Episode 46: Why Panama Might Not Be the Paradise You Expect

[@ajjones6125]

Thank you Thank you Thank you. all of this information is real and needed. Much love and happy veterans day from a vet to vets!

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@ajjones6125 appreciate the kind words! Happy Veterans Day to you as well! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@CK9mum]

About the "mañana" pace of life - from what I understand (and a disclaimer, I do not live in Panama, yet) one of the reasons Panamanians operate this way is because they are so incredibly and wonderfully family oriented. So family/friends comes first. So if an electrician has committed to doing a job but then one of their relatives needs something - the relative will come first. And that's totally OK! I salute and support their family-first way of life.

[@angeebb3080]

As they should. I've had a few Panamanian friends, and they are very family-oriented FOE (family over everything), which I ain t mad at. More families need to be like that.

[@Chenda-rr6yo]

Thank you for breaking it down for some folks. I was born and raised in Panama. When I was young, my mom always took me to the country (Rio Hato) for my school break. We always took toilet paper and water to rinse our hands on the trip. One thing I love was going to the well to get water. I tried to balance that bucket of water on my head like my aunties did. No luck😂. Things have changed. Rio Hato has grown so much. I still take toilet paper and sanatizer on my road trip when I go. I will be in Panama in Feb to celebrate our school 50th class reunion.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@Chenda-rr6yo absolutely love it! We love our new home here 🙋🏾‍♂️🇵🇦 Your home country is so beautiful 🤩 (we don’t plan to ever move back to the US) #LivingLiberated 🫵🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@monicalockett1630]

Sheri & Glenn Brooks Jr. Thank you! Thank you! For this video. I've been to Panama six times. I've done my research and still doing so. I've stayed through out Panama for a month. From boco del toro, David, bowiette, san Juan, bogata. I love panama. What am I waiting for. Soc sec in 3 years. But thank you for this video.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@monicalockett1630 muchas gracias 🙏🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@PatriciaHuckabee-w4c]

Thank you so, so much! Your video was refreshing and real. You answered my questions perfectly!!!

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@PatriciaHuckabee-w4c awesome sauce 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@pedrozapata6087]

Could not watch the whole video, cause I am getting ready to go to work, but I wanted to leave a comment saying: 1. Thank you for the demenour and approach felt friendly, honest and fact-based. 2. I am Panamanian, and your experiences with electricians, Cable company and handymen are a common fixture of the Panamanian business market. 3. The root cause of that "mañana" behavior is indeed in part a "cultural" thing BUT also a product of a lack of Market rules and a body to enforce said rules (we have ACODECO here but is not even close to the BUSINESS BUREAU) 4. I have subscribee to your channel and I will continue watching the video during my breaks at work. Again thank you for sharing your experiences at my homeland Panama❤

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@pedrozapata6087 thanks for sharing mi amigo! Every day in your homeland of Panamá 🇵🇦 is an adventure and we LOVE IT! #LivingLiberated 🤎#WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🙏🏾

[@celiaferguson8610]

I being following you Beautiful Couple, i am from Panama, race in NY, my husband retired from the military live in Columbus GA, and when i see your Blog talking of your experiences living in Panama, i am so touch and proud, thank you both, and everything you say about the country is so True. Blessings to you Both 🙏🏾

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@celiaferguson8610 Aww muchas gracias 🙏🏾 we love Panamá 🇵🇦

[@peterdavila3045]

I loved your video. An honest exposition! Subscribed. I'm 69, retired. Currently living in cold NW New Jersey. I'll be traveling to Panama in 2025 to apply for their Pensionado Visa. I'll be in Volcan and Boquete areas, exploring those beautiful mountains and towns. Lucky for me, I'm in great health. I'm fluent in both English and Spanish. I love mountain living. That's where I am now in the highest spot in NJ. I'm so looking forward to integrating with both expats and the local community. If at all possible, I want to help any and all that I can help there. I'm looking forward to a few acres, a small house, a garden and enjoying that great weather. Life is good!

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@peterdavila3045 🫵🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 #TasteAndSee 🇵🇦 that #LivingLiberated is good 🙋🏾‍♂️ #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@yverak5504]

@peterdavila3045 Hi there, an wishing the same a little house with a garden. I will be visiting Panama in 2025 hoping to find possibilities.

[@donnacunningham7083]

I love Yall. I'm born and raised in DC, been in Fairfax, Va since 93, and ready to go to Pamama City. I like how you both keep it real. I know it's not for everyone, but is for Me. Anyway, hopefully I will meet you both one day.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@donnacunningham7083 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Let’s Gooooo! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🫵🏾🤎🇵🇦

[@lavieestbelle6068]

We are currently in Panama visiting, and frankly, day 1 was a culture shock. Thank you for this honest talk.

[@DjinnDjinni]

Great job on this vid. Very informative and explained well . Nice job putting things into perspective when living in Panama and giving me a good idea of what to expect. And no you were not harping and the pace was just fine.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@DjinnDjinni thank so much for the feedback! Glad it added some value 🇵🇦🙋🏾‍♂️🙏🏾#WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@ggwwio4681]

Isn't this the reason for the move....relax and slower pace.

