Those of you who follow our newsletters and blog know that just a month ago, we abruptly canceled a long-anticipated trip to the French Riviera when we discovered that the weather would be in the 40s and 50s with rain every day. Not exactly what one envisions for the Côte d’Azur.

We are actively exploring destinations for a potential second home or even a retirement setting, and this month we were scheduled to attend the International Living Conference here in Panama City, Panama. Truth be told, we nearly canceled this trip as well. Dr. Ekstrom has been encouraging a visit to Panama for years, but I had been reluctant. My bias—based on prior travels in Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil—was that we would encounter oppressive heat, high humidity, and stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, not the type of place I envisaged calling me.

We made the decision to come less than 24 hours before departure—suitcases packed under some time pressure—and arrived with modest expectations.

From the moment we landed, we have been extraordinarily impressed.

Yes, Panama lies close to the equator, but the weather has been remarkably comfortable: daytime temperatures around 90 degrees, evenings in the low 70s, and humidity hovering around 60%. This climate is relatively consistent year-round, with somewhat higher humidity in the summer months.

What struck us most, however, was the overall level of development and safety. We did not encounter the widespread poverty or dramatic socioeconomic disparities so visible in many other countries in the region. English is widely spoken, and the U.S. dollar is used as the local currency, making daily life seamless for Americans.

Panama’s prosperity is closely tied to the Panama Canal, one of the most important trade routes in the world. The Canal generates billions annually—over $5.7 billion in revenue in 2025 alone—and contributes significantly to the national economy, accounting for roughly 7–8% of GDP and more than 20% of government revenues. Much of this income flows directly to the government and helps fund infrastructure, public services, and economic stability.

The result is a country that feels far more like a modern, international hub—reminiscent in some ways of our trips to Baku or Dubai—than a “developing nation.”

The restaurants are excellent, the food is fresh and minimally processed, and the cultural scene is vibrant and sophisticated.

Our conference concludes this morning, and we are looking forward to exploring more of Panama beyond the capital this afternoon.

Stay tuned.

Pleasantly surprised

Colonial architecture in Panama City

Teatro National, rivaling La Scala in Milan in appearance. We enjoyed a sacred music performance here Saturday evening, preceded by a tour of the facility by the Artistic Director.