Boquete is a thriving valley town, standing in the foothills of the extinct Barú volcano in the Chiriqui province of Panama, near the border of Bocas del Toro. Famed for its California oranges, delicious coffee, cool spring air shimmering with rainbows, it is one of the fastest-growing retirement and expatriate communities in Panama. The statuesque landscape runs from 2500 to 10,000 feet high, richly lined with vegetation nourished by black volcanic soil.

The volcano marks the highest point of Panama, and holds a commanding view of the Pacific (and on a clear day, Atlantic) ocean. Rainforests in the surrounding hills are lush and verdant, and home to many rare species, including the highly prized quetzal, a brilliantly colored bird in danger of extinction.

Well removed from the cosmopolitan hubbub, Boquete is a full day’s drive from Panama City, but easily accessible by domestic airline or charter to the city of David, a 30 minute drive away.

This town of 350 square miles has a population of just 15,000, a diverse mix of Panamanians, European settlers from the town’s founding in 1911, and more recently North Americans, all drawn to the beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat. Many retirees are establishing their homes in this peaceful community, lured by tits gentle climate and incredible vitality.

The rainy season runs from May to December, and average termperatures range from 65-75°F. The area receives generous rainfall, usually in the form of a light drizzle, creating misty rainbows. Known as the Valley of the Flowers, Boquete is awash with blooms that delight in the everlasting spring weather; orchids, lilies, sunflowers and hibiscus all adorn this alpine garden. The annual Flower and Coffee Festival is a dizzyingly colorful spectacle.

Coffee plantations line the high slopes, and the tight clusters of red berries are picked from October through February by workers from the nearby indigenous communities. The territory of the indigenous tribe Ngöbe-Buglé Indians lies in the hills above the valley, and their artesanal crafts can be found for sale in local markets.

Hiking and riding trails are plentiful, and river-rafting beckons the adventurous on the nearby Chiriqui Grande. For the less adventurous, the rivers offer plentiful trout-fishing, and there are volcanic hot springs to soothe body and spirit.

It sits on twelve acres of a quality coffee plantation estate. The views of the town below and the Baru Volcano are magnificent and dominate the skyline.

Los Establos is a small distinctive bed and breakfast where the beauty of the surroundings and the quality of the service will ensure your return again and again. There are four deluxe rooms with queen beds, TV with DVD players, a private patio on each room and beautiful marble bathrooms. There are also two spacious suites with glass sitting rooms, large marble bathrooms, TV and DVD player.

Other Amenities:

• Internet cubical at your disposal
• Glass enclosed Jacuzzi for six
• Large patio surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens
• Spacious lobby and grand salon with billiard table
• Original Central And South American art
• Lighted PGA bent grass golf green with four chipping T boxes
• Light driving range
• Club house bar and pro shop
• Tree house deck with bird feeders
• Surfaced pathways through the coffee for your morning walks

Choose from an array of breakfast foods, either American style or Panamanian.

At Los Establos, the staff focuses on personalized service from the moment you arrive. Claudia Lombardo, the hostess, will be at your service along with staff Rosa, Lilliana and Bolivar.

One of the highlights of a stay in Boquete, in the North West area of Panama, is a tour of a coffee plantation.

Coffee Adventures offer a complete pick-up service and a detailed tour of the Kotowa Plantation, which lasts approx 3 hours. The tour starts out among the coffee trees where you will see, probably for the first time, how small a coffee tree can be, and how the beans develop in an extraordinary way all along the branches. As they develop at different rates, ripening and picking is a continuous process from October to April, but even at the end of May, when I visited, there is still plenty to see.

The guide, Hans van der Vooren, lives on his own coffee plantation “Finca Habbus de Kwie” so his knowledge is first hand and very informative. He tells the story of the Kotowa Plantation from its humble beginnings at the hands of a Canadian ex-Pat, who actually gave up being Mayor of Vancouver and came to Boquete in 1920 to grow coffee, and the business is still run by the same family today.

Following the bean from picking through drying, sorting and roasting is a fascinating tale, and yet it is done with very simple equipment, largely unchanged since coffee first began. Learning about the different beans, the quality and the difference in roasting times (just 30 seconds takes a medium blend to fully roasted), is totally fascinating and Hans is happy to answer all your questions as the tour proceeds through the small buildings.

