio Díaz, local entrepreneur, and owner of Casa de

Also in town there is a strong influence by Dekel Development, formed by 3 young Israeli partners with 6 years of experience developing in Central America.

Rafi Museri from Dekel Development tells us that when they decided to do a development in Pedasí, they didn’t just think of it as a single project. They wanted to create a destination.

He says that Pedasí is a haven for activities such as fishing, surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, spear fishing, and horseback riding.

“The idea is to create a community, a place where you can get

Campo Pedasí hotel as well as a member of a well known your golf cart, drive up to the airport and pick up a friend,

Pedasí family, is an active member of the community and a guardian of its traditions and land. He is excited about all of the great things that are taking place, such as the broadening of the road from Divisa to Las Tablas, having 3 weekly flights from Panama City to Pedasí by the local airline Aeroperlas, hosting the world surfing tournament in Playa Venao, and having foreign investors in the area.

stop and have a coffee, buy some fresh fish and drive back home”. A real home or second home community where everybody knows each other, where you can invite friends from abroad, and entertain them for two weeks without falling into boredom.

“There are different activities for all ages”.

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The Dekel Development endeavors include Andromeda Ocean Estates, a luxury beachfront community and

beach club, conveniently located only minutes away from the town of Pedasí. Andromeda Mountain Estates, a residential mountain community located within walking distance from the town of Cañas, with easy access to the popular beach of Playa Venao, and Eco Cañas, an ecological residential project which is underway located in the highlands above Isla Cañas.

When it comes to hospitality, the group is already involved in Pedasito Boutique Hotel, and Pedasito Café and Lounge, an increasingly popular gathering place for locals and visitors, where a Canadian chef cooks the catch of the day, and Friday nights are international theme nights.

Future plans include a Bed & Breakfast, Pedasí’s first travel agency, and Andromeda Plaza, the very first commercial center soon to be constructed and future home to pharmacies, specialty stores, car rentals, and even a supermarket chain. “All constructed in colonial style using a lot of wood and rustic finishings”.

Dekel Development also engages in social awareness, supporting the town’s football team amongst other causes.

For more information visit www.dekeldevelopment.com Or Call: +507-393-3984 or +507-8322316

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LA ROSA DE LOS VIENTOS “La Rosa de los Vientos” (The Wind Rose), is a 3 room B & B located 1 mile from Pedasi, and within walking distance to playa El Toro.

The B & B is set in a beautiful tropical garden with stunning ocean views.

The new building is inspired by the local colonial architectural style, with a covered porch supported by wooden pillars and antique colonial tiles. The three rooms have great garden and ocean views and open to the veranda, where you can relax in hammocks and enjoy the ocean breeze.

From the porch, one can see whales playing in the nearby ocean and observe many bird species.

You will wake up to the songs of the birds and the relaxing sound of the waves rolling on the nearby beach.

At night the outdoor illumination is kept to a minimum to enjoy the starlit sky and the thousands of lightning bugs.

For more information go to: www.bedandbreakfastpedasi.com Or call: +507-6778-0627

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COSTA PEDASÍ Costa Pedasí, a luxury residential gated community with breathtaking ocean views and top of the line amenities, is successfully setting sail with their development plans. They have already sold and reserved 75% of their phases 1 & 2, and the recently released phase 3 has already resulted in successful sales.

Construction on the Beach Club will commence in April 2011, which includes 6 boutique rooms for rent, a 30m infinity edge pool, covered seating areas, gym, restaurant and bar.

Other amenities starting soon include a boat storage building, organic garden, horse stables and paddock, 13 acres of landscaped parks, tennis courts, a volley ball and basketball court.

Martin Crooke, originally from England, and General Manager of Costa Pedasi, came to Panama just over 18 months ago from The Bahamas and has spent the last 6 years working on various projects around the Caribbean. He and his wife decided to relocate to Panama soon after the world financial crisis, as they felt that Panama offered a safer haven to lower their living costs whilst improving their living standards.

“Also, with the increased flight of many Americans and Canadians to Central America, we saw better opportunities available in a growing broad based economy” says Martin.

