Country Article / Postcards
Celebrity Getaway (But We Were Here First)
Date: 01/11/2007
Is Panama City the new celebrity hotspot?
Panama City, Panama
A belated Happy New Year to you…it's been a big holiday season here in Panama. I can't think of a place I'd rather spend Christmas and the New Year's celebrations. My hometown of Omaha is digging out from under a snowstorm that dumped up to eight inches of the cold fluffy stuff…but I'm working today in my shorts and flip flops, with the air conditioning going full blast. I'll take T-shirts over parkas any day…and a blast of AC trumps an Arctic wind, too.
But I'm not the only one enjoying the attitude of latitude 9 these days. Those with star power have graced us common folk with their presence. I am happy to report that I shared my Christmas vacation digs with none other than former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn.
Yes, number 39 was on Contadora Island with 23 family members to usher in 2007. I was there, too--also with family, although my entourage was much smaller--and I saw Jimmy and Rosalyn several times as they strolled about the island. Carter, if you recall, negotiated the return of the Canal to Panama control--and much of the agreement was hammered out with Panama's General Omar Torrijos in a secluded spot on the island. If you have ever visited Contadora, you know what a special place it is…and why Jimmy and Rosalyn would want to return here. It's beautiful, small, secluded, safe…the perfect island hideaway.
Back on the mainland, another celebrity couple--none other than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie--was in Panama City, touring the construction site of Panama's new Biodiversity Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Reportedly they are thinking of investing in the project--and may also buy property in Panama.
That's how I spent my Holiday vacation--rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous…and ditching the snow and cold of the north. Not a bad way to start the new year…
Brandon Clogston
Panama Insider, International Living
P.S. The start of our Live and Prosper in Panama Seminar, Jan. 30, is fast approaching. I can't promise you'll meet "Brangelina" or former statesmen, but you will hear from Panama's very best experts on living, investing, and doing business here. Find out more about what's in store here. And plan to stick around for our optional real estate tours following the seminar.
Rate this Postcard:
Rating: 3/5 (24 votes cast)