More on Cinta Costera, Panama City, July 1st 2009

Today the new Cinta Costera walkways along Ave. Balboa were packed with holiday goers (located on the Pacific Coast of Panama). This morning, hundreds of people walked, biked, jogged, played, skate boarded, roller bladed along the new walkways.

Today is the swearing in of the new Panamanian President Martinelli at the Atlapa Convention Center so it is a National Holiday in Panama (Canada Day as well- a holiday in Canada!).

SCROLL DOWN THE BLOG PAGE 2 STORIES TO MORE CINTA COSTERA PHOTOS.

Cooling off by the Cinta Costera Fountains in Panama City

Great spaces to Walk, Roll, Bike….. Cinta Costera

Kids playing at the Cinta Costera playground

Balboa Statue on Cinta Costera Parkway in Panama City, Panama

Read Full Post »

Walkways and Parkways in Panama; the New Cinta Costera

The New Cinta Costera in Panama City

Check it out when you have time. A super new area to walk, run, or bike along Panama Bay (Pacific Ocean side of Panama). The traffic is much improved with a beautiful new bypass for Avenida Balboa in Panama City. Nicely designed and much needed additions to Panama City – more green space, more parking, and a bypass through Chorillo and Cinco de Mayo direct to Amador and the Bridge of the Americas, and reverse – direct to the highway to the Tocumen Airport (Corredor Sur).

Walkways and Bike Paths

Parking lots

Read Full Post »

PANAMA: Get Ready for November Holidays & Christmas. RANCHITO del CERRITO Event Area Ready to Host Fiestas and Casual Meetings at B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical

Press Release
Source: Cerrito Tropical, Taboga Panama
October 17, 2008

PANAMA CITY RESIDENTS NOW HAVE A NEW CASUAL EVENTS LOCATION TO TOTALLY RELAX & UNWIND – CLOSE TO THE CITY ON TABOGA ISLAND.

RANCHITO del CERRITO is now open and ready to book Events or Casual Meeting Retreats. Offering Ocean and Garden Views from the Ranchito* as well as friendly, experienced, service personnel (remember, it´s not New York, this is kicked back and relaxed “island style”).

*Ranchito: An open area with a roof usually located in the countryside similar to cabaña, gazebo or palapa. Nowadays “ranchito” is often used as a name for casual restaurants.

This past weekend Ranchito del Cerrito held its special opening event. Ranchito del Cerrito is the newest addition to B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical Panama on Taboga Island. Created to offer more opportunities for guests and event hosts to enjoy the relaxing side of Panama while still having the flexibility of being close to Panama City. Groups can charter a private boat from Calypso to take them to Taboga, enjoy time at the beach and end their day with a private BBQ party before returning to Panama City. Or some guests may choose to stay over and vacation at B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical.

Relax and unwind by the beach in B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical on Taboga Island Panama.

RANCHITO del CERRITO during a final construction meeting.

Ranchito del Cerrito Event Area during a construction meeting on Taboga.

Reducing the stress in the hammocks before the opening BBQ event.

“Ranchito del Cerrito Recommendation for Stress Management:
Relax and unwind by the beach as guests of the B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical on Taboga Island Panama. Travel by scenic Calypso Ferry trip in 1 hour from Panama City. The local islander´s attitude for life: “No Stress, Amigo!””. B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical

Relaxing at RANCHITO del CERRITO on Taboga.

The opening event lasted well into the night with music and great food. Attendees feasted on Guest Chef Fred´s 100% Homemade Southern Smoked BBQ and continued the next day when Private Chef Aristedes prepared his specialty, fresh corvina with signature creole sauce, coconut rice, and flan de la casa.

RANCHITO DEL CERRITO Opening BBQ, featuring Fred´s 100% homeade Southern smoked BBQ.

To hear more about the possibilities for any event, retreat or reunion you are planning let Cerrito Tropical know and they will customize a package to suit the occassion. To learn more about relaxing on a quaint Pacific beach island, check: the Cerrito website which has much more info on Taboga, Panama, thier B&B Inn, accommodation, activities, Calypso ferry schedules, and more.

NOTES FROM THE LITTLE HILLSIDE (CERRITO): “Many people write and ask us: What is Taboga Island Panama Really Like?
Here´s our view from Cerrito: Taboga can be compared to a relaxed, stress free, Caribbean beach island blended with a Mediterranean fishing village, then picked up by the island gods and dropped into the Pacific only 1 hour from Panama City. Even many of the Caribbean Pirates made Taboga their Pacific base!” B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical

VISIT: If visitors or future event organizers are interested to check out Ranchito del Cerrito, reserve a lunch with Private Chef Aristedes to check out the RANCHITO personally, B&B Inn Cerrito Tropical (Tel:6489-0074). Prices from $6 – $10 pp for lunch or dinner.