For more information go to www.costapedasi.com Or call: +507-317-2088

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VILLA ROMANA A short drive from the town of Pedasí leads you to a unique lodging experience.

Perched on a cliff overlooking pristine beaches, and a great surf break, Villa Romana is a destination within a destination. The hotel’s Italian architecture blends in with a local tropical influence. An inviting swimming pool welcomes you in the front garden, where beautiful white beach chairs are conveniently laid below the pergola shadings.

Rooms are minimalist, and harmonious colors set a relaxing atmosphere. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet, satellite TV, flat screen TV’s, DVD players, and mini bars.

Villa Romana is a great place to share a meal and even though they have their own excellent house chef, owner Hans Brezzi has been known to contribute with his culinary expertise from time to time. The restaurant has an outside sitting area which is the perfect place to take in the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains and surrounding nature.

The best spot to enjoy a remarkable sunset is the cozy backyard swimming pool, again overlooking the extraordinary ocean views.

For more information visit www.villapedasi.com Or call: +507-848-3002

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PLAYA VENAO BAR & RESTAURANT What used to be a veteran rustic and run down palapa, witness to an endless list of surf tournaments and great swells, has become a funky yet still casual beach bar and restaurant, with incredible plans for the future.

Playa Venao Bar & Restaurant is still one of the preferred places to hang out in front of a beach break. There is a body board and surfboard rental stand available for visitors, and the restaurant offers a relaxed setting with lounge-like seating areas, and a romantic beachfront wooden deck. Local dishes such as fried fish, octopus, ceviche, fried yucca and French fries are offered.

Another Israeli group, Playa Venao Properties, Inc. is creating a full development within. The construction of a 50 room boutique hotel is well underway, as well as the construction of an 800 square meter swimming pool which will be arguably the biggest in the area. “We want the hotel to become a wedding destination” say Israeli owners.

The group is also building a small gated community with 100 villas; the idea is to balance the community with at least 45% of green areas.

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SHOKOGI: a whole spectrum of exciting activities waiting for you in Pedasí.

Gigi and his business partner Shoko, decided to come to Panama, after sitting down with friends in Israel, and discussing the opportunities and beauty of Pedasí.

Gigi and Shoko own the biggest kite surfing school in Israel, and over many years have opened several kite surfing schools around the world, in places such as Australia, Thailand, Brazil and Sri Lanka.

“All of our team is IKO certified, meaning we adhere to the safety and professional standards of teaching and learning kite surfing”.

Kite surfing pioneer of the area, Gigi recalls how fun it was the first time they practiced the sport in Pedasi, “It really caught the attention of all the locals. Even the police went to the beach to check out what we were doing” “Pedasí has great conditions for kite surfing; almost 80% of the days are good to practice the sport” One of the most exciting sports Shokogi is promoting is standup paddle surfing.

This is a great sport that can be practiced by a wide range of ages and physical condition, from toddlers to mature people. “We take people to Isla Iguana on a standup paddle board tour. The island is excellent for this sport because of its pristine waters, coral reefs and white sand, so you can paddle and at the same time observe the beauty of the bottom of the ocean”.

The tour starts with a boat ride to Isla Iguana, where they take you paddling around the island, go snorkeling among the coral reefs, and then paddle some more. “The views are amazing”.

Gigi tells us that in his opinion, this is one of the most complete body workouts, and that it is very easy to learn.

A new modality of paddle surfing is available in their packages, paddle yoga and Pilates. Surfing tours are also available.

Lessons are available with one on one instructors that will guide you through the activity that you choose.

For more information go to: www.surfpedasi.com Or call: +507-832-2316

Pedasí is without a doubt, the next international destination, right in our backyard: live it, love it, be a part of it.

www.locationpanama.com

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CULINARY EXPERTS

talk about the things they love to eat, when they go out

Chef Cuquita Arias de Calvo Barandas Restaurant at The Bristol Panama

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Chef Fabricio Torcivia Casuale

Chef Alfonso De La Espriella Manrey

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Chef Willy Diggelmann Chalet Suizo / 1985

“Avoid fruits and nuts. You are what you eat.”

