As hard as the MediCare  issue within the United States might be, it could be that offering off shore medical care could help balance the high coverage costs.  Currently, the government of Panama has been re doubling their efforts into getting their commercial trade agreement signed with the United States, including the extension of the medical benefit.

Countries like Panama, where finding  US graduated doctors  is common, costs for operations are significantly less and where hospitals like John Hopkins backing up a high quality level, offer the best platform to extend the coverage.

Panama, is only 5 hours away from New York and less than 4 hours away from Miami.  According to Yanahir Diaz,  from the John Hopkins Medicine International there are several medical insurance plans that are already accepted in Panama such as Tricare, Vanbreda and Cigna.

Casco Viejo is one of this places where everything mix. Bohemian, authentic, slick and chic, everyone co exists and you would almost say it wouldn´t be the same without it.  From Jazz Fest to Halloween, from a thursday night out at Mojito´s grill playing trivia at an open garden surrounded by old calicanto stone walls that are at least 150 years old eating hamburger,  this neighborhood is just special.

Last night, everyone in Casco Antiguo dressed up and went for a “chic” night out. Starting with a fashion show at the Municipality (antigua Casa Arias Feraud) and later to a special sushi night at the Deli Gourmet. The fashion show featured French designer Helene Breebart and Madeleine Cranfield from San Diego, California showed their best collections. Helene´s specialty is ethnic inspired clothing. For years, she´s been working with the kuna indians in Panama to create stylish clothing. Latelly, I´ve even seen swimming suits with mola designs! Madeleine´s specialy is silk. She has beautiful and delicate creations inspired in nature. A great combination for these two artists, and Panama was their muse. Later on, sushi night at Deli Gourmet. Chef and new Casco Viejo resident Sajoscha delighted guests with his creations. Soon, he´ll be opening a restaurant in Calle 1era…..

When building a city, many elements are taking in consideration: healthy site, ventilation, strong foundations…whether in modern times or 500 years ago, common sense has ruled and succeeded. Elements that are common to the ancient Feng Shui knowledge.

Last week we had the visit of a Feng Shui expert in Casco Viejo, Panama. She was amazed at how Casco Viejo felt like “good Feng Shui”. While this is not an official opinion, I believe there is some truth to it based on its historic foundation.

From Wikipedia  (  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui ) I gathered that the term Feng Shui means “wind- water”.  One of the reasons Casco Viejo is where it is was because of it´s peninsula shape and rocky foundations. When the Spanish came to the point they had to move the city from Panama Viejo (because of the pirates attacks and the multiple diseases they got from having founded the city … in a swamp!) they looked for a place with crossed winds (to keep mosquitoes out) because it would ensure a healthier city and that was easier to defend.  The peninsula was the perfect fit. Therefore we are surrounded by water and crossed by winds.

I´m sure there would be endless amounts of common details that can be found in those cities that have succeeded and Feng Shui principles.  I thought this post might make you think a bit about it and maybe get her to do a full study!

As a full time resident of Casco Viejo, and the type that never wants to leave the town (it is just so comfortable to be able to walk everywhere!) I know hair is an issue.

Your choices to cut your hair until a month ago where basically either calling someone that will come to your home or go full “gangsta” style, in which case you could have some incredible hair art carved on your military-shaved head. I´ve seen everything from a puma jumping a fence (would that apply for the “author’s right” ? ) to a lovely spider web on the head of a four year old kid who had a cute Spiderman T Shirt.  Creative as it is, somehow the problem is that it only works for boys…   We girls need special skills, you know.

So with great enthusiasm we are welcoming Chateau de Klipper, Casco Antiguo’s newest salon.  The owner, Susan Klipper, says that she will be offering fashion forward hair styling, coloring and highlights (her specialty), Brazilian Keratin, manicures, pedicures, waxing plus a range of massages. We already tried it and received compliments!  Chateau de Klipper is located on the planta baja in the recently restored P.H. Isabella on Calle 9 between Avenida B and Avenida Central, or what might be easiest: behind the Iglesia La Merced.

Until the official opening in November, Susan is taking clients by appointment.  See Casco Viejo What to Do Directory

Teatro Amador is one of the cutest looking theatres of Casco Viejo.  A romantic fasade, has been awaiting for restoration for a while. Their owners, however, are starting to re activate the space… and what best ocassion than a big Halloween art show featuring original vintage porn posters from the 70´s and 80´s (and some earlier!) of another Casco Viejo icon: Teatro Variedades.

