Blog Hints
Sep 23rd, 2006 by Don Ray
I get a lot of comments or questions by way of an email that comes via “Contact” at the top of the blog. That is fine. I respond to all emails that I receive. A lot of times I feel that the comment or question would benefit others, if it had been placed as a comment tied to post that it is related to. After thinking about it, I have concluded that maybe it is not evident to the readers how they can leave a comment. For people who read a lot of Blogs, it is second nature, because most blogging systems work similarly. However, I think a lot of people that find Chiriquí Chatter, do so because they are researching Panama and considering it as a retirement location. Therefore, this may be the first blog that some people will read.
With that premise, let me try to explain some things about how WordPress handles posts and comments. Since Blogs are like journals, then all new posts push down the previous posts. You may read something and wish you could have a friend read it, so you write them tell them to read http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog. Sure enough it is a few days later before your friend stops by and the post of the day is nothing related to whatever the post was you were telling them about.
To solve this problem, the blogging software uses something called permalinks. This is URL address that is related to the individual post that will never change. To get a permalink address from my blog here is what you do. Take this post. It has the heading “Your Comment May Benefit Others” at the top of the post. If you pass the cursor over the title it will change colors. If you click on the title then the browser will bring up that individual post and the address that shows up in the browser is the address that should be sent to the person for that post. If you look at “Disarranging Mine”, a blog I read, it uses a different system. At the bottom of each of Marie’s posts you will see the time that she posted it. If you click on the time, that is its permalink address. If you look at the Cooking Diva’s site, it also is different. At the end of each of Melissa’s posts you will see the word “Permalink”. Clicking on “Permalink” takes you to the permalink address.
Next at the end of a post on Chiriquí Chatter, you will see “Posted in xxxx”, where xxxx is a category or multiple categories. Clicking on the category will do the same as clicking on a category on the right side of the blog page. It will bring up all posts that were marked with that category. If you want to see all posts on “Hotels” then click on that category. If you want to read all of my Poems, then click on that category.
Lastly, following the category you will see a vertical bar and either “No Comments” or “xx Comments” where xx is the number of comments that have been left for that post. To read the comments or to leave a comment just click on the “No Comments” of “xx Comments”. That will do the same, as clicking on the Permalink and you will be presented with the post and a window at the bottom of the post to leave your comment. Sometimes I feel that the comments I receive are more important than the post itself. When you agree or disagree with the post, leave a comment. It may help others. You may notice some time passing before your comment appears. This is a safeguard from spam comments coming in. In this particular post, I have used a special command to prevent the entire post from filling the front page of the blog. Because of that you see “Read the rest of the entry”. When you click on that, it will bring up the entire post with the comment window.
I appreciate seeing comments. It is good feedback for me. Sometimes a comment may spark an idea for another post. Sometimes it may cause me to rethink what I have written. When it comes to Panama, I try to write a balanced view of how I see things. If you have a different experience than I have had, tell others via a comment.
If you have a question that is not related to anything that you have seen written, then feel free to write an email. If I think the question and answer are beneficial to other readers, I may write a post related to the subject.
It you have taken the time to read this post, then thanks for dropping in. By the way – Leave a comment. 
Don, I enjoy your web site. A lot of good info. I have been thinking of moveing to Panama for a while. But one thing I can”t find on your site or any other is anything on Health Care. Maybe I am over looking it.If you could help on this, I would appreciate it. Thanks William
Hi William. Thanks for dropping in.
I have a category called “healthcare”, which has all the entries I have made related to healthcare here in the Chiriqui area. What is your specific question?
Until now I did not know really what permalinks were. Our son is an engineer at Yahoo and has no time to baby us. Yet he has time to play foosball at work! Here he is by using my first try at permalink. He is the one wiping off with the towel.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-pkSIq3Y_fqccaPQMCbmTXN7V?p=1570
Thanks Don Ray, my world is expanding!
See. Everyday is an education. I used to be unbeatable at foosball. I was almost unbeatable at table tennis. Ahhh, but that was a few years back.
