Yet another newbie
- Thread starter lilbopeep
- Start date
Re: Hello All
It's all thanks to some disgruntled folks from another cooking forum who decided to make this place their new home. Much like FF. Funny how history repeats itself. You just have to have your line in the water in order to get a bite.
Folks, Al is a great guy. Very witty and entertaining. He spends a few months a year at his vacation home in Panama. It's gorgeous. Maybe he'll share some of the Panamanian cuisine with us if we ask nicely.
Thanks Al.
It's all thanks to some disgruntled folks from another cooking forum who decided to make this place their new home. Much like FF. Funny how history repeats itself. You just have to have your line in the water in order to get a bite.
Folks, Al is a great guy. Very witty and entertaining. He spends a few months a year at his vacation home in Panama. It's gorgeous. Maybe he'll share some of the Panamanian cuisine with us if we ask nicely.
Re: Hello All
Good analogy Andy!!!! Heck, I even forgot Kimster spammed us way back ... it is noted early in this thread.
Good analogy Andy!!!! Heck, I even forgot Kimster spammed us way back ... it is noted early in this thread. 
High Cheese
Saucier
Re: Happy Birthday Vyapti!!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Re: Happy Birthday Vyapti!!
Happy Birthday Vy!
Happy Birthday Vy!
buzzard767
golfaknifeaholic
Re: Happy Birthday Vyapti!!
HB, V. May you have many many more.
HB, V. May you have many many more.
Re: Happy Birthday Vyapti!!
Happy birthday Vyapti! :happybday2:
Hope you had a great day.
If they gave you 80k at that meeting, I'd guess that brightened your day considerably. Course they probably said "Drinks are on Vyapti" after the meeting, but with 80k I bet you didn't mind.
My bday is coming up, with a good word from you maybe you can get the council to give me 80k. What do ya say?
Happy birthday Vyapti! :happybday2:
Hope you had a great day.
If they gave you 80k at that meeting, I'd guess that brightened your day considerably. Course they probably said "Drinks are on Vyapti" after the meeting, but with 80k I bet you didn't mind.
My bday is coming up, with a good word from you maybe you can get the council to give me 80k. What do ya say?
vyapti
New member
Re: Happy Birthday Vyapti!!
Haha. I got the $. Unfortunately, its for work. The city granted us $80,000 to pay off a loan on an affordable housing project. One of the council members was adamantly opposed, and I feared my little issue would become a political pawn. It didn't happen though, so that was a good thing.
Happy future birthday, Doc.
Haha. I got the $. Unfortunately, its for work. The city granted us $80,000 to pay off a loan on an affordable housing project. One of the council members was adamantly opposed, and I feared my little issue would become a political pawn. It didn't happen though, so that was a good thing.
Happy future birthday, Doc.
BigAl
New member
Re: Hello All
The islands of Panama are a great place to live part time . We try to get down to our island home ,on the Caribbean side twice a year .
A lot of people mistakemly think we have great mexican food there ,but nothing could be further from the truth .
We go to the little fruit stand 1 or 2 times a week for freash fruits and veggies . Pretty much anything can be found now , but that was not always the case in the past . On the 12 waterfront acres we have ,I have planted Mango, grapefruit, yucca,breadfruit, pineapple, coconuts, lime trees , soursops,cacao ,bananas, green beans , and much more . We are planting about another 20 types of veggies when we go back . I am also starting my own chicken raising operation and will have fresh eggs and meat to sale to the locals . Rice and Beans is a favorite as in many Caribbean countries . Fresh fish runs under a buck a pound , lobster, crab can also be had for about $2.50 a pound . The local Indians will deliver it alive in their dug out canoes . Nothing better than Coconut smoked fish !
If your in the area stop by and I'll give you the nickle tour . We have tourist come for jungle walks and to see the local flora/fauna .
We are now setting up a small bed & Breaskfast type business on the property .For the more adventurous we also have a 2 person self contained cabin avalible .
Hammocks on the deck are on a first come basis ! Sitting on the deck in the evening is by far our favorite pass time . Sunsets over the water are incredible
The islands of Panama are a great place to live part time . We try to get down to our island home ,on the Caribbean side twice a year .
A lot of people mistakemly think we have great mexican food there ,but nothing could be further from the truth .
We go to the little fruit stand 1 or 2 times a week for freash fruits and veggies . Pretty much anything can be found now , but that was not always the case in the past . On the 12 waterfront acres we have ,I have planted Mango, grapefruit, yucca,breadfruit, pineapple, coconuts, lime trees , soursops,cacao ,bananas, green beans , and much more . We are planting about another 20 types of veggies when we go back . I am also starting my own chicken raising operation and will have fresh eggs and meat to sale to the locals . Rice and Beans is a favorite as in many Caribbean countries . Fresh fish runs under a buck a pound , lobster, crab can also be had for about $2.50 a pound . The local Indians will deliver it alive in their dug out canoes . Nothing better than Coconut smoked fish !