Jim Davis

“My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people.”

Orson Welles

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Chef Mario Castrellón Maito

Chef Rubén Ortega Luna

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“All you see, I owe to spaghetti”.

Sophia Loren

Nothing helps scenery like bacon and eggs.

Mark Twain

“To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”

Anthony Bourdain

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Chef Charlie Collins Ma Cuisine

Chef Paul Carrillo Decápolis

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“When those waiters ask me if I want some fresh ground pepper, I ask if they have any aged pepper.“ Andy Rooney

“Give me liberty or...

OOOooo... A jelly donut !”

Homer Simpson

“Never eat more than you can lift.”

Miss Piggy

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Chef Christian De Mena Steinbock

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ALTOS DEL MARIA

Top 10 reasons to make Altos del Maria your home in Panama

When looking for your new home in Panama, the number of options can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

The following are our top 10 reasons to choose Altos del Maria…

1. The Best Location: At home in your mountain paradise, you’re only 90 minutes from Panama City, just 20 minutes from Pacific beaches, worldclass golfing and coastal shopping centers, and a 10 minute drive from the mountain town of El Valle de Anton by private access.

2. You can live in a mountainous garden setting with spectacular mountain, valley and ocean views: Throughout the community, residents are afforded panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From some points, you can see the Pacific Ocean and some lots even have views of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

3. Living in harmony with nature: Set among 7000+ acres of land so beautiful, you can be forgiven for thinking that this is a national park.

From the many waterfalls, rivers, hiking trails, observation decks, parks and lookout points, you will enjoy watching the abundant flora and fauna.

4. Spacious, stylish living: Home sites are large and spacious, ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 sq. meters. The

spacious lots are available at various price intervals and at various different altitudes throughout the development.

Owners have the choice of building their own home themselves or there are several model homes from which to choose.

5. Quality Infrastructure: Altos del Maria is a secure gated community where only residents and their guests are allowed to enter. Grupo Melo has invested millions of dollars in infrastructure. This includes a community center with social areas and shops, a natural swimming pool beside a stunning waterfall, heliport, telephone, Direct TV, high-speed internet service and 32 miles of paved roads. There are also 11 miles of nature trails with suspension bridges, stairways, walkways and buttresses.

6. Year round spring-like climate: Temperatures at Altos vary little from a comfortable 75ºF throughout the year. Unlike most parts of Panama, there is no humidity here and in the upper areas of the community, some residents even use fireplaces for the cooler evenings.

7. Recreational Activities: Beautiful rivers, streams and waterfalls offer year-round recreational opportunities such as swimming in the natural pools and rivers, hiking, birding and horse-

back riding.

8. Excellent infrastructure: Altos del Maria provides its residents with all the comforts of home. Every residence has access to all the necessary services and infrastructure that you need for comfortable living, including 32 miles of asphalt roads, which are maintained daily, three potable water plants so every resident has pure water on demand and an independent electrical power grid serving every lot in the project. As far as communications are concerned, there is a high quality wireless telephone service, high-speed Internet access available from various companies and satellite TV. 9. Security: Altos del Maria offers 24hour security with a gatehouse at the entrance. Only residents and their approved guests may enter the community.

10. Grupo Melo: Altos del María mountain development is part of the real estate division of Grupo Melo, a well respected commercial group, with more than 60 years on the market providing customers with high quality products.

For more information go to www.altosdelmaria.com Or Call + 507-260-0290 Panama 9°80° www.locationpanama.com

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BOCAS DEL TORO

Exotic beaches, great nightlife….

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Golf

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is not just a sport; it is a way of life…..

Find a club, resort, or a residential community that best fits you.

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Summit Golf & Resort

Cielo Paraiso Chiriqui Located in the Chirqui highlands, minutes away from the town of Boquete, Cielo Paraiso is an exclusive residential gated community, that is starting to become a prime location for those seeking a peaceful, high end mountain lifestyle. Cielo Paraiso offers estate lots, most providing great panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and the Pacific ocean.