Would you happen to know the phone number for Nat Mendez jewelers?
Thanks
Mark Shope
The telephone book says it is 775-2722. The directory is not always right.
[...] Each time you post, the previous post is pushed down and it isn’t easily found unless you have recorded the permilink of do a search using WordPress’s search function. [...]
Hey Ray, I am from Chiriqui, Panama and I lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. I have been watching your website and it is very nice. Throughout it, I can see how different is David, Chiriqui since I left it back on January 2001. It makes me remember good things too about it.
It is good to see all these photos.
Thanks..
Hi Rafael. Thanks for leaving a comment. I am happy you have found my site of interest.
HELLO from Nashville, Tennessee. I just found this website and I’m very happy because I’m from CHIRIQUI. I left “Mi Tierra” 11 years ago. when I went back on March 2004 everything was different and I just realized that in two years Chiriqui has changed even more. I’m so happy that I can see & enjoy “mi tierra” throughout this marvelous website and be able to have a remembrance of my childhood.
Tks so much
You are very welcome Melisa. I am happy you have found my site and hope it continues to bring you some pleasure.
It is interesting that I am starting to have several Panamanians that are living in other parts of the world that are reading Chiriqui Chatter.
Having real Panamanians read it helps it to stay balanced. I appreciate your input.
I’ve been living in the David area for now some 3 years now and wanted to get what your take on military retirees buying houses here. Ive had alot of difficulty dealing with banks for financing got any advice ?
Would appreciate any input,
Fred
Hi Fred. I really don’t think that difficulty in dealing with the banks has anything to do with being a military retiree or not. I think the US has imposed many restriction on how the Panama banks account for all monies that it is associated with related to US citizens.
I am also another Chiricano who left many years ago. I am also very surprised how much my place have changed. I knew it but your pictures bring it even more to the forefront. There is something charming about someone who goes to live in the place I left and enjoys so much. It is flattering and also brings me pride in knowing that “others” appreciate it.
The other side of the coin; will its growth take away what you went to look for in the first place? What is your take on that?
Hi Alex. Thanks for dropping in and for taking the time to leave a comment.
Yes Panama is changing but the people are the same and that is the best part about Panama. Panama City is getting bigger and more congested. David is getting more conveniences, but the city isn’t losing its charm.
Only time will tell how the over all effect will be, but change is the one constant that the entire world has to live. I would rather be living with this change than a lot of other areas.
Don, it is time for us to get our reentry visas again. I know you have done that in David, and I think you wrote about it. Can you tell us what we need to do?
Thanks,
Richard
Actually, I have a permanent Jubilado Card and only have to get a multientry-visa every two years. Is this what you are referring to? This is different from the visa that you have to get every 90 days.
In my case, I have to go to the emigration office with the correct number of stamps purchased at Banco National (4 I think - each a dollar)and then pay the emigration office $100 for a two year visa stamp.
Hi Ray, I am looking over your site with interest and would like to solicit your help. I am a doctoral student in theatre and Spanish, married to Chiriquian and living permanently in David. I am developing a theatre curriculum for two local private universities and will be offering my first course shortly: Introcucción a la Práctica del Teatro. Like all courses in this program, it will be offered in English and Spanish. Originally, this program was to be an official project of Florida State University and was to be centered in Boquete. However, I have decided along with the people I am working with to shift the focus to David. As most of my contacts in David are local, we are looking for ways to incorpòrate the North American community into this project, both as participants and spectators. Can you or your users suggest ways for us to make contact? Thanks, Henry
Hi Henry. If you have some promotional material you and I can arrange a post for you to describe exactly what you are wanting to do and it will get the benefit of a post as opposed to that of a comment.
Then i can probably give it some visibility on the Yahoo groups.
Hi from Mexico City, is awesome to see through your website how the place where I was born & grew by 20 years has changed. I left David 13 years ago and although I have returned for holidays, is always amazing to see the growth of my town. Thanks to your pictures when I see streets, buildings, places, etc. I have been able to remember a lot of moments of my live and this is a very pleasant sensation. THANKS.
