First Guests in Casita

The poor economy has slowed the flow of guests from the US to Boquete. Consequently our casita has been empty. Originally, we expected 4 or 5 sets of friends by now, but most have postponed their trips because of no money.

Our first friends arrived last week. (Since we have been in the new house.)

We have known for months that they would be arriving. But, as life goes, we didn't do our final check of the casita until last week, only to discover a roof leak resulting in mucho mold.

Yella cleaned up the mold and I mounted the roof, armed with Fastil, a heavy, plastic paint designed to seal the screws heads that are used to secure the metal roof to the beams. I didn't think I would find and seal the leak but, much to my surprise, it worked.

Our friends arrived and the party was on!

It was interesting to watch their perspective of Boquete and our lifestyle.

The first few days were socked in with low clouds, rain and fog. As we drove through town, they were not very impressed...the unfinished buildings, the litter, the lack of architectural design.

And there were no comments about "maybe we could do this and move here."

On there last day, after 2 sunny mornings and less rain and clouds, they noticed that they liked it better and thought the town was prettier. And there was a little talk about "we can work from anywhere over the Internet so maybe we could do something like this...can we come down here for a month and rent something?"

These folks are travel savvy, having lived in Europe for 6 years with plenty of side trips into the less developed areas. And they are familiar with "adventure" travel vs. "resort" travel.

All is necessary to appreciate Panama, or any 3rd World Nation.

We had a blast hanging out with them and showing them around. Much to their credit, they were easy to entertain and hang out with. And they had an appreciation for what we have done so far.

All in all, a great visit!