Today my husband came back from Chitre with a huge smile on his face. He was as excited as a little kid with a new toy as he unloaded the car. The new Riba Smith store has opened in Chitre, and that’s cause for celebration at our house. (Chitre is about a half hour drive from our home in Las … [Read more...] about Las Tablas, Panama: To You, it’s only a Hot Dog. To me, it’s a Sign of Growth
Panama
After the Lights and Music End: The Dark Side of Carnaval in Las Tablas, Panama [Video]
Carnaval in Las Tablas, Panama, is a huge event. It brings around 100,000 visitors to the town -- and Las Tablas' normal population is only about 10,000. Merchants make a big chunk of their annual sales before, during and after Carnaval. Families earn some extra income by bunking in together … [Read more...] about After the Lights and Music End: The Dark Side of Carnaval in Las Tablas, Panama [Video]
Carnaval in Las Tablas, Panama
Carnaval (yes, that's the correct Spanish spelling for Carnival) is a big deal here. A very big deal. Every year the town of Las Tablas swells to more than 10 times its normal population. This normally quiet town -- residents describe it as muy tranquilo -- jumps from about 10,000 people to … [Read more...] about Carnaval in Las Tablas, Panama
How Reliable are Utilities in Las Tablas, Panama?
It's time for another peek into the expat mailbag. Here's a question that I haven't thought about in a while (and trust me, that's a good thing!). Utility Outages Hi, I love your website, there's nothing like hearing about a place first-hand! What about electricity, water, and internet … [Read more...] about How Reliable are Utilities in Las Tablas, Panama?
Bon Appetit! A Real French Restaurant in Las Tablas, Panama [review]
Although it's a small town, Las Tablas boasts an authentic French restaurant. Located in the heart of downtown, only one block from the Park, Restaurante Lounge El Paris occupies a second floor balcony space. Like most restaurants in this area, it's open air. Diners enjoy more cooling breezes up … [Read more...] about Bon Appetit! A Real French Restaurant in Las Tablas, Panama [review]
Villas Coco del Mar One Year Later. . .
Sadly, There's Not Much Progress Last year, I wrote a piece about a promising new beachfront development near Las Tablas. It's the Villas Coco del Mar, and at the time we bumped out there on a very difficult dirt road, there was not much to be seen. Rolling hills, beautiful views, and a long … [Read more...] about Villas Coco del Mar One Year Later. . .