Hi Max,
Glad you have enjoyed visiting David through this website.
What happened to Chatter?
Iy appears to me, rather than providing information to us gringos, you’re going commercial and making it difficult to find out information aout Chuiqui.
What gives?
Are you in the website development business now?
Or you showing off your talents in setting up your blog?
You have lost youe original purpose, whatever that was.
My real complaint is navigating your UNUSER FRIENDLY site.
Get back to the basics or GET OFF!
jaygodwin@aol.com
Resident of David, Panama
Gee Jay. I am really sorry that you are not finding what you are looking for, what ever that is. You did not mention what you were looking for that you were having trouble finding. That might have provided some insight into the trouble you were having so that it might be corrected.
I found you on craigslist and enjoyed the blog. My wife and I are planning a visit in March with plans to move in December. We have a house to sell here and want information on real estate there. It is a little scarry dealing long distance. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom, I can understand your anxiety about doing your search long distance. There is no substitute to coming here and spending some time in the environment you think you might want to live in.
Not sure where I can help, but feel free to drop me an email if you have specific questions.
As a follow up, I responded to your message from the Chat area, but couldn’t get past your Email spam approval, so I doubt if my email went through.
Hi, looking for information to update my site, found your site. I have not been in Panama since I left 20 years ago, very glad to see so many changes. My aunt and godmother still lives in Concepcion, her name is “la maestra Evelia (Bella) de Guerra”, old big (blue?) house on main street.
Speak Spanish yet?
Saludos,
Tatiana Guerra-Nicolson
Hi Tatiana,
I can see changes in the 4 years I have been here. For you the changes will be even greater. Thanks for stopping in and for leaving a comment.
Mi respuesta para su pregunta es “Un poco”.
Don I have a house at the Las Lajas beach. When we built it there was no electric or phone. Now we have electric. Do you know of any way of getting internet signal out there. Wireless or maybe antenna? It’s a beautiful area,listening to the waves ,but sometimes you need to surf the net. I know down in the Coronado area they have this service. Thanks for the help. Lee
Hi Lee. I have some friends that have moved to that area. They may be your neighbors. I understand that they are getting a wireless Internet connection, but I don’t know the provider.
Wow Don that is great I was the first person to build there in 2001. I live just down the street from the Disco there. That sure is a sad scene down by the boca de rio san felix. That is one of my wife’s and mine favorite spots . Mother Ocean is the boss. I had to leave in 2002. I was suffering from depression. None of the things i needed were available at the time to keep me sane. No people to to talk . No internet to surf. Just the olas there but i’m to old for that.My wife and travel back each summer to visit the most beautiful area I have ever seen. Could you get some more from your friends about visiting with them this summer I would like to get together with you and them at our house or theirs. And that wireless connection you mentione too… Thanks for doing this blog. You are a life saver. I will buy a couple of cold beers or some of those great desserts they have there to thank you. Thanks Lee Walker
I’ll contact you off line.
Hi Don, I have been in the David and Boquete area for three years and wish I had discovered your blog and a couple of others sooner. In spite of the fact that I spend it seems, 1/2 my life on the internet for business reasons I had never gotten tuned onto blogs until very recently. So I am a new fan.
Is there a way to become a subscriber or “user” on your BLOG ? O\I looked for the area and it was probably obvious. I’ll be grateful if you’d tell me how to sign up however - I am a small scale, ethical and ecologically aware developer with a strong commitment to getting my key employees started in their OWN businesses that compliment mine. I feel a strong obligation to share my skills here and give back in order to help in getting locals moving in creative and productive business directions (naturally I hope that they will be alongside and complimentary to mine, but if “I get rich my key emplyees should get rich” is my philosphy and has been my family’s unspoken policy for several generations - and we’ve created a lot of companies (both family members and our employees) . By th eay I am not here to “get rich” but the term is meant to demonstrate the pointt hat I wantto grwo with my associates…… Thanks for your blog Best regards Tim Bush in David no relation to George W or H)
Hi Timothy. Thanks for dropping in. There is nothing to sign up for on a blog. It is available for anyone to read. All you have to do is remember the Internet address.
can anyone fill me in on the prospect of locating marina or yachtyard work in the area??Also, affordable housing?? Thanks dave in Maine U.S.