One of the most amazing features is the 18-hole, par72, 7,294 yard, championship golf course designed by the awarding winning golf course architect J. Michael Poellot. The sequence of 18 holes includes woodlands, meadowlands, ridgelines and riparian valleys, with dramatic elevation changes, all in a refreshing micro climate.

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Summit Golf & Resort Canal Zone, Panama City Access: At this time play is limited to members of the Club at Cielo Paraiso and their house guests. The course will be available for daily fee play by non members at a later date.

Membership A limited number of nonresident and corporate memberships are available by invitation. Private tours are available by appointment.

Information regarding initiation fees and dues is available upon request.

Amenities: Golf Cart Rental Lessons / Instruction Club Rentals Driving Range / Chipping and Putting Area Pro shop

20 minutes away from Panama City, Summit Golf & Resort, a semi-private club, has an 18-hole, par 72 professional course and a 6-hole par-3 course specially for kids. It was originally built in the 1930’s for the Americans working in the Canal Zone.

Since then, it has been completely renovated by Jeffrey Meyers to Championship standards. The course’s 6,626 yards of serene rolling hills are surrounded by lush rainforest and overlook the famous Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal, and the Camino de Cruces National Park. The golf course is circled all day by golf carts that offer beverages and snacks.

Access: Members and public

Those interested in applying for a membership should call +507-232-3700 Amenities: Pro Shop Driving Range Putting green Monitoring equipment for swing analysis Club fitting Golf cart rental

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Royal Decameron Golf Club Pacific Coast Royal Decameron Golf Club hosts an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by noted architect Randall Thompson, just 90 minutes from Panama City on the Pacific Coast.

The course is as inspiring as the natural beauty that surrounds it… with sprawling lakes , lush, immaculate landscape and distant mountain views.

Royal Decameron Beach Resort and Villas also feature a pristine driving range, with on site golf professionals.

Access: Public Those interested in playing in Decameron should call +507-986-1915 Amenities: Driving range Pro Shop Golf cart rental Club house Lockers Instructor

Bijao Beach Club and Residences: Pacific Coast

Tucan Country Club

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Approximately an hour drive from downtown Panama City, a vibrant luxury white sand beachfront community, equipped with all amenities such as a beach club, a deli, tennis courts, bars, 4 pools, a 25 room hotel, and an equestrian club, is home to

a 9-hole, par-36 golf course designed by awarded Ron Garl, famous for his environmentally conscious course designs.

The exclusive golf course was officially opened in April 2010, keeping the highest quality standards.

Access: Residents, members, and public, and membership is available upon request.

Amenities: Golf cart rental

Those interested in playing in Bijao should call +507-908-3944

Club de Golf de Panama Panama City Club de Golf de Panama is a private, exclusive sport and social club boasting an 18hole par-70 international-level championship golf course designed by Jay Riviere.

Impeccably maintained landscape stretches for 7,043 yards, speckled with large lakes shaded by stately trees.

Marshals circulate through the course throughout the day, providing snacks and drinks if desired, ensuring peace and safety.

+507-266-7777 For more information.

Amenities: Driving range Pro Shop Golf cart rental Caddies

Locker rooms include whirlpools and sauna.

Access: Members only with the exception of some tournaments.

Those interested in applying should contact

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Tucan Country Club

Tucan Country Club: Panama Canal Riviera Tucan Country Club and Resort, located in the Panama Canal area, is a 180-acre, gated, private golf community that features an18-hole, par72 championship course with stunning views of the skyline and passage of ships, surrounded by lush forests and hills teeming with rare flora and fauna. Tucan’s residences include luxury 52

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villas, apartments and terrace condominiums.

Tucan’s golf course was designed by Florida golf architect Jeffrey Myers and offers a world-class layout

by Gregori International.

The course was created to have a minimum impact on the natural habitat. This is a challenging course that requires courage, strategy,

skill, precision and self control. The course design allows you to play year round including the rainy season, and it is the closest golf course to downtown Panama City.

Access: Exclusively for residents, temporary public access.

Those interested in playing in Tucan should call +507-316-4133

Tournaments: The traditional Christmas tournament, Mexican best ball style.

Private corporate tournaments throughout the year.