Equally interesting was seeing how the resident workers live and work. Native Indians are used for labor, and the living conditions they enjoy are award-winning in the country. Despite all the mod-cons such as tap water, many still prefer to wash and bathe in the nearby stream, and continue to fill the houses with acrid smoke whilst cooking! The children all go to school on-site, which cleverly frees up the women to work and earn also. Seeing their colorful traditional dress and watching the children scamper shyly about the fields was an education for us too.

The final part of the tour was spent in the restored cupping room of the original old mill, where we sat inhaling the aroma of freshly brewing coffee. Now we could put into practice our new knowledge as coffee tasters. In the cupping process, we shook the ground coffee around in the cups to inhale the scents, much like in wine tasting. The mild roast certainly had the smell and taste of many fruits. Medium roast produced a more nutty taste, together with caramel and chocolate flavors, and the full roast lost most of the finer tastes in favor of chocolate, but was noticeably smoother.

All that we heard, seen and experienced that morning at Kotowa coffee plantation was an education which will stay with me and hopefully be recalled the next time I choose my beans in Starbucks. And yes, Hans, now I know how to store them and keep them at their best, too!!

Situated on the outskirts of the charming town of Boquete in the far West of Panama, Valle Escondido is in touch with all amenities. The airport is just 40 minutes drive away in David, which also has many shops, supermarkets, banks and car dealerships. Closer to home, Boquete offers many small shops and restaurants and is a pleasant 10 minute stroll from the resort.

This premier gated community has every modern convenience and amenity including a golf course, country club, gym, horseback riding, hiking in the forest, cycling, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and more. On-site there is also the Haven Spa with an indoor swimming pool and full spa services.

Lots are sized from 850 to 5000 square meters and include underground electricity, water, internet and phone services. There are a number of preferred builders who will work with you to achieve your dream home. Alternatively, as this is a well-established community there are now some resales available. A 2 bed condo is listed at $275,000 with full golf membership. Short and long-term rentals are also available through the Property Management office which is an ideal way to try out the lifestyle of Valle Escondido for yourself.

The country of Panama offers many things not found in other Central American countries, hence its top position in International Living’s “Best place to retire”. A good infrastructure of roads and transport is one. A world renowned Banking sector is another. It is considered the safest Caribbean country with a high-profile police presence. English is fairly widely spoken, and English-speaking TV programs and newspapers are available everywhere.

Now why Boquete in particular? Having visited, I found the town charming, with a real sense of community. It has a fabulous climate, 70-88 degrees year round, and less humidity than the hotter coastal areas. The higher rainfall which suits the coffee plantations also encourages a plethora of beautiful and exotic flowers and trees throughout the year. It is also well-protected from unsuitable development and over-commercialization and consequently is still a bird-watchers paradise. There is still plenty of open wilderness, waterfalls and vast areas of untouched rainforest and jungle.

Access is cheap and easy to the USA and Canada either from the airport at David, 20 miles away, or from Panama City, 300 miles (408 kms) away. Beaches are just one hour’s pleasant drive away.

With its bustling town, quality restaurants, coffee shops, delis and artist’s wares, Boquete is a delightful centre. Prices are the same here as elsewhere in Panama’s coastal resorts, and the availability and quality of cuisine is excellent. Take your pick from Peruvian (highly recommended), Italian, Bistro or Spa Restaurant, down to Pizzas and Ice cream parlors. Further afield, David offers many supermarkets, PriceSmart, electrical retailers, banks, hardware stores and car dealerships.

Health is another big consideration for retirees and Panama has excellent and affordable healthcare centers. A visit to the local Doctor is just $5, hospitals are world-renowned and well-equipped. Prescription drugs are widely available, often sold over-the-counter and are very reasonably priced.

In conclusion, there are no major negatives to life in Panama. The standard of living is good and the cost of living and healthcare is lower than in many other countries.

Whilst being world-renowned for its coffee, it is also one of the nicest places I have found to eat out. The standards are very high, the service is good, and the variety of cuisine is a delight. English is widely spoken here.

Top of my list, “Machu Picchu” Restaurant offers an extensive Peruvian menu of fish, seafood, steaks and chicken, many with delicious sauces and a choice of side dishes. Try the “Corvina Griega”, Sea Bass covered in prawns in a light cheese sauce and baked in the oven au gratin. Not to forget the very delicious and plentiful meal for less than $9. House wine is good and just $2.50 per glass and the service is also very professional.