Hi don let me know when and how to hook up with you thanks again. By the way any news on the wireless connection at Las Lajas. Thanks Lee
I’ll drop you a private email.
[...] Comments & Permalinks [...]
I have really been enjoying your website. My wife and I have purchased a few acres in Potrerillos and are looking for a home in the Boquete area, as high up as possible.
Do you keep track of the new road/bridges connecting Boquete to Volcan? It is called the Ruta Sur? Any information you care to pass on would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, keep on eating out and telling us how you like the various restaurants. They make our mouths water!!
Shrader and Susan
Hi Sharader. Thanks for leaving a comment. No, I haven’t kept up with the potential road from Boquete And Volcan. You might check in with Lee who lives in Boquete and writes http://www.boqueteguide.com or Jerry who will be living in Volcan and writes http://panamaendpoint.wordpress.com.
I usually go out to eat on weekends and usually take my camera. Glad you have enjoyed going along. Congratulations on your purchase and good luck in your search for a home.
Panama is pretty much the same. The Panamanians rob the gringos blind and most of the gringos don’t have the intelligence to realize this. On the other hand, many of the gringo men are looking for young girls all though they never say this. Nobody wants the older gringa women but the young blondes are in demand amongst Panamanian men, who think the gringa is free and liberal. Panama is growing but still corrupt, the men are still macho, the politicians thiefs, and the people still friendly in Chiriqui.
Hi Sandra. I re-read this post and all the comments and am not sure what triggered your comment, but let me try to respond.
I have found most Panamanians to be honest. If it is a business transaction, they will be a worthy advisory. You are correct that too many gringos come here and don’t try to learn what a good buy is and just throw money at the situation. Those are the ones that get taken and set the situation up for others to be taken too.
There is thievery and crooks in Panama. Most house crime that I have seen or heard of falls in the petty theft area. There are more gringos taking other gringos money than Panamanians taking gringos money. A lot of the developers fall in this category.
You are also correct that too many gringos come and think that the young Panamanian women are really in love with them. Some men are naive and some are lucky and it is really love. Others don’t care what it is and just want a young thing on their arm or in their bed.
I can’t argue with your ending sentence.
Hello Don,
We have a warning regarding our contractor that we would like to share with other readers. Do you have plans on posting a “buyer beware” link on your website so we all can be cautious in using certain contractors, workers or even stores?
Scott
Hi Scott. I think there is a “Bad Apples” Yahoo group set up for publishing that sort of thing. I obviously posted a buyer beware warning post and I think that Boquete.org has areas for discussion on builder awareness. This is the reason I believe that a clear contract needs to be had to protect both the builder and the buyer.
Thanks Don. We had a contract with this builder and we advanced payments foolishly in belief that this man was true to his word. “Greengos” for sure!
Scott
Unfortunately, you never should pay everything up front. There will will be some upfront advances for materials, but you have to keep enough held back to insure completion and to make sure you get what was agreed to.
Love the way your site is organized and non commercial. We are beginning our search for our retirement “haven” and want to correspond with others who have spent time in Panama. Thanks for the time you put into this communication! Do you ever help link up ‘posters’ so they can email each other if they have specific questions?
Hi Caite. Thanks for dropping in. I help where I can. If someone wants to communicate with another, I usually just forward the email to the other person. Whether they want to remain anonymous or respond is up to them.
Also sometimes, when I receive emails that I don’t have an answer to, I will post it for others to respond to and give their experiences.
Don:
Thanks for the assistance. Talking to others that actually live in Panama makes a BIG difference to get a realistic picture. Could you forward my email to Shrader Miller, Richard Johnson, and Fred? Also, would you be able to answer questions via email?
Again, thanks for your communication!