Tour operators also celebrate private tournaments for international players during the summer Amenities: Pro Shop Golf Cart rental

Valle Escondido Boquete, Chiriquí Valle Escondido Resort in Boquete, Panama is equipped with the natural Quebrada Grande (Big Creek) golf course, a nine-hole executive course that winds across the beautiful Escondido River four times. It is also one of the only courses in the world to run through a working coffee plantation.

This shady course stays cool and green year-round and has at least two tee boxes on each hole so a challenging 18-hole course can easily be played. The resort is a short walk from the small, quiet mountain village of Boquete near the Costa Rican bor-

der. The resort itself is one of unique tranquility and splendor. Set amidst the naturally stunning backdrop of Boquete, which has been rated the number one best offshore retirement destination in all of the Americas by the American Association of Retired People (AARP), the resort and area also boast horseback riding and hiking through pristine forest, c ycling and mountain biking, canoeing and rafting through crystal clear rivers, a full gymnasium, sport fishing, diving, bird watching, coffee plantation tours, and

sites with petrogliphs and other Indian artifacts. The Valle Escondido Health & Beauty Spa is also on site to provide a range of rejuvenating holistic treatments, not to mention the sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzi, and indoor swimming pool.

Access Resort guests, and public Those interested in playing in Valle Escondido should call +507-720-2454 Amenities 38 Room Boutique Resort Pro shop Driving Range

Santa María Golf & Country Club Panama City A high end residential community, located on a 284-hectare site adjacent to the upscale residential community of Costa del Este in Panama City, has started

work on their 7,285 yard, 18hole, par- 72 Nicklaus Design golf course.

For more information call +507-340-9300

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Buenaventura Pacific Coast Set in a tropical, natural environment with extensive landscaped areas, lakes and lush trees, Buenaventura consists of luxurious beachfront townhouses, lake front villas, condominiums, lofts and the luxurious hotel Bristol Buenaventura.

The 18-hole Nicklaus Design par-72 championship golf course has been carefully planned to enhance the natural landscape within this luxurious community providing a challenging and an enjoyable experience for

players.

The championship golf course will measure 7,324 yards from the back tee and allow for multiple tee placements in order to accommodate various skill levels.

The course´s construction is scheduled to be completed in December 2011 to take the golf experience to a higher level.

For more information call +507-396-7777

Coronado Golf & Resort Pacific Coast Coronado Golf & Resort, 83 kilometers from Panama City, is nestled between the Pacific Coast and dry forest and is home to an 18-hole, par 72 course with an exten54

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sion of 7,092 yards designed by the renowned Tom and George Fazio. George Fazio competed in seven Masters Tournaments, won two Professional Golf Association

tour events, and designed with his nephew, Tom Fazio, until his death in 1986. Tom Fazio has designed more than 120 golf courses and has received Golf Digest Magazine’s Best Modern day Golf Course Architect Award three times. When selected as course designers for Coronado, they were rated among the top three world golf course designers.

A recent addition by Coronado Golf & Resort is a 9-hole, par-3 executive course great for developing your game or hosting corporate golf tournaments.

fitting. The elegant hotel has garden, royal and residential suites and offers a number of nature tours and a nearby handicraft market. There is also a beach club, wellness center and spa, equestrian center with “5 Star Hotel for Horses” stables, tennis courts, Olympic size swimming pool, and gardens with hammocks.

There is also a Golf Academy with excellent professional programs, a pro shop with golf carts and equipment and tennis racket rentals, a putting and chipping green, driving range and club

Amenities Driving range Putting and chipping green Golf cart rental Pro shop Club Fitting

Access Resort guests, residents, members, and public by appointment Those interested in playing in Coronado Golf & Resort should call +507-240-4444

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Miraculous!

Tito Vargas, originally from the town of Boquete, a man with an honest look in his eyes and a shy smile, has had a great ride in the coffee production world.

As I enter a little kitchen in the production plant, where Tito is French pressing some coffee that we will soon share over our conversation, he humbly apologizes “ I know that my stove is a little run down, but it works”. He says, “My story is incredible. Sometimes people ask me how I got where I am today, and I don’t know what to say”.

