Dec. 8, 2008
Dear Overseas Living Letter Reader,
Since El Valle’s coverage in the November issue, there has been a lot of interest in this Panamanian oasis. One reader, Jennifer, wrote with questions on more of the day-to-day living issues in the area–from garbage collection to petty crime.
We got Lucy Culpepper on the case. Read on for full details…
Regards,
Lynn Mulvihill
Editor-in-chief, The Overseas Living Letter
P.S. Right now, I’m wrapping up your next issue–featuring the Mendoza region of Argentina (prime Malbec country). If you thought El Valle might be “the one,” this December issue may make you think again–Argentina’s wine country is a serious contender for the world’s top retirement option. Look out for download details in your e-mail inbox next Monday…
*** From the El Valle Mailbag ***
Dear Lucy,
Further to your article on El Valle de Anton, Panama, I would like to know whether there is a trash problem in town? Do they have trash pick-up services? Do people take care of there properties?
How is the crime situation–petty theft or other problems? Do people put bars on their windows or surround their properties with high fences?
How is the road from Panama City? Is it paved? Can you drive on it safely in the dark?
Finally, how many expats would you estimate live in the area?
Many thanks for your help,
Jennifer
***
Dear Jennifer,
El Valle does not have a big trash problem. There is a weekly trash collection service from each house ($4 per month). Home owners tend to take a lot of care over their homes and gardens. As with anywhere, some are more inattentive, but they are few and far between.
While there is trash along Main Street (mainly juice cartons), Carlos Celis, the guide mentioned in my article, has formed “La Cooperativa en Formacion Valle Verde,” which has organized street and river clean-up projects with the help of local schools. They are responsible for forming Green Brigades in schools to further a green consciousness in the town.
As for recycling, many people compost organic trash to use in their gardens. The locals collect metal containers to sell to the man who collects up all metal trash from the town. If you employ a maid or gardener they will be happy to take it for you–kind of a perk of the job. At the moment there is no plastic recycling. The locals tend to burn their plastics, but you don’t have to burn your own.
Most properties have bars on their windows. However, they don’t have the kind of high walls with barbed wire and broken glass that I think you have in mind. The bars are against petty theft, and, as far as I know, there is no theft of a violent nature. The house we stayed in for six weeks had bars on each window, but the fence around the property was only waist-high. I have two young children and never felt threatened or anxious about their safety while we were in El Valle.
The road from Panama City, The PanAmerican Highway or The Interamericana, is paved and in a reasonable state. No, it can’t be compared to a European or American freeway, and, yes, there are some potholes…but, generally, it’s in good condition. It’s the other drivers that you have to be more wary of. I have travelled at night along this stretch, but I wouldn’t recommend you do that during the rainy season or alone. But then, I wouldn’t want to travel alone at night in Spain, the UK, or the U.S.
My best estimate for El Valle’s expat population is around 300. It’s a fairly small, discreet population and one that is greatly outnumbered by Panamanians, both local and from the city.
I hope that helps you and that you are able to visit El Valle soon.
Regards,
Lucy Culpepper
Sign up today and read more about El Valley, Panama in
November 2008 issue of The Overseas Living Letter.
