Cerro Viento...Eastern Panama City

Probably gonna live in the neighborhood of Cerro Viento if its not too isolated. Don't know much about it yet. Except that there is a new shopping mall there, Metromall. That might not be a good thing...

Google maps...DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE!!!

Landmarks that are mislabeled + Streets that mysteriously end + Addresses that don't exist
= Google Maps SUCKS for Panama City.


After hours of confusion, I realized three things:

1) Look at the "Satellite" view on Google maps to see where the street really goes (and if it really ends).

2) Don't trust the labels on Google maps. If you are looking for a specific landmark or place, find out where exactly it is from a RELIABLE source, then use the streets on Google maps to locate it. When you think you've found it, use "Satellite" view to make sure it's really there.

3) Don't expect to find all addresses by just typing them in. Refer to #2 above.

Spanish vs. English...yes, SPANISH IS A MUST!

"A lot of people Speak English"
"You can survive on English but planned to get ripped off"
"You are gonna pay the "Gringo Tax""
"Learn Spanish if you wanna really get around"
"Service workers don't speak English"

I've been hearing different opinions on this and hears what I realized...

SPANISH IS A MUST, if you really want to enjoy Panama. Yeah, you can slide by on English,
but unless you want to stay in an isolated bubble talking mainly to other gringos or Panamanians
who want to sell you something, you better learn some Spanish.

I got Rosetta Stone. I already speak conversational Portuguese. I need to use these next 3 months
to practice so I can run free in Panama City. Otherwise, I'll just be another gringo who can't converse
with everyday Panamanians.NOT COOL. I definitely plan to mingle with the people.

Side note: Rosetta stone is good. Lots of pictures and drills that are realistic to real life. I just gotta
practice.