Panama City

[Macho Dik]

[QUOTE=Pom001]
By the way, I stayed in Las Vegas hotel, paid $58 the first 2 days then $75 for the last 2 days. Its not bad it gets noisy in the morning. If you are a light sleeper, its not the best place to stay at.


Where is Las Vegas? is it near to the Venetto hotel ? is it grild freindly? I understand there are hookers on the street at Venetto hotel, I wonder how much is the price for LT, ST?

Cheers,

MD

[Macho Dik]

Dear Mate,

This will be my 2nd time to Panama, please advise if APARTHOTEL PLAZA is accessible to the action area? is this hotel girl freindly aside from venetto? as venneto is too expensive, is tehre anyway to booked Venetto on a cheaper rate? please advise.

Cheers,


MD

[Johan007]

You are right about venezuelan girls aka "chamas", they do have an attitude. For example, Ive been introduced to several chamas that came into panama a couple months because a friend of theirs opened a model agency and they are all working as event hostesses for several local brands, particularly in expo shows.

They seem to come from a way of life in what they are used to be looked upon like godesses and everyone bows to them. Here in panama they're going to hit hard with a brick wall, since most of us panamenians simply dont waste time with this kind of girls.

Now they are getting away with their "styles" because there is this wealthy guy that can pay her all the luxuries, and there are some that have already become mistresses, getting apartments in high class areas like paitilla.

Those are my cent towards the "chamas", but I really think the whole venezuelan stuff should go to the venezuela thread

The girls you tell off gauntman. Are in in ALL latin countries at present. But I must say indeed the venezuelans are an extreme example of it:.(thats why I won't go there. WEll that and el loco Chavez.

These women don't even pay their salon de beleza costs! The guy pays ALL. These bitches save their money. ;.) thast why I prefer hookers instead:.) Spoild brats were ye look. OOO man:.(I don't know were thats coming from. But I guess it's becoz latin men only foloow their dick. And pay even 1000 USD for such a pussy. (idiots) Also I guess abuela spoils them kids. Especialy the girls.

I agree this belongs in the VN section too.

Johan

[JohnnyDh]

Anyways. If I was an American citizen I would avoid Venezuela at ALL costs! If you see what Chavez is telling about the US and makes the sentiment anti-US I would feel pretty uncomfertable if I was an american.

I was born and raised in Holland, but now I live in Toronto.

I dont think they'd be hating on canucks but you never know.

Becoz of asshole Chavez is robbing the country and putting his stupid morron asslicking clansmen in charge! Without the middle class NO country can survive. (see Cuba. ! )

At least his referendum didnt go through, I hope he resigns soon.

You've been talking about Venezuela for 6 months.

I'm still deciding whether to go to Panama or Caracas this winter, but damn I cant make up my mind!

I really wanna see Caracas but the "Chavez atmosphere" makes me a bit apprehensive

[SaeJohnny]

What is the name of that model agency do you know that has brought the girls from Venezuela to Panama?

[GauntMan]

You are right about venezuelan girls aka "chamas", they do have an attitude. For example, Ive been introduced to several chamas that came into panama a couple months because a friend of theirs opened a model agency and they are all working as event hostesses for several local brands, particularly in expo shows.

They seem to come from a way of life in what they are used to be looked upon like godesses and everyone bows to them. Here in panama they're going to hit hard with a brick wall, since most of us panamenians simply dont waste time with this kind of girls.

Now they are getting away with their "styles" because there is this wealthy guy that can pay her all the luxuries, and there are some that have already become mistresses, getting apartments in high class areas like paitilla.

Those are my cent towards the "chamas", but I really think the whole venezuelan stuff should go to the venezuela thread

[Johan007]

I heard about a guy that went to Caracas and said a lot of that is blown out of proportion. He went on the subway (daytime) and never had any problems.

Went out at night, with a driver and again no problems.

I'm sure there are very dangerous areas in Caracas, but is the tourist downtown area one of them?

