Where to invest in 2009

From Property Frontiers.com -
Panama
Enjoying a strong economy in the heart of Latin America, Panama is rapidly becoming the financial hub of the region, as favourable taxation laws and off-shore banking environments are attracting large multi-national businesses from across the globe. Investors can choose a variety of different options, from hotels (one of the highest occupancy rates in the world) to offices, and beachside resorts. With the expansion of the Panama Canal now well under-way, economic growth looks set to continue.

Events – International Fair of David

This year’s fair takes place March 12th through March 22nd, 2009.

Carnival Time in Panama

From: panama1.com
Carnival in Panama is a celebration that takes place in just about every town of the country. Even though this is a yearly celebration, an often asked question even by locals is: “When is the carnival this year?” That’s because the celebration is always 40 days before the christian holly week. The most famous of all towns is Las Tablas in the province of Los Santos which is also located in the Azuero peninsula. Panama city, the capital of the country, and Penonome are also places to celebrate it in all its glamour.
The celebration is a huge party, yes that’s exactly what it is. In fact it is the most famous of all parties in Panama. You might be familiar with carnival of Rio de Janeiro, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Well the carnival in Panama is also celebrated on the same dates and it is celebrated in one way or another by the whole country.
Panama City also celebrates the carnival by closing main arteries of the city for parades and the traditional “mojadera” (people throw water at eachother) which a characteristic of every carnival celebration throughout the country. Eighteen-whellers with water tanks show up and pump water out of it to throw it at the crowds celebrating the parades. This, you might think, is weird but if you attend this carnival, you will soon find out that it is actually nice because Panama is hot and the carnival takes place during the summer ( dry season in Panama takes place in February…yes February!) a good splash of water is very welcomed to beat the heat of the radiant sun.
The government is very involved in this carnival, settingg up huge stages where salsa, merengue and local “Tipico” music singers perform for crowds as large as 20 thousand strong. Gilberto Santa Rosa, Juan Luis Guerra, Don Omar, Olga Tanon, Calle 13, Wilfrido Vargas, Eddie Herrera, Oscar De Leon, El Gran Combo, Celia Cruz(rip), Marc Anthony and many more have performed in stages.

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The day the lights went out

Gale force winds and heavy rains, both not typical for this time of year, brought down numerous trees all over Boquete, including breaking six steel transmission towers on the main transmission line from David, resulting in a massive power outage. Power to the downtown area was restored within a day; but most outlying areas were without power for many days. Food was lost. Security systems were out. Roads were impassable. Cell phone service was limited to emergency calls only. It was truly chaotic. Things are gradually returning to normal.

Subway Opens in Boquete

Located in the Los Establos development, Subway offers all the choices most Americans and Canadians are very familiar with.

Here’s a review by boqueteguide.com:

“As predicted they had a large counter crew of smiling people who took our order and produced it in front of our eyes. Rather then eating my Crow cold I ordered number 7, yes just like McDonalds order by the numbers. Abondigas (meatballs) a hot meatball hero in Boquete Panama. I had it served on fresh baked toasted oregano parmesan bread and must admit it was a refreshing change. Heather tried the tuna sub and was also impressed.”