For more information on events, fiestas, relaxing, Day Packages, and a no stress vacation, check the website: www.cerritotropicalpanama.com.
Tel: 507-6489-0074; 507-390-8999
Email: info@cerritotropicalpanama.com

Read Full Post »

James Bond 007, The Quantum of Solace; An Extra´s View From Panama.

Quantum of Solace, James Bond 007

It was an exciting few months early this year in Panama when they were filming the next James Bond movie, The Quantum of Solace, due to be shown in cinemas this coming November 2008.

A number of people were fortunate to be chosen as extras and I was one of them. I had never thought of joining the group of some 1000 extras but a friend eventually convinced me to go and sign up. Although I had done television advertising before, I had never been on a big movie set prior to this and it was very interesting. Costumes, makeup, hair, coordination. And the waiting….. for hours upon hours. We really came to appreciate what it takes to be a professional in the business. It seems glamorous but it is very hard work.

The first scene I was in was shot was a night scene in the old Union Club in Casco Viejo, Panama City. We changed into our costumes and had hair and makeup done in an enormous underground garage which had been revamped into dressing rooms, cafeteria, and makeup. Then we were allowed outside to wait for our calls. It was beautiful weather and since Casco Viejo is beside the ocean it was quite lovely at night. There, we pulled three all nighters in a row for Bond. Super tiring but awesome in the professionalism, coordination and detail that went into the making of it by the mainly British crew. Watching Daniel Craig (James Bond) and the pros shoot their scenes numerous times to get it right for the exacting Golden Globe nominated director Steven Forster — German born, educated in Switzerland he studied film in New York. Forster made his directorial debut in 2000 and most recently directed the Kite Runner. Daniel Craig is said to be one of the finest actors of his generation in stage, screen and television. His supporting actors included: Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Almalric, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, and of course Judy Dench.

An old historic building (former Union Club) was used which they revamped just for this. Set in Bolivia the scene was shot in Panama. It was an elegant extravaganza during which Dominic Greene (a criminal mastermind played by Mathieu Almalric), gives an important speech (I almost had it memorized–cannot tell you the speech, if I did M might send Bond to silence me). We were among the some 700 in this scene, dressed in elegant evening wear. Along with the cool party set, there were several stunts so the scene should be a great one.

Several weeks later I went again in one of several buses (some 50 extras) to Colon to shoot our next scene on a private island on the Caribbean coast in Panama (in the movie I believe it is Haiti). We stayed overnight in a hotel in Colon City, a very seedy port (not many of us were on the streets after dark, or even in the daylight!) Then before dawn we drove the hour to a site on the Caribbean Coast. There we dressed for the tropics and were made up, then taken by small local fishing boats (called pangas) to the private island. What a beautiful location. Since the extras group was rather small, we had a very enjoyable day acting as the “background”, waiting, chatting, taking in some sun, and eating from a scrumptious buffet. I was in a group of about 10 or so asked to be background in one of Bond´s heroic action scenes where he speeds up to the dock in his powerboat and carries the beautiful Camille (Olga Kurylenko) ashore who has been hurt. It was excellent to have the chance to watch the making of a major movie from within. What an awesome day. Late in the afternoon we were bussed back to Panama City and said good bye to the friends we had made during the shoot.

I believe most of us had a great time and what a once in a lifetime experience. Would I do it again? Indeed I would.

We were absolutely not allowed to take photos which is a shame because I cannot share them with you here. So the only souvenir I will have is to buy a copy of the film once it becomes available. But you can check out the trailer now:

View Trailer: http://www.007.com/

Written by: Cynthia Cudmore Mulder

Read Full Post »

PANAMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Yellow Fever Shots

Yellow Fever Vaccination in Panama

Yellow Fever Vaccinations in Panama
We recently had a friend from Canada visiting who is on her way to Asia later this year. She discovered here that if she visits Panama she needs to have a Yellow Fever shot to enter many other countries because Yellow Fever can sometimes be found in the country of Panama in the far outlying areas. There are quite a number of countries (check this website for the list: http://www.who.int/ith/countries/2008_country_list.pdf) with Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements. Once you get the vaccination it is good for 10 years, and when traveling to any countries which require that you have the shots you must carry your vaccination booklet.

Yellow fever is a mosquito born virus, carried by the Aedes and Haemagogus species of mosquito which is prevalent during daylight hours. It is recommended that you protect yourself by having a vaccination and using mosquito lotion regularly. In Panamanian cities and towns there are regular inspections by the Department of Health for mosquito breeding areas, and they also spray often especially during rainy season.

