Skaters welcome to San Felipe! With the double purpose of keeping kids out of the streets and keeping them in good shape, we are sponsoring space for a Skate Park within one of our buildings. The guys from Flow (the skate and surf store) donated the materials, some equipment and training, and the kids brought their enthusiasm.

Last night, the Casco Antiguo community came together to celebrate the opening of Galeria Vida and Entre Pulgas. They took the opportunity to close up Calle 3era (behind Hotel Central) and have a neighborhood party with food and drinks for everyone. It was Christmas spirit all over, as right on the corner, Casa Gongora had the choir concert, singing traditional and Panamanian Christmas Carrols

One of the fondest memories I have of Christmas is going to visit my grandmother ( a former Casconian, waaaayyyy back when…) and spend hours either making or playing with the Christmas Model Town. We call it “el nacimiento” which in few words describes a small town made out of toys featuring the Christian nativity scene. You could go all the way up with those things, there where those who took the entire garage in their homes and did a real mini Israel out of it.

Yesterday I had a fantastic evening with a client who is looking to move to Casco Antiguo next year. It was very interesting to hear him out, not only why he was moving out from the States (the financial crisis, the lack of opportunities for a young guy to get a business going unless you had a lot of cash) but also his view on why Panama (and Casco Viejo, of course) is his best strategy under the difficult circumstances.

Today I was having lunch at Casuale (calle 1era) and saw this historic photo... which I happened to have the current angle! freaky, no?

Panama, and more importantly (for us) Casco Antiguo got featured at CNBC European Business December edition. Check out the article here!

Somehow Panama managed to fit all its holidays in November (or most of them). Today is December 01st, but it is a holiday to celebrate November 28th, which was our independence from Spain (and "marriage" with Colombia, which later we divorced as well).Many don´t know this, but...

Last night we had a wonderful time. Under the rain, as Panama is going through a "cold front" that has affected Central America and our borders with Costa Rica terribly, a group of neighbors took the time and effort to share a special meal among friends and give thanks for the blessing of being well, in good health and in good spirits. For all the troubles of today´s world, both economic and natural, moments like yesterday have a special connotation.

Pilgrims and Indians sharing a meal... did it really happen? in a way, I think the lesson within the story (sharing, helping out) might be even as important as finding out the truth. Notice this is not a Panamanian celebration... but don´t worry! we are quick learners, so Casco will have it´s own party !

What does Casco Antiguo and Italy have in common? could be the European feeling, the brick streets, the stone ruins, the statues, the architects (some Italians built the best buildings in the Casco)... No! ..... there is something more than meets the eye...