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If you’re thinking about moving to Panama, this episode will prepare you in ways no checklist, relocation guide, or spreadsheet ever could. Get ready for culture shock in Panama, told by a Gringa in a tongue-in-cheek way.

In this special storytelling episode of The Panama Podcast, I’m sharing my origin story—all the way back to 2012, when Panama still felt a bit like the Wild West. Before the polished expat guides, before the infrastructure boom, and long before I became a trusted expert on Panama real estate and relocation… I was just a very Type-A American woman trying to figure out how to live in a country powered by mañana culture, sunshine, and vibes.

This episode is intentionally different from my usual interviews and deep-dive guides. It’s funny, unfiltered, and deeply real. From buying a GPS in Panama that didn’t include a map of Panama… to learning that “mañana” doesn’t actually mean tomorrow… to realizing that culture shock is often the thing that teaches you the most—this story captures the emotional side of moving abroad that people rarely talk about.

If you’re researching living in Panama, moving to Panama, or expat life in Panama, consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what the transition really feels like—especially in your early days.

Sometimes the best way to understand a country isn’t through advice… it’s through stories.

📩 Thinking about your own move to Panama? Schedule a free consultation with my team at 👉 ChoosePanama.com/contact

#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast #LivingInPanama #MovingToPanama #PanamaExpat #PanamaLife #ExpatStories #PanamaCulture #expatcultureshock

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Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!