Pedasi is a small town in Los Santos province, Panama. When you look online you can find numbers that say the population of Pedasi ranges anywhere from 2500 – 4000. Whatever its actual size it has a lot to offer when you want to get away from a cold Canadian winter. In distance, it is not that far to the international airport in Panama City, about 325 km, and mostly the roads are in very good condition. However, traffic dictates the driving time. Every time for us, it has been at least five hours. The bonus for me is that once we get here, sure feels like arriving in paradise.
We are living just off the Main Street, the highway that runs through town, and it feels like we are in the country. I think there are four houses past us on a dead end street. Go the other way and we are a 3-4 minute walk to shops and restaurants.
Vibrant would describe so much of this town. We haven’t tried the colourful, local bus.
There has definitely been fewer markets this year than in the past, but whether you are browsing or looking for a new hat, it is still fun.
We are way too old for the bouncy castle, still cute watching the kids having fun.
If my Spanish is good enough to be believed, both the hat and purse are locally made, with coconut shells being used on the purse.
We mostly shop at two grocery stores, that are located at either end of town. The Mini Super Major Ana is only a couple of minutes walk for us. Love being able to say, “oh, I need…” and then walk to the store to get it. Just to the right of the grocery store and the hardware store (Melo Y Cia) there is a shop that is very much like a dollar store that we visited frequently when we first arrived. You know, all those little things that you want and aren’t in a rental, well there’s the place to go!. And just to the right of the ‘dollar store’ there is a restaurant with very good rotisserie chicken….and ribs….and more.
The price of gas has gone up considerably in the last two months. Same gas station, pictures were taken on December 17, 2021 and February 3, 2022.
Overall, I would say, if you eat local the cost of groceries are considerably less expensive than home. Can you buy a small coke for $0.25 or black paper for $0.30? Or a kg of extra lean ground beef for less than $5.00?
When we first arrived, this bamboo tree was leaning against the roof of the bohio and making an awful racket whenever the wind was blowing. For $5.00 we had it removed! In the right hands, a machete does a fine job.
There are plenty of restaurants, with a full price range. Casa de Campo (on the left) is a little upscale and very reasonably priced. Our food was great. The sushi place (above) is new. We sat at the only table, it was outside, and again enjoyed a great meal. Good food, good company, good times.
Yes, Pedasi has a lot to offer. Personally, I am thankful we have a car to get to the beach and for doing day trips, and just generally ease of getting around. Walking is possible, but not for me in the heat of the day. A big bonus is the ability to walk to restaurants and shops.
Cheers
Ruth
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