Um Juan Valdez is NOT Panamanian. When did panama get into the coffee biz? ; ) and I understand CULANTRO tastes like A$$ ; )
I’m sure Panama is nice, until another “strongman” comes along.
Isn’t Juan Valdez from Columbia-like in that old coffee commercial?
Panama has grown high-quality Arabicas since at least 1908. The soil near Baru in Chiriqui province, is very nearly perfect for coffee, as is the climate. There are a couple of plantations at which you can buy fresh beans JUST WHEN they are packed (on-site, of course). Amazing coffee.
Whoever told you that about culantro either A) has thoroughly dysfunctional taste buds, or B) is more dishonest than Eric Holder, or C) both. Lovely, tasty herb.
The socialists will probably succeed Martinelli (current prez). However, the country has prospered so much in recent years, and so much to the benefit of the ordinary citizen, that I really don't fancy any severe changes coming quickly, no matter who wins the election in 2014. Panama had a bellyful of Noreiga (and a couple of lesser-known idiots). They won't be signing up (or voting) for similar idiots for quite a little time, I should think.