[@michellecook3302]

Thank you guys sooo much for this insightful commentary on Panama. My husband and I are in the process of getting our residency and understand all of these points. Much love to you guys!

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@michellecook3302 Awesome 👏🏾 wish you guys well 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@daarm9186]

I visited Panama in July for eight days. I also did my research before leaving the US. You are correct. I carried my passport everywhere. Also, it was during rainy season, but we didn't experience any rain during my time spent.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

Thanks for viewing and commenting from your own experience. 😊

[@gerryj8839]

HOOAH and OORAH! Military family here as well. I'm also an AF brat that was stationed with my folks at Albrook AFB in the 70s. We love your insight about Panama. We also plan to retire there in a few years. We are likely to end up somewhere in the mountains, but the coast is also an option for us. We are super excited! Cheers, and thank you for the video.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@gerryj8839 🫵🏾👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾 wish you guys well on your retirement journey! Let me just say bienvenidos in advance 🇵🇦🤎

[@grcerosa]

You guys got it going on with your videos and explaining the real in’s out’s of beautiful Panama and speaking of Panama in 97 ..my wife and I went on a 14 day cruise and we happen to go through Panama …didn’t get a chance to stop in Panama City.

[@PanamaequityRealEstate]

Love the honesty guys. Great insight!

[@Stardustpal25]

Awww, what a lovely Couple you are 💞 Thank you for good info today 🤝🌺

[@deniseporter7708]

Fellow Marine here, I just love you guys videos.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@deniseporter7708 Aww!Thanks Denise 🤎🤎🤎#WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@Nomadic_Journey1]

Fellow Marine as well! Love your videos. Can’t wait to visit Panama soon.🤎

[@dalewis5038]

I'd like to start off by saying that you presented some information that I didn't see on the various channels I viewed before coming. Now, an advantage I had is that one, I'm a native or born and raised here, returning to live. That is still different. One is quite used to life in the USA and requires an adjustment. I liked how you expressed the differences in rent prices for example. The "realities" you spoke about was beautifully explained. Humbly, thank you. I'm exploring your videos now, sort of getting to know you, lol.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@dalewis5038 appreciate the kind words! We love your country of origin! Wish you well on your journey back home 🇵🇦 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@amazing-osky2052]

Amazing content guys. Panamanian here living in the DC area. You guys were on point on everything you said. Especially with the Monkey 🐒 story. Funny but true. Regarding the bill at a restaurant, you can ask for it in advance if you are on limited time and they will bring it to you. Remember, servers in Panama get paid a salary they don’t live on tips like here in the USA.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@amazing-osky2052 🤎🤎🤎 we love your Country! The culture is as warm as the climate 🇵🇦 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@CharlieBrown0507]

Well, I am panamanian living in the US for over 35 years. I hired a lawyer in Panama to help me with the Panamanian citizenship for my son. I thought by me already being a Panamanian citizen the process would be quick. no siree bob. It is taking forever. I called my sister who still lives in Panama to call and put pressure on it. My own sister won't even move fast. The culture, my culture is way too relaxed. No sense of urgency. I might have behaved the same way when I lived in Panama but now I do not understand it.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@CharlieBrown0507 🤦🏾‍♂️😳😳 I totally understand! It took me a while to get used to the culture. But after 16 months, I am almost healed of my hurriedness. 😭 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp and as they say here, Bienvenidos 🇵🇦🤷🏾‍♂️

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Your son is already a Panamanian citizen because he is the son of a Panamanian citizen, unless you became a US citizen.

[@elvdell5582]

A lot of this can be said for most Latin countries. I can distinctly recall visiting Colombia, and I thought wow... look at how neatly and nicely they wait in line. But when I spent a month there, I quickly realized, they are so nice in line because they wait in lines almost everywhere they go to take care of business LOL. Things start to look different the more time you spend in a place. I'm on a very similar journey. I see a few videos of yours I'm keen to queue up. Currently here in PC at the moment for several months. Let's go.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

Thanks for viewing, I have heard that culturally there are some similarities as you stated. Definitely a slower pace

[@TK-rj2vf]

Thanks for the info

[@nkind6962]

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@nkind6962 🙋🏾‍♂️ #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@bernstin6846]

I remember that when I visited.

[@isaiah208videos]

THAT part haha love the video

[@randyhilarski1]

Very true! After 14 years, the ones I have seen the most successful are the ones married to Panamanians. There are so many that move here and leave within three years.

[@margaretbrown4307]

Great info, not handicap friendly Sounds like other places such as Ghana

[@debmj314]

Hi Glenn & Sheri, my husband and I just returned from Panama, (10/14) and I must say that we truly enjoy the pace and vibe, Planning to come again in march. Love the information you share

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@debmj314 Awesome sauce 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Where in the country did you visit? How long was your stay? Favorite part of your time here?