Similarly “Delicias de Peru” has a menu specializing in seafood, but also offers fish and meat dishes. The corvina with bacon wrapped prawns in a brandy sauce is quite delicious. Here the décor is more traditionally Peruvian, and the staffs are delightful. The chef even came out to give us the recipe for the brandy sauce!

Further out of the town centre is the town’s oldest hotel which also has a high class restaurant and slightly higher prices.

There are also several other restaurants which offer good food throughout the day including the “Bistro”, a Pizza restaurant, and for desserts, an ice-cream bar. The various Hotels around the town also have their own restaurants. As this is the center of the coffee-growing area of Panama, there are many coffee shops which also have light lunches, sandwiches and pastries. One thing is for sure, whatever your budget, you will eat well in Boquete and will want to return for more.

]]> http://boquetepanama.co.uk/boquete-restaurants/eating-out-in-boquete/feed/ http://boquetepanama.co.uk/boquete/driving-from-panama-city-to-boquete/ http://boquetepanama.co.uk/boquete/driving-from-panama-city-to-boquete/#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:26:02 +0000 admin http://boquetepanama.co.uk/?p=31 Driving a new route is always an adventure, especially in countries like Panama. What will the road be like? What will the weather be like? What will I see along the way that is different? Traveling with an open mind, a sense of adventure and a camera is the best way to discover a country.

I traveled from Panama City, West along the Pan American highway at the end of May, which generally sees the start of more rain. The first leg of the journey to San Carlos is on a generally good 4-lane highway. The road is fairly busy with traffic and the terrain is hilly. From time to time you can see the Pacific Ocean, and of course the rugged tree-covered mountains are ever-changing on your right.

After San Carlos, the road becomes much flatter and continues past local houses, small-holdings and much more farmland. There is certainly less traffic, and less gas stations. Watch out for the Traffic Police with radar guns in the small towns. Generally the first sign that you should slow down to about 50km/hr is a footbridge or overpass for pedestrians to cross the road. Sometimes there are signs showing the lower speed limit, or simply a warning to reduce your speed.

After Penonome, the next major town is Santiago, a busy center with plenty of local shops and even a MacDonalds! The road to David now becomes a 2-lane highway, but is still wide and well maintained. Now the farmland ends and the road runs through the more hilly region of Veraguas district, which is more sparsely populated but still very beautiful on every side.

David is in the province of Chiriqui, and Panama’s second largest city. Here you will find all your shopping and material needs supplied in the many shops in the large town. There are several banks, a shopping mall, a Price Smart, office supplies, car showrooms and every small shop you can imagine.

Following the sign for Boquete, the road turns North and becomes a narrower highway.. The road is in good condition – watch out for the occasional pothole – but overtaking is very limited due to the many twists and turns along the way. The steady climb to Boquete now begins. Four wheel drive is not necessary unless you are staying out of town.

Here the scenery changes again and there are many trees with local houses hidden in pretty gardens. There are rivers and occasional fields of cows, crops of sugar cane and of course, small coffee plantations. After 40 slow kms, which can take up to an hour to drive, you round the bend and see Boquete nestled below in the crater. Aptly named, the word “Boquete” actually means “hole in the ground”. Whatever your ideas of Panama, Boquete is like nowhere else. It reminds me most of being in the mountains of Europe, or Madeira, but perhaps that is just because it started to rain!

With its bustling town, quality restaurants, coffee shops, delis and artist’s wares, Boquete is a delightful centre. Prices are the same here as elsewhere in Panama’s coastal resorts, and the availability and quality of cuisine is excellent. Take your pick from Peruvian (highly recommended), Italian, Bistro or Spa Restaurant, down to Pizzas and Ice cream parlors. There are many small hotels along the road, and out of season (May thro October) there is plenty of availability.

The total journey is 309 miles (485 kms) and you need to allow 6.5 hours plus stops. Above all else, enjoy seeing the changing face of Panama along the way.

1. Weather – Boquete’s highlands have mild, cool weather that many Europeans and Americans have found to their liking. The climate reminds one of Switzerland during warmer months.