If your in the area stop by and I'll give you the nickle tour . We have tourist come for jungle walks and to see the local flora/fauna .
We are now setting up a small bed & Breaskfast type business on the property .For the more adventurous we also have a 2 person self contained cabin avalible .
Hammocks on the deck are on a first come basis ! Sitting on the deck in the evening is by far our favorite pass time . Sunsets over the water are incredible
Attachments
Re: Hello All
Yay Al!
I love seeing the pics again.
That little cabin would be nice to share with someone of the ummm 'cat persuasion...
Yay Al!
I love seeing the pics again.
That little cabin would be nice to share with someone of the ummm 'cat persuasion...
BigAl
New member
Re: Hello All
Ah...you noticed my little bandit ! That is a Sloth . Very slow and they live primarily in the tree tops of the rain forest . We have a family that lives on the property . They are fruit and veggies eaters and come down about once a week to "do their business" than back up the tree they go . I would not want to piss one off . Very big claws !!!!
Great pics Al!!!!!
One question .... was that you in your halloween costume climbing that tree?
Ah...you noticed my little bandit ! That is a Sloth . Very slow and they live primarily in the tree tops of the rain forest . We have a family that lives on the property . They are fruit and veggies eaters and come down about once a week to "do their business" than back up the tree they go . I would not want to piss one off . Very big claws !!!!
BigAl
New member
Re: Hello All
Gee , I can't imagine who that might be ...... Yes the bug to get back down has been biting me pretty hard lately . I guess the plan is to leave around the end of Feb for 3 months . There is no doubt that I will just up and move there full time very soon . Life is soooooo much simpler down there . I love sitting on the deck and enjoying a leisure 2 hour breakfast in my PJ's while watching the humming birds come to the feeders .Yay Al!
I love seeing the pics again.
That little cabin would be nice to share with someone of the ummm 'cat persuasion...
BigAl
New member
Re: Hello All
Honestly , My life revolves around the love for my wife . She introduced me to Panama . She puts up with my mood swings . She gave me the courage and the strenght to believe I could attempt something like building a home on a Island that has no machinery, no cars , and foot traffic only .
None of it would mean a thing to me , without her .
(Mushy buttom is now off )
LOL
Heaven on earth!
You and Mrs. Al are two very fortunate people.
Honestly , My life revolves around the love for my wife . She introduced me to Panama . She puts up with my mood swings . She gave me the courage and the strenght to believe I could attempt something like building a home on a Island that has no machinery, no cars , and foot traffic only .
None of it would mean a thing to me , without her .
(Mushy buttom is now off )
LOL
Re: Hello All
That's why we love ya Al.
You're a big bundle of mushy love, plus you're pretty damn funny lol
That's why we love ya Al.
You're a big bundle of mushy love, plus you're pretty damn funny lol
High Cheese
Saucier
Re: Hello All
Those pics are awesome! You need a grounds keeper?
Those pics are awesome! You need a grounds keeper?
buzzard767
golfaknifeaholic
dansdiamond
Food Sound Eng.
Re: Hello All
Thanks Al- Those pictures sent my mind a drift for a few!
And I thought I had a garden LOL
Thanks Al- Those pictures sent my mind a drift for a few!
And I thought I had a garden LOL
joec
New member
Re: Hello All
Great pictures Al. Especially the picture of the Ocelot as I had one as a pet in Costa Rica, till I set it free back to the jungle. At any rate the place kind of reminds me of a place I owned for 3 years in the center of Costa Rica which is where I wanted to retire, it didn't work out for me at that time. The frogs even look the same all beautiful but poisonous.
Great pictures Al. Especially the picture of the Ocelot as I had one as a pet in Costa Rica, till I set it free back to the jungle. At any rate the place kind of reminds me of a place I owned for 3 years in the center of Costa Rica which is where I wanted to retire, it didn't work out for me at that time. The frogs even look the same all beautiful but poisonous.
BigAl
New member
Re: Hello All
Yes we are only 20 miles from Costa Rica . The area I am in is called Bocas Del Toro and we have about 2-300 islands in the area . Most are not inhabited . I have had the property since 2001 and we built it to what it is today .My particular island is called Bastimentos and is about 3/4 mile wide and 8 miles long . WE live on the channel side and are fortunate enough to be protected from most high seas and rollers .
There is a little hole in the wall cafe in Bastimentos town that is called "Alvins", named after the owners son . She makes a Whole Red Snapper in Garlic sauce that is to die for . Cost is about $6.50 and boy its worth every penny . You wash it all down with a couple of Balboa beers and you will be a happy camper .