I dont know cause I havent been there yet, but I get the feeling its not as unsafe as some are making it out to be.

Anyways. If I was an American citizen I would avoid Venezuela at ALL costs! If you see what Chavez is telling about the US and makes the sentiment anti-US I would feel pretty uncomfertable if I was an american.

Most middle and upper class venezuelans are bailing out now. Why you think that is? Becoz of asshole Chavez is robbing the country and putting his stupid morron asslicking clansmen in charge! Without the middle class NO country can survive. (see Cuba. ! )

I agree venezuelan women look tasty and gorgeous. However (and this is said before on the VN section) they DO seem to have a certain "attitiude"whioch I personaly don't like. BUT if you (once ina while) try and read some political and social comments on the country you will see that more and more foreign investors are moving out. Thats a red flag dude!

With the middle-and upper class and forreign investors gone. Whats left? ;.)

Johan

[Meat Loaf]

I heard about a guy that went to Caracas and said a lot of that is blown out of proportion. He went on the subway (daytime) and never had any problems.

Went out at night, with a driver and again no problems.

I'm sure there are very dangerous areas in Caracas, but is the tourist downtown area one of them?

I dont know cause I havent been there yet, but I get the feeling its not as unsafe as some are making it out to be.

Venezuela has never really excited me much. No, I've never been there either. I almost always forget that it even exists. I did have a friend that lived in Caracas and said it was fun, but he was working for the USA government, so I have to discount his infiltration of the city.

You've been talking about Venezuela for 6 months. Jump on a plane a go. My friend bought a ticket for $1, 300 one-way in October. Yeah, he got robbed.

Hell, Venezuela can't be worse than Cd. Panama.

[JohnnyDh]

*** Now, I don't know if this is "rhetoric" to keep our US dollars away from Chavez in an attempt to break him as we did Cuba or if it's true, but Iraq sounds more inviting! By the way, Caracas is full of metro-sexuals (fresas,) so if you're not a phony how much fun would it be? ***

I heard about a guy that went to Caracas and said a lot of that is blown out of proportion. He went on the subway (daytime) and never had any problems.

Went out at night, with a driver and again no problems.

I'm sure there are very dangerous areas in Caracas, but is the tourist downtown area one of them?

I dont know cause I havent been there yet, but I get the feeling its not as unsafe as some are making it out to be.

[Johan007]

we were speaking about US citizens concerned about Cd. Panama being dangerous, right?

IMHO Panama City is one of the LESS dangerous places in Latin America! Laid back, tranqilo. Sure there are some barrios you cant visit afetr dark, but the same goes for any mayor city in Europe or the US!

Try Rio, Sao Paulo, Caracas, or Buenas Aires. Now that's dangerous.

Johan

[Black Page]

Would you say the same about Caracas?
Many on this board say its dangerous, are they exaggerating?

we were speaking about US citizens concerned about Cd. Panama being dangerous, right?

[Regulr Travlr]

Hi,

Sorry for additional posting - but does anyone have the address of Golden Times? Do you know what the cross streets are? What neighborhood of Panama City?

Thanks in advance!

I specifically said it was in El Dorado in an answer to you SEVEN posts before your last stupid question. Did you look at Tbuss post FOUR before yours that gave directions? Take Meat Loafs advice and try a little harder. GT is one of the most heavily discussed locations on this board.

[Meat Loaf]

Would you say the same about Caracas?

Many on this board say its dangerous, are they exaggerating?

I'm not one to tow the U.S. Department of State advisory too closely, but they say...

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country has one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the world. Armed robberies take place in broad daylight throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. A common technique is to choke the victim into unconsciousness and then rob them of all they are carrying. Well-armed criminal gangs operate with impunity, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Kidnapping is a particularly serious problem, with more than 1, 000 reported during the past year alone. According to press reports at least 45 foreigners have been kidnapped in the first eight months of 2007. Investigation of all crime is haphazard and ineffective. In the case of high-profile killings, the authorities quickly round up suspects, but rarely produce evidence linking these individuals to the crime. Only a very small percentage of criminals are tried and convicted.

Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, is dangerous and corruption is rampant. Concerns include personal property theft, mugging, and "express kidnapping" in which individuals are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint. The Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals with what appear to be official uniforms or other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these crimes. For this reason, American citizen travelers should be wary of all strangers, even those in official uniform or carrying official identification. There are also known drug trafficking groups working from the airport.

Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive during daylight hours if at all possible. If not, travelers should use extra care both within and outside of the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them. The Embassy has received frequent reports recently of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked "libre" is no longer an indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them.

While visiting Venezuela, Americans are encouraged to carry as little U. S. Currency on them as possible and to avoid wearing expensive or flashy watches and jewelry. Due to the poor security situation, the Embassy does not recommend changing money at the international airport. Visitors should bring a major credit card, but should be aware of widespread pilfering of credit card data to make unauthorized transactions. Travelers’ checks are not recommended as they are honored in only a few locations. It is possible to exchange U. S. Currency at approved exchange offices near major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks are not accepted) and at commercial banks with some restrictions. Due to currency regulations, hotels cannot provide accommodation exchange. There are ATM machines throughout Venezuela. Malfunctions are common, however, and travelers should be careful to use those only in well-lit public places. ATM data has also been hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals from user’s accounts.

Popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park, are increasingly associated with violent crime. Americans planning to participate in outdoor activities in potentially isolated areas are strongly urged to travel in groups of five or more and to provide family or friends with their itineraries prior to departure.

Cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, smuggling, and cattle-rustling occur frequently in areas along the 1, 000-mile long border between Venezuela and Colombia. Some kidnap victims have been released after ransom payments, while others have been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are suspected. Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) has had a long history of kidnapping for ransom, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are active in the kidnapping trade.common criminals are also increasingly involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's families directly or selling the victim to terrorist groups. In-country travel by U. S. Embassy employees, both official and private, within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border, is prohibited. The State Department warns American citizens not to travel within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border. U. S. Citizens who elect to visit areas along the border region with Colombia against this warning, apart from the Colombian terrorist threat, could encounter Venezuelan military-controlled areas and may be subject to search and arrest.

Political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and often pass without incident. Nevertheless, travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas. Marches generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly impacting traffic. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, have not in the past been generally affected by protest actions. However, the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has been the scene of frequent student demonstrations, some of them violent, including the use of firearms.

Harassment of U. S. Citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities, and some segments of the police occurs but is quite limited. Venezuela’s most senior leaders, including President Chavez, regularly express anti-American sentiment. The Venezuelan government’s rhetoric against the U. S. Government, as well as American culture and institutions, is slowly affecting attitudes in what used to be one of the most pro-American countries in the hemisphere.

*** Now, I don't know if this is "rhetoric" to keep our US dollars away from Chavez in an attempt to break him as we did Cuba or if it's true, but Iraq sounds more inviting! By the way, Caracas is full of metro-sexuals (fresas,) so if you're not a phony how much fun would it be? ***

[JohnnyDh]

Yep!

I am just back from USA. Believe me: many big US cities are way more dangerous than most places in Central/South America (and Panama is overall safer than most other Latin America capitals). Who would walk alone in bad areas of Washington, East St. Louis, etc?

Would you say the same about Caracas?

Many on this board say its dangerous, are they exaggerating?

[Meat Loaf]

Hi,

Sorry for additional posting - but does anyone have the address of Golden Times? Do you know what the cross streets are? What neighborhood of Panama City?

Thanks in advance!

Perform a "google" search for the the above MP and you'll receive lots of ISG hits.

Address: (Plaza Mirage,Tumba Muerto, Local a-7 Tel 260-0329).

A little homework goes a long way.