Caite
Hello Mr.Don. My name is Richard (Ricky) I’ve been going on your website for about 3 months now and let me tell you, I enjoy what your doing and very glad that you like my country. I’m from David and currently living in a small boring town in southern Alabama, I’am married to a wonderfull country girl (Amy) and have 2 very beautiful kids. Mckenzie (6) and Landen(2). I’m remodeling my home to sell so we can move to Panama. Could you please give me some information on what I need to do about recieving my pension check and any other advise for my wife , being she don’t speak spanish. Oh, I almost forgot maybe any info on jobs helping those moving from here to there that need someone that can translate for them. I speak very good and understandable English.
Thank You So Much and hope is not to much to ask for, any information would be greatly apreciated.
Ricky
Since I have some questions to your questions, i will respond via email.
HI Don,
My husband and I will be in David the middle of this month. I recently saw a link from a blogger regarding a new development west of David with small houses for 28,000. I can’t for the life of me find it again. Do you have any idea as to where this development could be. We wanted to check it out while we were there.
Thank you
Sharon
I posted about this development, but there may be others.
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/04/04/palmar-del-rio/
Hello Don Ray:
Rosara
I just discovered your blog and let me tell you I love it. I live in Philadelphia, Pa with my husband, but i miss my beautiful Chiriqui so much. To see all of these pictures makes me feel so close to home. I am going on vacation on July 2007 with my husband and I am pretty sure he will fall in love with it.
Thank you so much for this blog, made with so much care. I will be visiting it more frequently.
Hello Mr. Ray:
My dather (Andrea Bernard) is at the Latina University and today you was there sharing experiences and the girls were translating , so i thought that is a good thing to show you what we´re doing here for Boquete. Panama United Childrens Foundation is working really hard to help these kids. More info is on the web site.
Miguel Bernard
Cel. 507-66155397
Our web site is http://www.panamaunited.net
Miguel B.
Hi Miguel. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Thanks for leaving the URL of your organization. It looks like that is a worthwhile cause.
I enjoyed meeting your daughter today. She seems like a very nice young lady.
So very glad I found your site, Don. I have been researching Boquete/David area for weeks and not found as much info as your site provides. Excellent! Thank you.
Just wanted to make one comment about “friendly Panamanians”. I happened to connect with a girl who lives in Boquete and works for a local Realtor. I asked if she would mind chatting with me on Messenger to answer some of my questions about life in Boquete. We have ended up chatting for hours and she has become a good friend to me. She has been incredibly helpful to me - finding me a place to rent and so on. I am now truly looking forward to my time in Boquete.
Sincerely,
Gary Jones
hi i speak english very litle.
I,m opening the company to kitchen, walkig-closet and bathroom in David, Chiriqui for you interest. visit plis:
http://www.linead.it
http://www.mocmobili.it
thanks……..
6780-8823
Cristina,
I suggest you send me this information in the form of an email, and I will publish it as a stand alone post.
I am not sure this the correct way to do this, but my post has to do with getting a Pensionada Visa. I have spoken to several firms that assist in this process. The question is on the medical. This one firm says the doctor just wants to see you, and will ask you a lot of questions. Others say they want blood tests. I have a file on all my recent medical records. Does anyone have an answer to this. Also could you recommend a firm to assist me. I don’t know what the going rate is? Thanks Bill
Hi Bill. My information is dated, but I would expect it is still valid. When I got my Pensionado card in 2002, my lawyet took me to the doctors and to the labs that gave the blood tests. The test results were given to the doctor and he probided the paperwork that satisfied the system. I think they could care less about all of your medical records. They will want current blood tests from a Panamanian lab.
That is all I can answer. Current fee structures and firms are in my knowledge base.
hi i am interestered in super replicas cars and would like to know if i can trust.i would like to send a deposit but dont know.can you please tell me if you have seen the company or any of their cars
thanks
Kenny, You will have to monitor the post on Super Replicas. If I ever see any cars, that post will reflect it. The post and comments are current, To this point, I have seen no cars. When I do, I will take photos. Your comment would have been better if it had been left on the Super Replica post.
http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2008/05/26/super-replicas-in-david/