With the hope of bringing some comedy to recent events in the Republic of Panama, such as the real estate boom and influx of retirees, I thought, "What better than a Top 10 List, Letterman style!"

I have lived in Panama for the past 19 months, and am loving every minute of it. When most people hear the word "Panama," they think "Panama City, Florida...Spring Break woo hoo!!!" (Panama City, Florida is starting to get under my skin since every time I do a search for something in Panama City, Panama, Florida comes up!) or they think "Is that not the place that I learned about in fourth grade that has a canal." Though common responses, both answers do not begin to do justice for Panama City and the rest of the Republic of Panama. Most individuals that arrive in Panama for the first time are taken aback with its exquisiteness and cannot understand why they have failed to recognize this small isthmus tucked in between Costa Rica (the man of the hour) and Colombia.

So, I invite you to learn more about Panama and all that it has to offer!

10. No tornados to stir things up.
9. National beer goes for about $0.50.
8. The national beer is pretty darn good.
7. Tropical skies. Gotta see ‘em to believe ‘em!
6. A mini schnauzer (or any other breed) can get a bath and groomed for about $16.
5. The perma-vacation vibe.
4. Retirees can get a 10% discount on their McDonald’s cheeseburgers.
3. Opportunity knocks.
2. The fruit is more natural than not.
1. You can dance in the rain and not freeze off your derriere.

• GAP Adventures
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Author's Note: Watch Internet TV about Panama Real Estate now!