Don't let the idea of it being expensive stop you , to come and visit Panama . Sure you can spend "Gringo Prices" if you do not know where to go . We get lots of company from the States and England and most say its a very cheap vacation . You just have to know how to do it and leave the "American Attitude" at the door as you enter . Me and the wife , average about $300- $400 a week and we do not short ourselves for anything , when we are down there . Thats includes going out to dinner and lunch a couple times a week too . I am not into the night light on the main island and would much rather relax on the covered deck at the house or swim in the lagoon . You will pay a hell of a lot more for 1 week in Florida than you would ever pay on my island . Besides , when was the last time you slept in the rain forest jungle and watch dolpins playing when you went fishing ?? You only live once ..........
I'm not trying to bum up business , just making a statement . My idea of a vacation is coming back relaxed and full of adventure memorys ,not beat to death from trying to do to much in too little of time .
Like i said before , Doors open if your ever in our neck of the woods.......uh I mean jungle .
Great pictures Al. Especially the picture of the Ocelot as I had one as a pet in Costa Rica, till I set it free back to the jungle. At any rate the place kind of reminds me of a place I owned for 3 years in the center of Costa Rica which is where I wanted to retire, it didn't work out for me at that time. The frogs even look the same all beautiful but poisonous.
Yes we are only 20 miles from Costa Rica . The area I am in is called Bocas Del Toro and we have about 2-300 islands in the area . Most are not inhabited . I have had the property since 2001 and we built it to what it is today .My particular island is called Bastimentos and is about 3/4 mile wide and 8 miles long . WE live on the channel side and are fortunate enough to be protected from most high seas and rollers .
There is a little hole in the wall cafe in Bastimentos town that is called "Alvins", named after the owners son . She makes a Whole Red Snapper in Garlic sauce that is to die for . Cost is about $6.50 and boy its worth every penny . You wash it all down with a couple of Balboa beers and you will be a happy camper .
Don't let the idea of it being expensive stop you , to come and visit Panama . Sure you can spend "Gringo Prices" if you do not know where to go . We get lots of company from the States and England and most say its a very cheap vacation . You just have to know how to do it and leave the "American Attitude" at the door as you enter . Me and the wife , average about $300- $400 a week and we do not short ourselves for anything , when we are down there . Thats includes going out to dinner and lunch a couple times a week too . I am not into the night light on the main island and would much rather relax on the covered deck at the house or swim in the lagoon . You will pay a hell of a lot more for 1 week in Florida than you would ever pay on my island . Besides , when was the last time you slept in the rain forest jungle and watch dolpins playing when you went fishing ?? You only live once ..........
I'm not trying to bum up business , just making a statement . My idea of a vacation is coming back relaxed and full of adventure memorys ,not beat to death from trying to do to much in too little of time .
Like i said before , Doors open if your ever in our neck of the woods.......uh I mean jungle .
joec
New member
Re: Hello All
You could live quite well in Costa Rica on a monthly Social Security check to be honest with you, so money wasn't why it didn't work out. Being from Miami Florida myself I do know how expensive it is to visit though not as bad to live there though still not cheap. I traveled extensively for 3 years world wide so I understand the "America Attitude". I actually purchased a working farm in Costa Rica late '79 and sold it early '84. It didn't work out due to many other reasons none of which I really want to discuss here. If I ever get a chance to leave the US again Costa Rica is my first port of call. Loved the country, attitudes and slow life style.
Oh and the farm was 10 acres in Cartago province, which was the first capital of Costa Rica before San Jose. It is pretty mountainous and I could stand on my balcony in the morning and see the Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other. I paid $10,000 which included 10 acres, a 4 bedroom house, servants quarters and power station and a couple that worked there which I put on a salary which they had never gotten. This was in '79 however so I'm sure it has gone up now that people have discovered Costa Rica. I actually gave the place to the family that worked the farm, signing it completely over to them. They where great people and the man was probably the best carpenter I've ever meet in my life and I've sure know a few. The man could build anything out of wood and kept the place absolutely in perfect working order. I gave them everything they grew from day one in addition to a good salary while they worked for me.
You could live quite well in Costa Rica on a monthly Social Security check to be honest with you, so money wasn't why it didn't work out. Being from Miami Florida myself I do know how expensive it is to visit though not as bad to live there though still not cheap. I traveled extensively for 3 years world wide so I understand the "America Attitude". I actually purchased a working farm in Costa Rica late '79 and sold it early '84. It didn't work out due to many other reasons none of which I really want to discuss here. If I ever get a chance to leave the US again Costa Rica is my first port of call. Loved the country, attitudes and slow life style.
Oh and the farm was 10 acres in Cartago province, which was the first capital of Costa Rica before San Jose. It is pretty mountainous and I could stand on my balcony in the morning and see the Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other. I paid $10,000 which included 10 acres, a 4 bedroom house, servants quarters and power station and a couple that worked there which I put on a salary which they had never gotten. This was in '79 however so I'm sure it has gone up now that people have discovered Costa Rica. I actually gave the place to the family that worked the farm, signing it completely over to them. They where great people and the man was probably the best carpenter I've ever meet in my life and I've sure know a few. The man could build anything out of wood and kept the place absolutely in perfect working order. I gave them everything they grew from day one in addition to a good salary while they worked for me.