[@debmj314]

@@glennandsheribrooksjr hey there we stay at the Marriott in San Francisco, from 10/10 - 10/14 definitely not enough time. The customs process was seamless, the hospitality, cost efficient, walkability score about an 8, certainly enough to peak our interest to come back in March

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Thank you. Good information.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@dixielambrecht7009 Awesome 👏🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@Alburene]

I am having second thoughts about moving abroad after hearing about how hard it is to get my dogs over safely.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@Alburene definitely take your time… We have friends that have done it but it’s definitely a process! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@carolsmith3771]

Thank you for all your info. You guys are charming. Do you all play spades. I love cards.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@carolsmith3771 😜 muchas gracias! We know how to play spades but we don’t very much! Full Transparency: It’s to emotionally intense for me 🥲 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🙋🏾‍♂️

[@kennyroberts2703]

When Glenn said "WILD MONKEY", I broke down 😂😂😂😂😂.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@kennyroberts2703 bruhhhhhh 😳😳😳 (where is the lie though 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️) 😭

[@kennyroberts2703]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ASofterSide]

Great information! I am interested in visiting soon. The political unrest here is bad. Of course they say Panama is politically charged too.

[@wishihadanickel]

I am subscribed -- looking forward to more content...

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@wishihadanickel awesome 👏🏾 We’re coming up on the 48th episode of Behind Closed Doors w/ the Brooks’ Feel free to binge watch all you want 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾#WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@bernstin6846]

My suitcase never arrived. I got it whe I returned home.

[@Tonya_atopicortwo]

*Replay* We are realistically looking at Panama as an option. I have been looking to relocate for quite some time and appreciate your videos!. What is the best way to get in touch with you all? We will be there in a couple of weeks.

[@monahernandez2865]

Hello, I am starting my process to see if Panama is the place for me. Would you be able to recommend a couple immigration attorneys that could help with obtaining my visa while I am still in America? I am looking to obtain the professionado visa. Thanks so much

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@monahernandez2865 awesome 👏🏾 in all honesty we’ve had only one experience with an immigration attorney (OURS) So glad that we found the right one for us the first time out the gate! Carol and her team are AMAZING! Her information is in the show descriptions. Feel free to give them a call. #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@LDookan]

How do I contact you guys directly? I’m planing to visit in weeks 😊

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

Check description 🙏🏾

[@talktotrish4199]

Hi there question! What if they arrive to deliver your sofa and they call you and you say hey I had go to the store I will be back soon? Do they wait for you? I mean, that’s like you being part of that whole vibe right? 😂

[@grandrapladyakaamb2438]

?? I watch many blogs from various expats who have relocated to Panama. My question is about bugs and insects. No one talks about this, I've lived in various places, and in Hawaii, we had to deal with giant cockroaches, and geekos. What are the negatives, when it comes to Entomology.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@grandrapladyakaamb2438 Great question… Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a response as we live in Panama City. I find that the insects issues are no different than in the US. You may see some here and there. I think I’ve seen one gecko in our unit in the 18 months we’ve lived here. No cockroaches, no flies, no flies, no nothing for us. I’m sure it’s different for people that live in other parts of the country, but I don’t hear many people talk about it either. Hope you find out more information. #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@ggwwio4681]

Great great information.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

We try our best to provide realistic information about life in Panama 🙏🏾

[@saintsfanatik]

Folks with the "how much does it cost" questions. Same rules as in the States: "it depends...". Do the research on the websites, then come there and *see*...

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@saintsfanatik 🫵🏾 that part! Come #TasteAndSee 🤎🇵🇦

[@carolsmith3771]

Please not so much with light skin

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@carolsmith3771 sorry if that offends you but it’s my wife’s story! To know us and her is to understand! 🤎🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@jasonl9266]

That's how things should be ! Who needs a hassle and bustle fast passed lifestyle anyways ...the it easy and sip on some rum under th coconut tree while yo wait for the cable man . 😂

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

It’s the life we chose! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@olowasegun6829]

Not for me

[@ourblazingworld]

I bet you people from southern Louisiana don't have issues because if you didn't say Panama I would think you was talking about Baton Rouge LOL.

[@ourblazingworld]

and by the way, a monkey can and has chewed a woman's face off before

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@ourblazingworld I’ve never been to Baton Rouge… But trust me, I understand! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🤦🏾‍♂️🙋🏾‍♂️

[@msnangiej]

Most of whats said can be said in 3 - 2 minutes segments. So the pace is slow. Most with those expectations aint coming. It seems like you harped on all the negatives.

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

@@msnangiej appreciate your response! Our goal was to present the realities of what we see because often times people only harp on hyped up versions of Panama 🇵🇦 Make no mistake about it. We absolutely love this country. That’s why we are permanent residents because we don’t plan on moving anywhere else. However, we are very clear on the fact that it’s not for everyone. #WeAllNeedSomeHelp #LivingLiberated 🤎🙋🏾‍♂️🙏🏾

[@mareerogers364]

ADOS stay home!!!

[@Yaaspassions]

Great information provided by a beautiful couple 🫶🏽😊

[@glennandsheribrooksjr]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp

[@celestetibbs3100]

Great video - very informational