As a young man he had the opportunity to study, even to travel abroad, but his love for Boquete kept him in Panama.

His father, a coffee plantation foreman, often discussed with Tito, the importance of getting an education, but Tito didn’t care for it. “Looking back at the days I think I was going through a rebellious time” says Tito.

For a long time, Tito dreamed about owning his own coffee plantation, and by the early 1980’s he acquired 5 hectares located 1500 meters above sea level in Alto Jaramillo, where slowly but surely he started to plant coffee trees.

During the first harvest, he found that outsourcing the production process would be costly, so he decided to do it himself. Tito approached several banks for financing, and all said, “No way, forget about it. 5 hectares of land will never produce enough coffee to pay back a loan”, rapidly dismissing his dream.

But Tito was determined to carry on, so he started to work in his garage where he built his first tools and machines from scratch, and when friends would walk by, they would inquire “What are you doing Tito?” and he would reply: “I’m building a machine to process coffee” and again they would ask “And where are you going to sell it?” and he would say jokingly “in Japan”.

All started as a joke, but eventually things got serious. When his parents noted his determination, they started to support him.

Today both of his brands are named in honor of his parents, Royal and Cafetales Don Alfredo. Actually the name Royal does not come from the obvious; but it is the result of a mix of both of his parents names “Rosa y Alfredo”.

In the beginning all the machinery was mainly manual, but when he got his permits and he started to grow, he became more techy and resourceful. Actually, many of his machines were built by him using parts from his Jeep and an old washing machine that he tore apart into pieces.

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Green Coffee

The first

sell

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“Just like you are visiting me today around the year 2005 there was a group of tourists visiting my farm, and at the end of the tour a Japanese man approached me and told me he wanted to buy the whole production. That is how everything started. It was extraordinaire”

Tito displays his many awards in the wall of his coffee production plant, a building that he built himself with wood he sawed himself.

Currently Finca la Milagrosa’s coffee is ranked 2nd best in all Panama.

Looking forward to this year’s competition, Tito smiles and says “I don’t want to

He was so excited about that purchase that he tried to sell his coffee in Boquete, in David, and even in Panama City, with no success, he felt rejected.

win #1 this year. If that happens, I will not be able to fulfill my customers demand”.

Nevertheless, the next year he landed a shipment in Taiwan, and that restored his confidence. Around 2007 and 2008 he achieved his first direct transaction to the United States, and between 2008 and 2009 he sold his coffee in Europe.

One of the tour guides yells out loud from a distance “Hey Tito.. have you ever worked in your life?” and Tito responds, “Never. This is not a job, this is my hobby”.

About Finca La Milagrosa

Specialty Coffee, Tito’s dream farm:

The name of the farm La Milagrosa, means miraculous, as Tito describes the way that he was able to fulfill his dream with no resources whatsoever.

It also refers to the transformation that the land underwent from a milk producing cattle farm to a coffee plantation.

Today the farm produces between 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of coffee, exporting to Japan, Taiwan, USA, Norway & Canada.

The farm produces exclusively Arabic coffee, which is best produced between 1000 and 1800 meters above sea level.

The farm produces 8 varieties of coffee with its most famous, the Geisha valued around US$100.00 a pound worldwide.

The Geisha coffee originated in Ethiopia. The name Geisha has no relation with Japan, but originates from a small Ethiopian valley named Geisha.

However, the name may tip the balance when Japanese decide to buy their coffee.

But the popularity of Geisha coffee in Japan is because the processed coffee is not very dark. It resembles a tea color, and pick up the aroma of jasmine and citrus, similar to mandarin.

A tour around the farm will take about 2 to 3 hours and you will be able to access the fields as well as the production plant.

We were guided through the plantation, where our expert tour guide Armando from Explora Ya explained the different varieties of coffee around the farm, and guided us through the whole coffee process, from harvest to cup.

Mr. Tito Preparing coffee

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Artisanal Coffee 101 at

Arabic coffee

La Milagrosa It takes around 10 years to harvest a good coffee tree.