History of theatres in Casco Viejo is interesting. While the San Felipe town had Teatro Nacional (National Theatre), Santa Ana which was a more popular area had Teatro Variedades. With the decline of the old quarter, both theatres (and later Teatro Amador itself) decayed to the point of showing movies (porn mostly) and even boxing matches.  Luckily, with Casco´s restoration they are slowly coming back to life. Today, the National Theatre is one of the most elegant theatres in Panama City. Teatro Variedades and Amador have been bought by developers and hopefully their time will come soon.   In the meantime, Teatro Amador will be an open space for interesting art shows and events.

Other Halloween events will be held by Relic (costume party) and Indigo Restaurant (sexy party!).

Where to go?

Teatro Amador: Avenida Central and 10th street. After the traffic light, follow the street towards Santa Ana Plaza. You´ll see it at your right.

Relic: 9th Street and B Avenue. At Luna´s Castle.

Indigo: Central Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd.

Everyone talked about it, no one knew whether the project left behind by Martin Torrijos would be continued. However, Ricardo Martinelli´s Presidential term has actually started to go for it: extending the current Cinta Costera to Casco Viejo.

The project itself had been controversial. Many feared the design wouldn´t be in compliance with the UNESCO World Heritage regulations. However, the government seemed to have worked it out and had started to make the first movements in the area bringing materials to the site. Yesterday, the plans where made public.  The extention would add not only an easier connection through two new lines but also 120 underground parkings and a brand new multipurpose pier. An outdoors theatre, basketball fields and green areas.

Here is a bizarre collection of photos I took at Casco Antiguo during last week. From partying at Las Bovedas, to the local caramelized apple cart, this is what Casco Viejo is all about.   Confussed? learn more about each photo here.

This year, Casco Antiguo - Panama´s colonial quarter – has seen the opening of at least 15 new businesses. Not bad for a town of only 3 avenues and 15 streets. Out of those 15 (maybe 20 at this point) at least 5 are Venezuelan owned and operated.

Most of them food related, they are exploring actively to open new niches and inject their energy into the eclectic historic area.  Businesses range from informal cafés such as Tomato (soups, salads, wraps and breakfast) and Aromas Café, to Mexican food (Tequila´s Restaurant). Neighborhood hang outs like Mayal´s at 8th street and fusion cuisine at 9th street.

Other investors are looking into development opportunities and investment opportunities.  Their preference: to own commercial space either to rent or operate themselves. They view Casco Viejo as one of the areas that has the biggest potential in Panama City due to its historic and tourism character.  Regard it as something unique and authentic.

However, it is also a neighborhood in transition where  things take time and active involvement in community programs  is part of business life.  Not too long ago, AVACA, the neighborhood association organized a beach cleanup with the community. Venezuelan restaurants, along with Italians, Panamanians, Americans, Brazilian, Colombian and many other nationalities helped raise funds for the event.  It was an enthusiastic day, enjoyed by all participants.

If nothing else, Casco Viejo seems to be the heart of what mixed neighborhood is all about, and is part of its attraction.  Not only old patina blends with restored buildings, and architectural styles are interesting, but nationalities and businesses are joined by a vision of building a quality brand called Casco Viejo.  Throughout its history, Panama has been the crossroad of the Americas, joining oceans and continents. And since 1673, Casco Viejo has welcomed every nationality to make a living.

With the right language and cultural backgrounds, Venezuelans seem to be set up for success.

In a recent post I was thinking on how easy it was to move between Amsterdam and Panama with the direct flights of KLM.  Well, it seems I was not the only one thinking about it!. Heineken Regional Services America, a subsidiary of Heineken International which bases out of Amsterdam has just moved operations to Panama, being one of the main reasons the easy connectivity with the region and Europe.

Plus, we have tropical weather and we like their beer very much!

Way before the Sopranos, there was Giselle.

Panama´s National Ballet will be presenting one of the jewels of romantic ballet: Giselle at the National Theatre at Casco Antiguo, Panama, from October 5, 7th, 9th at 7 p.m.

Basic plot: sweet girl in town falls in love with not so inocent Prince. He was supposed to get married with a princess. When she finds out, she dies of a heart attack (well… dies of love!). Leaves the prince feeling guilty and the guy who actually loved her (a boy from the town) heartbroken.

Second act: Giselle, as a ghost ends up under Myrtha´s reign. Her gang is made of all the women who have died of love and their mission is to take revenge by killing every man who enters their forest by making them dance until death.  When the poor guy who actually loved Giselle steps in, Myrtha´s army get hold of him and kill him. But when the prince comes in, Giselle arises. Myrtha orders her to dance with him and murder him, so she dances… but keeps a pace where he is still alive at dawn. Giselle has saved him and forgiven him.

The last scene, at dawn, he is found over the tomb of Giselle, repented.

It was said that when this ballet was first performed by Margot Fontayne and Rudolf Nureyev, the public was in such spell that they kept quite for a full minute after the curtain went down. And then, they couldn´t stop a 20 minute explosion of applause.