2. Location – Boquete is near Panama’s border with Costa Rica and a quick drive or flight across the border. It is also the only area outside of Panama City with a flight (from David) to Bocas del Toro, so this is a one-two punch that is common with tourists and also an easy getaway for local residents in either direction.

Because of the proximity to Costa Rica and ease of travel between two popular tourism destinations, this location is poised for growth. Because many parts of Boquete are at high altitude, some parts of the highlands have incredible ocean views.

3. Environment – Many retirees and investors are flocking to Chiriqui. As a result, there’s a communal, fun feeling that only comes in these “town of transplants”. Retirees find there are many folks willing to take them under their wing and help them learn the ropes of life abroad.

4. Tourism — Boquete is to Panama what Monteverde and Arenal are to Costa Rica. Many tourists visiting Panama work their way to the Boquete area during their travels as a perfect cool weather complement to their beach time. The combination of tourism, foreign retirees and local investment make this region a safe bet for continued future growth.

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We have been here almost four years, and just the other day I said to my husband: “I just want to stay home and do nothing tonight. I’m exhausted.” Clearly, I shouldn’t have been concerned about boredom if I was looking forward to a quiet evening of eating pizza and watching American Idol!

Let me give you a sample of things to do here, and you might decide you won’t even need a television:

Boquete has some great restaurants. There is a Panamanian cafeteria where you can buy more than you can possibly eat for under $3.00. Boquete also boasts Peruvian, Continental, French, North American, Mexican, Argentinian and Chinese restaurants. Coffee shops and bakeries offer prize winning coffees and light lunches. Musicians or small bands often entertain for tips, and many places have outdoor eating where you can catch a breeze and take in the scenery or the street scene.

While you are eating, pick up a copy of the Bajareque Times, a free monthly bilingual newspaper. It will give you a taste of the culture here. Over the last months there have been articles on coffee, a new dental clinic, a man’s work to protect the natural beauty of Boquete’s environment, a recipe for a typical Panamanian dish, and suggestions on good hiking trails, along with great photographs of local events and people. Check it out at www.bajarequetimes.com.

One recent article was a review of the first production by the Boquete Community Players. The Boquete Community Players is an amateur theater group dedicated to bringing classic theater to Chiriqui. People who like to act, direct, build sets, craft props, manage stage properties, create costumes, apply make up - or learn how to do any of these - will want to become involved.

I can’t sew a costume or build a set to save my life, so I got involved in acting. The Boquete Community Players put on the play The Night of January 16, written in the 1930’s by Ayn Rand. I auditioned for and was cast to play the part of a dowdy (and mouthy!) Swedish housekeeper. Typecasting?

Keith Cline, who played a detective, gives his view of BCP’s debut performance. “A friend told me I was perfect for the role of Inspector Sweeney. That did it. Flattery gets me every time. Thank God the role was small enough for me to learn without too much anxiety-and I was glad to get a part that had comic possibilities. Having spent much of my life learning that being myself is okay, I was finally free to pretend to be somebody else. What a great time! When’s the next show?”

Soon, Keith. The next production will be a musical set in a tropical paradise. Hmm, tropical paradise. Sounds familiar. And then maybe a comedy or a murder mystery. Possibilities abound.

If you are a hands on person who loves to learn new and creative things, Boquete offers a lot of choices. There is a chess club that meets on a regular basis. I’ve been part of a creative writing group and a book club. I also take acrylic art lessons from a Panamanian “profesoro” at a very reasonable rate. A community choral group, adults and children, performed Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus at Christmas and left the audience with tears in their eyes. There are salsa dance lessons and salsa aerobics. Talk about a fun way to get into shape! And much needed Spanish lessons, of course. Boquete boasts small groups of friendly people that give you the courage to try new things.

There are pristine and challenging golf courses. For the adventurous, there are internationally acclaimed white water rafting tours. Or go tree trekking — glide in a harness on a steel cable above the treetops of century-old forests, high above the blue rivers and waterfalls (unless, of course, you’re a afraid of heights like I am.) There are flower and coffee festivals. The orchids here will leave you marveling at how intricate, varied and delicate nature can be.

