Читать книгу Cashing In On a Second Home in Central America: How to Buy, Rent and Profit in the World's Bargain Zone - Tom Hammond Kelly - Страница 19

Not all is perfect in Panama City, nor are we out to paint an unrealistically ideal picture of Panama City (or anywhere in Central America). Here are a few things to consider. These observations are not meant to take the wind out of your sails, but rather to serve as a “reality check.”

While it is easy to find properties with an ocean view or ocean front, keep in mind that, by and large, the water surrounding Panama City is not safe for swimming and tends to be polluted. Although plans are under way to clean up the Bay of Panama, you will find that the dramatic tides that occur in the afternoons and evenings expose unsightly expanses of rock and mud that produce an unpleasant smell. You will soon realize that the Bay of Panama is by no means Miami Beach.

Panama City is inspiring and has a modern feel to it, but bear in mind that Panama City is not a U.S. city, and you will find some distasteful trappings associated with the third world, including blaring horns; cars badly needing mufflers; buses, trucks and taxis that belch noxious fumes; potholes; and occasional slums. Lack of zoning can sometimes create a hodgepodge that is unsightly and makes you realize that Panama is not the paradise you may have been led to believe. Some parts of town look and feel like any other third world country.

Panama City is large and fast-paced, but things can move slowly and are unpredictable. Rush hour can triple or quadruple your travel times. In general, service tends to be slow in Panama City (and all over the country for that matter). Simple errands can take what seems to be an eternity. We offer the disclaimer that Panama—like most places in Central America— is not for the “faint of heart.” An adventuresome spirit is needed, along with some flexibility and understanding that despite similarities, it is not America.