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My husband and I are nearing the completion of our dossier to adopt an infant from Panama. My husband is Panamanian and grew up in the El Dorado area. Most of his family currently lives in the area as well. The older Country Inns is in this part of the city.
We adopted an infant 2 yrs ago from Colombia. We stayed in Colombia for 3 weeks and visited Panama before coming back to the US. We thought that with our experience and knowledge of the culture we could offer some ideas and thoughts.
We think that the Country Inns is in a great place for adoptive parents. It is close to a mall (it is not fancy but good size), super markets (they have American brands but it is much more expensive than in US and their brands), several fast food restaurants (McDonald's, KFC, Dairy Queen, etc) and even a movie theatre (they show movies in English). It is right next to a TGI Friday's restaurant. It is all within walking distance but take into consideration that we love to walk.
Panama City has heavy traffic and El Dorado is no different. If it were us, we would take a stroller (an umbrella type or other) if adopting an infant or toddler. This way the child can be close to you while you are running across the street or in the stores. We borrowed one from the orphanage in Colombia and it was great having it.
In the mall there is a store called Gran Morrison. It is a great place to purchase souvenirs if you have not been able to find what you want in the tourists craft areas (there are several throughout the city). They are more expensive in the store but the quality is good.
If you are wanting to try some Panamanian treats there are food vendors outside of Reys Super Market. My favorite is the plantain chips (plantains slice really thin and fried in oil) and my husband's favorite is the boyos (corn mush wrapped in corn husks).
While on our trip to Colombia we discovered it was cheaper to make any type of phone call from the pay phone in the lobby rather than from our hotel room. The hotel itself charged us a fee. We also took pre paid phone cards from Sam's Club - AT&T. It was the cheapest we could find at the time - 14 units per minute for a call from Panama to the US. If you call the information number on the cards you can price check ahead of time.
We love Panama and are excited that there are finally agencies starting adoption programs there!
jane
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What a great post, Jane..... I know everyone here will appreciate having your "inside" info about Panama.... it will be a HUGE HELP.
:)
You've brought back a flood of memories..... I LOVE the El Dorado Mall..... and, of course, Gran Morrisons (I haven't said that name in 4 years). Reys has a great selection of "local" foods as well that can be prepared by the adoptive families for their children (if they have access to a kitchenette, for example).
Can you ask your husband what Panamanian dish it is that is cooked INSIDE a banana leaf? I remembered it being like a tamale...... I'm trying to find the recipe for it.........
:)
Your post made me think of another idea that might be helpful to families when they're in Panama for their adoption process.....
In the same parking lot as the El Dorado Mall is a Bell South store (is it still there??????)...... if couples are TRULY having to stay there for a month, they might want to look into hooking up their cell phones with a service there (temporarily). They can buy a pre-paid bell south phone card......... This way not only can they keep in touch with one another, but their attorney can contact them as well..... The cell phone I purchased there worked fine when I got to the States....
Also, in the El Dorado mall is that SUPER nice children's clothing store......... what is it called? It reminds me of "Disney"... is it Sydney's???????? They have THE MOST GORGEOUS DRESSES I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE......... I bought our daughter's baptism dress there....
You know what would be nice... if the adoption agencies had "loaner" cell phones for their clients.... where the clients paid for the phone card, but the phone is contracted by the adoption agency. Maybe someone could "suggest" it..... :)
We miss Panama sooooooo much. Can't wait to go back.....
~Kim P. :)
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Thanks for sharing about your experiences with Panama- it's so helpful to hear firsthand! I was wondering about the El Dorado Country Inn that you were speaking about- how close is it to the governmental places we'll need to visit? Also, is it safe/convenient to take taxis around town? Thanks! -Kathy
While we wait to hear back from Jane - I thought I would "pipe" in here..... if that's all right......... :D
IF the Country Inn Jane is talking about is near El Dorado Mall (which, I'm not sure, because I know there is a new shopping mall/area near the old AFB - Albrook (??) - is it was being built JUST as I left) - it's in an excellent location.
Either direction - I know the "old" El Dorado Mall is an IDEAL location to grab a taxi.
I would describe this area in general as the "middle/upper class" area of Panama. I'm sure it's really grown by now... but it was an area I felt EXTREMELY comfortable in....
I used to take my housekeeper (Lucy) to the Reys Super market to catch her taxi home, because there is a STREAM of them there.
You'll save yourself a lot of money, too, getting groceries there.
** If you've received a referral - now would be a good time to ask your agency to tell you WHICH COURT YOUR CHILD'S CASE IS BEING HANDLED IN so that you will know the location to look for a hotel. However, taxis aren't THAT expensive. If you can buy a map now, know where the hotel is, where the court is, and where your agency's location is - you can avoid having the unrequested tour of Panama by your taxi driver. :o)
------------
JANE: Are there any places to stay on the old Ft. Clayton post?
I know there are a LOT of resorts popping up.....
ALSO - Do you remember the name of the "touristy" area that has the girls dancing in their polleras, the restaurant (that has a balcony you can eat on), and the Kuna Indian Village "re-creation" next door??? I can't remember the name!! Driving me nuts!
How safe is it now to go shopping on Central Ave these days? I went there all the time, but am not sure what the atmosphere would be like now with no "gringos" in the area. I never felt unsafe there, personally.
It's THE place to buy Panamanian Souvenirs (down the alley ways). I bought my daughter a Pollera, and all the "accessories" there - she is so grateful to have it now, and has used it as school a LOT when they have Hispanic Heritage month (I bought the dress in the size I thought she'd be when she was 8 or 9).
~kim :)