The Panamanian people are very outgoing, and boy! do they know how to celebrate! They host two Independence festivals each year in November (one from Colombia and the other from Spain), a Christmas parade and of course, Carnival. Panamanian women are among the most beautiful in the world, and for the parades they out do themselves by wearing pollera’s - long white traditional dresses that they proudly display by holding the ends of the dresses out like butterfly wings. (Some of these dresses-all made by hand-cost thousands of dollars). Tembleques, or beaded pearl head dresses are woven in their thick, black hair. Dark eyes, swaying rhythms-it is latin beauty at its best. School children from all over the country come for Independence Day to Boquete to march with military precision, play drums, liras (decorated xylophones), and proudly display the Panamanian and Chiriqui flags. Boys in sombreros and girls in cotton flowered dresses dip, weave, and curtsy with each other in tipico dancing. Bring a camera, and if you don’t have one, buy one. The parades of Boquete are not to be missed.

Do you like music? Boquete has hosted classical guitarists, saxophonists and jazz musicians. In March world famous Canadian flautist, Ron Korb gave a magical performance of Celtic, fusion, jazz and oriental music in the Catholic church downtown. And then, of course, there is Sammy and Sandra, a Panamanian brother and sister act that will have you shimmying to Latin salsa in no time at all.

In just the past few months alone, Valle Escondido-a master planned community with shops, luxurious spa, continental restaurant and a acoustically perfect performance amphitheatre-has offered several events. Golfers enjoyed perfect weather to attempt ‘hole in ones’ at three golf tournaments. The Former Miss Universe graced the Valle with her beauty, and the Cantina plied its customers with lots of green decorations and Guinness beer for St. Patrick’s Day. Folks had a great time eating barbecue and cole slaw while listening to The Roe Family Band-mom, pop and two brothers-perform toe-tapping, foot-stomping bluegrass in the chapel at Valle Escondido. Earlier in the year taste buds were tantalized with the First Annual Chiriqui Chili Cook-off-competition for next year’s is bound to be keen.

So, boredom here is no problem. The problem is making sure I have time and energy to go to all the classes, restaurants, concerts, dances, parades, festivals and other special events that Boquete has to offer. Life here is tranquil and exciting, relaxing and thrilling. From orchids to salsa, theater productions to parades, there is always something to do. Just bring your sense of adventure and your love of all things beautiful. You won’t be disappointed.

Source: Gate way to Panama

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Editor’s Comment: Notice the section of this article talking about the “white hat” vs. “black hat” developers buying up ROP land. With this article you can add the LA Times to the list of expanding media attention being drawn to this issue, along with the article that appeared in the Miami Herald last week and the speech given by US Ambassador William Eaton last Monday. The government of Panama needs to allocate additional resources to address this issue which is quickly growing in importance and gaining increased visibility. In short, I desperately need a headline that says “the government is doing something” and so far I don’t have it. I really wish they would give it to me (by doing something.)

Who’s Trying to Link The Two Issues? Panama getting it’s act together on land ownership and titling issues has (or should not have) absolutely anything to do with the Free Trade Agreement and “problem” of Pedro Miguel Gonzalez. The Free Trade Agreement will bring improved dispute resolution mechanisms for issues dealing with the cross border movement of materials and merchandise. There is nothing (not a word) about Rights of Possession land disputes in the Free Trade Agreement, and if the agreement passes congress then the reality on the ground in Panama will not change one iota. Any suggestion of a kind of quid pro quo is best categorized as wishful thinking.

(Article Continues)

“I’m a heart-attack survivor, so I like the laid-back thing. And knowing that every day I wake up, it’s going to be between 72 and 80 degrees,” said Koehler, 66. Two years ago, he and his wife plunked down $192,000 cash for a three-bedroom, 4,000-square foot house in the Los Molinos subdivision. The purchase price was a third of what they would have paid in Irvine, Encinitas, Calif., or Naples, Fla., where they used to live.

The Koehlers’ home is near a scenic canyon and waterfall, a typical boquete tableau. But they and 1,000 other foreigners who have retired or bought second homes here have been lured by more than tranquillity, the weather and beautiful scenery.

For expatriate retirees, Panama offers big discounts on plane fares and hotels, good healthcare and shopping. All foreign income — such as U.S. pension benefits or Social Security — is exempt from tax. And for Americans, financial matters are simplified because Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. The atmosphere is friendly and more pro-American than many other Central American countries.

“The cost of living is much lower and the roads much better than places like Costa Rica,” said Shirley Bynum, a former Huntington Beach resident who moved here two years ago from Gracia, Costa Rica, after she was robbed. “And the tax system is more favorable.”

