Panama: A Promising Alternative to Retirement in Belize
Here is a letter from some friends of mine who seriously considered retiring
and moving to Belize.
Hi Rick
This is Sharon. Milt and I visited with you when we were in Corozal seriously thinking we were going to call it home.
I have continued to read Belize North and other items of interest about Belize. I am sorry to hear about you and Charlotte.
I enjoyed your journal, and your discussion of bringing things into Belize was one of the reasons we decided against
it. We could see some real problems for us making the move. We had been planning on spending 3 months in Corozal, Nov 03, but then I began to look at Panama and found so many things of interest that we spent our three months there instead, liking it so much that by the time we returned to the states, we had bought a lovely home and made many friends. We sold our property in the states and moved to Volcan Panama about 30 miles from the Costa Rican border. We were allowed to onetime bring in household goods at no cost so we shipped a 45 ft container packed
solid. We had no problem with customs. Our broker cleared it in a couple of hours. Since we knew what our home was, we brought many things to replace what we had given away when we thought we would be living in Belize. We also shipped three of our horses as where we live is in the mountains and everyone has horses. It is transportation for many and I can ride all over town. We have a wonderful life. Panamanian retirement is very good with many discounts available. Cost of living is also very low. It is not third world. Panama City is as beautiful as any in the states and also more expensive then living in the country, but it does make it possible to buy things that are not available elsewhere.
The main thing we miss is the fellowship of other believers. There are many
churches but all in Spanish. Still, we know that this is where God wants us. Like you, where doors had been closed, once we shifted direction the pieces just fell into place. We have a little B & B business which is really fun. Our website is fincadesuenos.com.
I wish you a wonderful life and hope this adjustment to living in Belize again will go
smoothly. If you had friends before, you will still have them as I am sure you know by now. Time and distance
doesn't stand between true friendship.
Blessings,
Milt and Sharon
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