Cincuente Cuatro (#54), our long awaited Villa

A Gorgeous Crimson Tree along the highway


Today we checked the progress on the first 15 homes in Napa Village being completed, ours is one. The street has been paved as well as a sidewalk installed and they are working on driveways too. We went today, Sunday, so we could poke around with no workers there but people were working and I have no problem with that as the houses are so past due. I think they worked a half day as they usually do on Saturdays.
Anyway there was a man working on our guestroom ceiling, mudding the drywall seams. In Panama it looks like ceilings are the only place drywall panels are used. All beams are steel, walls, inside and out, are concrete block covered in a layer of concrete and floors are tile. Very hard surfaces are used because in the tropics, mould is a big problem as are termites. The first two months we were here, we had mould growing on our shoes and belts and I finally threw the belts away.
Back view of house

Front side view





Anyway clean up is quick, a sweep and a mop and you're done. We may not need a vacuum cleaner, which is good as we have a million household items to buy.

We will likely opt for installing custom screens as electricity is expensive and we want to take advantage of the sea breezes, especially at night, which make for pleasant sleeping. In the day we have our doors open with no bug problems but at night you really need screens.

I really liked the tiling I saw today in the bathrooms, very clean and modern looking. I can't wait to measure windows so I can start thinking about curtains and furniture and decorating in general. A friend, Lyn Melso, tells me there is a super store in Anton, not too far from here, that sells imported homegoods from the USA at excellent prices. I'll have to call her and arrange a scouting trip. Master bath under construction

We got our car at last. I love it and think it's very comfortable and cute. I'll miss the buses somewhat as you do some great people watching. We will still take the bus in to Panama City as it's easy, cheap and way more relaxing than having to drive yourself in the city.