Bill Schroff, a former investment banker who advises U.S. investors and firms moving here, said Panama’s cost advantages over “Miami, San Diego or other nice-weather places that people want to retire to” are dramatic.

“Plus, Panamanians welcome us,” Schroff said. “It’s been an international banking and transportation hub for decades. They’re used to having gringos around, and they like us.”

Although Mexico and Costa Rica have been gaining popularity for several decades, Panama was “discovered” just a few years ago. Special retiree visas granted by the Panamanian government over the last 12 months exceed 1,300, triple the figure for all of 2004.

Schroff’s company, Panama Real Estate Holdings, specializes in the Panama City high-rise market, in which foreigners are snapping up condominiums in the dozens of projects going up in the capital’s frenzy of construction. Americans aren’t the only buyers: The expansion of the Panama Canal and the booming economy are drawing multinational companies from around the globe whose executives need housing.

Panamanian developer Jose Antonio Bern said the boom was being fed by several trends, including Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s socialism that has sent investors fleeing and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that have made travel to the United States more complicated for Latin Americans. “A lot of little things have gone our way,” Bern said.

But some clouds are on the horizon.

Rapid growth — there are 20 Orange County-style subdivisions under construction or in planning stages in the boquete area — has overloaded the streets with traffic and been a drain on the local water system. During the January-to-April dry season, boquete residents now go days without running water, a period during which they have to rely on cisterns or delivered water.Crime, once unheard of, has raised its ugly head: The area now averages two break-ins a month, Mayor Manolo Ruiz Castillo said. To cope, the town, about 200 miles west of Panama City, will soon inaugurate a new municipal police force, he said. Until now it has relied on the national police for protection.

Line Vreven, director of international affairs at AARP, the Washington-based advocacy group for the 39 million Americans ages 50 or older, noted that Panama recently reduced the length of tourist visas to 30 days from 60 days, making shopping for a house more complicated and pressure-packed for newcomers.

But perhaps the most disturbing development for investors and officials at the U.S. Embassy in Panama is that there is an increasing number of complaints about shady dealings by developers and land sellers who take advantage of Panama’s murky land-title rules to cheat foreigners.

Schroff said he knew of 150 cases of Panama City high-rise developers engaging in the unethical — if not illegal — practice of canceling preconstruction sales of condos to customers to take advantage of a rise in market prices by the time their projects reach completion.

“In some areas of Panama, land titling is not always clear, if it exists at all,” said one high-level embassy official in Panama City who asked not to be named. Title complaints have steadily risen over the last 18 months, he said.

Many disputes occur in transactions in which buyers do not receive clear title but “rights of possession,” a piece of paper that typically involves the buyer acquiring property to which the government never fully relinquished control. Often, scam artists appear after deals close to contest ownership and demand a bribe to go away, the official said.

Even the placidity of boquete has been broken by “range wars” between neighbors who can’t agree on property boundaries, said one transplanted retiree from Arizona.

Still, retirees with such horror stories are at this point in the minority, and officials here say they hope that the rule of law and dispute-resolution mechanisms will improve if the pending U.S.-Panama free trade agreement becomes law.

For most living here, the advantages of boquete’s climate, physical beauty and the proximity of scenic gems such as beaches, the rain forest and hot springs far outweigh the annoyances, including what one resident described as Panama’s “culture of waiting.”

“Panama may frustrate a Type A personality,” said Carolina Gonzalez, who has written about Latin America for AARP. “Transactions take time.”

Five-year resident Penny Barrett said that the traffic had become annoying, especially on weekends, and that some goods and services have doubled in price in two years because of demand caused by the influx of foreigners. Others, including the mayor, contend that the town’s mean temperature has risen in recent years because of the loss of 60,000 acres of coffee plantations to make way for development. He said a new master plan was in the works that would make future development more environmentally friendly.

But such frustrations seem far from the concerns of the 40 or 50 expats who attended a recent Tuesday gathering of foreign residents at the Panamonte Hotel, where the week’s topic of discussion was computers. It’s one of the many social groups centered on hobbies such as hiking and bird-watching.

Some of those attending were about to leave the Panamonte for an expedition to a nearby coffee plantation for lunch, others to caravan to the Pacific beach near the town of David, 30 miles away, for some whale watching.

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