My husband and I live in El Ciruelo, a small fishing village and expat enclave about 5 minutes’ driving time from Playa Venao and 20 minutes from the charming town of Pedasi. Here, our northern guests can experience the breathtaking beauty and abundant activities in this special corner of Panama.
And as we sat on our terrace chatting with our visiting family and friends over the winter, it quickly became apparent how happy our guests felt to be here. After a day or two, we could visibly see their stress and anxiety melt away.
Of course, they are on vacation, the weather is perfect, and my husband and I take care of everything, so who wouldn’t feel more relaxed?!
But it was more than that. As discussions unfolded after a day of fun-in-the-sun adventures, our guests would say how safe they felt in Panama. How calm and stable our world is here. How it seems so far away from all the troubles abroad. How here, away from the angst at home, they could breathe more easily and see life more clearly. And most dreaded going back.
How the tides have turned! When we first told people we were considering moving to Panama (10 years ago), everyone's reaction was, "But is it safe? Would you really feel safe in Panama?" Well, the answer is a resounding YES!
Hosting our guests reinforces and reconfirms our decision to move here permanently eight years ago. With the stressful political turmoil unfolding around the world, we marvel at our stress-free, healthy and idyllic lifestyle in this picture-perfect rural setting.
The veggie truck meanders down our driveway Mondays and Thursdays heaped high with sun-kissed local produce, and the seafood truck appears weekly with seasonal selections such as tuna, dorado and prawns fresh out of the sea.
We go to Playa Venao to savor the bohemian vibe and enjoy the growing roster of amenities. A tropical playground with a welcoming buzz, life here centers around the vibrant village, the sweeping expanse of beach and the enticing warm waves.
Laidback resorts, charming hostels and busy surf shops stretch along the gently curving crescent-shaped beach ringed with golden-black marbled sand.
A colorful cluster of beachside restaurants, cafés, and bars with inviting aromas and ambiences tempt us daily with toes-in-the-sand dining, no line ups and ample free parking. We usually start with an ice-cold $3 beer as we ponder the international selection of foodie experiences around us.
We often pop into Super Venao to pick up something from this well-stocked, air-conditioned supermarket. A commercial center, bakery, clothing boutiques, a wellness center and several casual restaurants also line the main street.
A recent addition has been the Town Square. Home to a lovely green space and playground at the foot of a giant tree, the new square is a meeting place for all. Surrounded by small shops and restaurants, it is the perfect place to chill.
Warm, welcoming and closely knit, this is our community. Panamanians and expats from around the globe living side by side in harmony. Here, to be a neighbor is to be part of the family.
Everyone knows each other and lends a helping hand. People are friendly and full of smiles. There are no dark political clouds shrouding the sun. Only sand, sea, surf, and a strong social fabric.
A robust network of WhatsApp groups keeps everyone informed of community events and happenings, acts as an informal neighborhood watch and provides a space for restaurant offerings and marketplace items. The Playa Venao grapevine is inclusive, positive, and an invaluable source of information, adding to a strong sense of community and belonging.
And as family and friends return to their homes and the daily stresses of troubled and uncertain times, we feel more fortunate than ever to call this safe, secure, stable and serene piece of paradise on Panama’s Pacific Coast our home.
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