In this particular farm all beans are handpicked every day during the season, and at the end of the crop, 1/3 of each tree is cut down, to permit new growth and harvest for the next year.

The farm uses organic fertilizer made out of coffee skin and coffee shells.

When the beans are harvested, they go through a process where the skin is separated from the beans. Beans are normally red, but sometimes you get the hybrid yellow beans produced by the same plant that the next year may produce red beans instead.

Once the skin is removed, the beans are sorted by size and then they spend about 20 to 30 hours fermenting.

Removed from the fermentation bins, again the coffee beans are washed and selected by taking weight into consideration.

The coffee beans are then sorted out and classified in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th class.

The coffee beans dry in the sun for 15 days,

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and to complete the drying process, the beans are sent to a fresh and dry storage area for 3 months until fully dried. Once the beans are dried, coffee is selected by its size, the bigger, the better.

The whole process takes 9 months.

Once you go through these processes you get green coffee. Coffee beans are exported green without roasting because roasting standards vary from country to country.

The next step will be tasting. The handmade roasting machine takes 3 minutes to warm up until it reaches around 200 to 300 degrees to start roasting the beans. It takes between 10 to 12 minutes to roast the coffee beans in this machine, that once served as a stovetop oven.

Once the beans are roasted, they have to cool down before grinding and a dry shell has to be removed. Now beans are selected by color, and it is very important at this point, not to touch the beans with your hands, because it will destroy the coffee quality. The coffee beans are better handled with a metal spoon.

At the farm, they roasted the 3 most common preparations for us: American (light color), French (medium color), and Italian (dark color).

The American roasting style is lighter in color because it has less exposure to the heat. That also makes the coffee preserve high caffeine content.

The French coffee roasting style is a bit darker, and it is a balance between the American and Italian preparations.

The Italian roasting style, is a darker coffee with less caffeine.

Actually there is confusion about the caffeine content in coffe: but people want to stay awake, they drink an espresso, when actually the espresso has very little caffeine compared to the American style coffee.

Decaffeinated coffee is produced by boiling the green beans.

Actually the caffeine that is extracted is sold to the soft drink and energy drink companies.

When in Panama, it is best if you buy your coffee from a coffee plantation or the coffee plantation’s coffee shop , because the best quality coffee is exported, not available for retail in Panama.

At the end of the tour, the guide gives us some last advice:

“It is better to avoid using coffee machines with paper filters. They destroy the coffee quality, and there are other methods that preserve the quality such as the French press” Special thanks to www.exploraya.com

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FINCA DRACULA

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Dracula, a mysterious name associated with

an 1897 novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, inspired by Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia. His surname Dracûlea means “son of the dragon”, derived from his father´s last name Draco, which in both Latin and Romanian etymology, mean dragon. This is how the orchid genus got associated with such an intriguing name, by its dragon like strange aspect of the two long spurs of the sepals, also by their night awakenings when they lift up a blossom with a vampire finesse.

A visit to Finca Drácula is similar to a visit to the Louvre, in the sense that both have collections of masterpieces, and if you take the time to appreciate the little and great details of the works of art, they are so fascinating that it will take days, weeks or months to check them all out.

Finca Dracula is located 2000m above sea level in the lush little charming town of Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, dedicated to promote education, research and the conservation of orchids and other tropical ornamental species.

The farm was originally owned by Swiss German settlers in the 1920’s and acquired by Andrew Maduro in 1969, who engaged in an admirable task of land reforestation.

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Today, Finca Dracula is considered to be one of the largest orchid collections of America, being home to 2,700 exotic orchid species, from which you can spot at least 124 Dracula genre.

Approximately 150 species of orchids unknown to the scientific world have been discovered here.

There is a high demand for orchids in the world; some of the species are valued up to $5000.00. Orchids are spread around the world but are especially abundant in the tropics. Their adaptation abilities allow them to exist in the hottest and driest places, as well as humid and cold environments.

If you are passionate about nature, make sure to pay a visit to Finca Dracula, and don´t forget to bring your camera, you won’t regret it.

For more information about Finca Dracula contact: +507-771-2070 Dracula@madurotropical.com www.fincadracula.com

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