World Health Organization Yellow Fever recommendations for Panama: Vaccination is recommended for all travelers who are going to the Province of Darien, the region Kuna Yala (old San Blas), East Panama including the districts of Chep, Chiman and Balboa. This does not include the City of Panama and the Panama Canal area (old Canal Zone).

I had been investigating vaccinations and which are possible to get in Panama. That is when the nurses told me that the Department of Health offers a FREE Yellow Fever vaccination program for everyone. That´s right FREE. That includes Panamanians, foreign residents, and visitors. You do have to pay $5 for your registration of the shot and your vaccination booklet.

My friend and I both were both inoculated. I was impressed with the speed of service (there were no other patients there), cleanliness, and the nurses were helpful, knowledgeable and kind. The health facility itself was a basic tropical clinic but it was clean and organized.

I should add this is not a new program but has been offered for some time now and I just did not have the time to get out to the clinic.

I am a sucker for punishment, so I am now on a quest to find the other Panamanian clinics which offer inoculations as well. The nurse told us that the Department of Health Public Clinics throughout Panama offer vaccinations which are on their regular schedule of recommended childhood and adult shots such as hepatitis, tetanus, etc… for no charge or very limited charges. They also will have the flu vaccine at certain times of year. That will be our next mission, to find the clinics, schedules and prices…

Yellow Fever Vaccinations are available at the Department of Health (Salud) Clinic in Clayton, look for the IDAAN sign on the right on the street just before the Crossroads Church (if you see the church you have gone too far) on the way to Miraflores Locks. The clinic is open 7:30 am until noon Monday Thru Saturday.

Read Full Post »

HIGHLIGHT: Melina Typaldos, Emerging Panamanian Jewellery Designer

Melina Typaldos Designs was founded in Panama in 2001. Melina studied in the US and is a well respected emerging jewelery designer and uses semi-precious stones and both silver and gold in her modern designs. She has also created a beautiful new line of tableware and accessories. Gifts and jewelery from about $40. Special orders on request.

Among the many Melina has designed for include the First Lady Vivian Torrijos of Panama, the former president of Panama Mireya Moscoso, the Miss Universe Pagent in 2003, the Princess Leticia Ortiz of Spain, Actress Halle Berry, General Franco of Spain´s grandaughter Carmen Martinez-Bordius Franco. Melina also exhibits her designs around the world in fashion and trade shows.

Located in Marbella, in the mall across from World Trade Center, around the corner from Sheraton 4 Points, and also in MultiPlaza and Miami.
Location: Calle 45 Bella Vista Panama, Panama
Telephone: 507-613-2222 / 507-227-5353 /214-7597
Email: support@melinatypaldos.com
Website: www.melinatypaldos.com

Location: P.O Box 025275 Miami, Fl 33102-5275
Phone: 305-860-1993

Read Full Post »

Panama Gourmet Pizza – Best thin crust pizza in town! Now with pasta too.

Gourmet Pizza has been known in Panama over the past couple of years as an easy-going trendy, neighborhood pizza joint with consistently good, thin crust pizza, with fresh and unique toppings such as feta cheese or asparagus. Recently they have expanded their menu and added pastas. On offer are five types of pasta with your choice of four different sauces so that you can mix and match to your taste: Alfredo, Matrichana, Carbonera, and Bolognese; pasta ranges from $6.26. I tested the Matrichana with Tortellini last night and it was very tasty, brimming with vegetables and bacon to give it well rounded smoky flavor.

We often enjoy the savory antipasta appetizer $6, classic Greek salad with loads of feta cheese and black olives served with piping hot pita bread, 5.00.

Among our favorite pizzas are the Primavera (vegetarian with fresh asparagus) which is topped with fresh al dente vegetables; Greek feta cheese and black olives combine to create a uniquely flavored pizza, Hawaiian sweet pineapple and thinly sliced ham plus traditional Pepperoni and Cheese are old standbys, rich melt in your mouth Four Cheese pizza, all available plus many more choices in 3 sizes; priced from $5.75 (10”) to $19.00 (16”). For those watching their calorie counts they offer light pizza, and for those who are not, dessert pizzas such as honey and cinnamon or chocolaty nutella.

They also have a full bar with a simple wine list and if you don´t want to hang out they have take out and home delivery too.

When it is full the noise levels can be high but we love the pizza so much we can tune it out.
Located on Avenida Balboa next to Arrocha Pharmacy on the edge of Paitilla, and across from MultiCentro Mall. Within walking distance from the Plaza Paitilla Hotel, Decapolis Hotel, Sheraton Four Points hotels.
Tel:215-1000, www.goumetpizzapanama.com, Open 11 am till 12am.

Read Full Post »