Goodbye, Adios, Hasta Nunca y Buena Suerte..

I sold my unit a few years ago. The progress, problems and drama, I followed for a couple years. The condo was sold at a loss. Why? because, unfortunately, the developers and property management could never properly bring the resort to reach it's potential. I won't go into details here except to say that the employees are good people and try to do their best with limited training and resources. To all of you who choose to visit or still have a unit there, I wish you good luck and much patience.

Moving In: Food Shopping List

If you are coming to stay for a period of time in your apartment, wouldn't it be great if you could stop in Panama City or Sabanitas and buy everything you need to get started?

Not having to run back and forth means more time at the pool, or more time on the beach, and who wouldn't like that?

Following is a list of basic foods that you can choose from to stock your cupboard and refrigerator to get you through for a while. You will want to add and subtract from this list to suit your individual tastes, but I have tried to include most of the basics.

Stop at either Super 99 or El Rey in Sabanitas on your way to the resort and you should be able to find everything one might need to avoid starvation. See the previous blog regarding local shopping in Maria Chiquita for an idea of what you might obtain locally.

BALA BEACH MOVE-IN

SHOPPING LISTS: FOOD AND PERISHABLES

English	Spanish
Salt	Sal
Pepper	Pimienta Negra
Sugar	Azucar
Seasoning	Sason
Coffee	Cafe
Tea	Te
Juice	Jugo
Milk/ cream	Leche/ Crema
Butter	Mantequilla
Beer/ Wine	Cervesa/ Vino
Sodas	Refrescos
Bread	Pan (The Flauta is very inexpensive)
Rice	Arroz
Olive Oil	Aceite Oliva
Hot Sauce	Salsa Picante
Fruits	Frutas
Oranges	Naranjas
Lemons	Limones
Mango	Mango
Coconut	Coco
Banana	Gineo
Vegetables	Vegetales
Plantain	Platano
Mild Pepper	Aji
Garlic	Ajo
Potatoes	Papas
Ketchup	Catsup or Salsa de Tomate
Tomato Sauce	Salsa de Tomate
Meats	Carnes
Chicken	Pollo
Beef	Res

(meats, continued)
Goat	Chivo
Fish	Peces
Lobster	Langosta
Octopus	Pulpo
Squid	Calamare
Shrimp	Camarones
Ground Beef	Carne de res molida
Noodles	Fideos
Spaghetti	Espagueti
Spaghetti Sauce	Salsa de Espagueti
Candies	Dulces (sweets)
Cake	Pastel or Bizcocho
Cookies	Galletas
Canned Beans	Abichuelas (or frijoles) enlatados

The blank spaces are to fill in with your favorite foods. Don't be afraid to ask one of the many store employees at either supermarket for help locating an item and don't forget to thank them for their help.

If you are a member of the BalaBeach Owner's Forum, I will be happy to send you this list as a pdf document. Just let me know. Don't forget that there are many fresh fruits and vegetables for sale in small stalls outside El Rey.

Furnishing A Furnished Apartment - Housekeeping, Entertainment and Communication - Updated

If you bought or are buying a furnished apartment, and you plan to stay there or equip your apartment for others to stay more than a night or two, here are a few suggestions of some extra items to bring to your apartment.

If you have any other things to add to this list, please reply and I will post your additions. Equipping your apartment with food and related items will be in my next post. This article deals only with the items you might need to set up housekeeping.

The furnishing packages are fairly comprehensive and include most of the things a person might need to stay a night or two. But without housekeeping, you will need at least the following things, especially for longer stays:

HOUSEKEEPING
1. Broom and dustpan
2. Kitchen wash cloths
3. Dish detergent
4. Laundry detergent
5. Something to clean the floor beyond sweeping. A cleaner that is safe for bamboo floors is recommended, and you will need a mop or something to apply it.
6, A torch (flashlight) and batteries (or candles) in case of power loss.
7. 2 D cell batteries for the hot water heater.
8 Food bag clips
9. Collapsible insulated bag to keep food cool or hot.
10. Cooking utensils (they are on the list, but are not provided). (Spatula, serving spoons etc.)
11. WD 40 or other corrosion preventative spray. Keep metal protected from the corrosive sea air.
12. Toilet tissue
13. Paper towels or re-useable cleaning towels.
14. Soaps for the bathroom.

My thanks to a fellow Bala apartment owner for the following additions:
15. Dishwasher detergent.
16. An emergency contact list (phone contacts)
17. Resort employee contact telephone numbers.


ENTERTAINMENT:
If you will be staying for any length of time, remember, that great novel that you read on the flight down won't last forever! Bring your e-reader, ipad or something for entertainment. If you are not using the optional TV programming, consider bringing a tv streaming device (i.e. Roku (r), Apple TV (r), etc.) and be sure your subscription is paid up. Then you will need the internet service connected to your apartment and you will need to install and configure your own wireless internet router, so bring a router. Don't forget the cables needed to hook everything up. Also, a laptop can be handy for other sources of news and entertainment etc.
1. Ethernet cables
2. Wireless modem/router
3. Streaming device for tv and cables to connect it. (HDMI)
4. Current subscriptions to media as per your preferences.
5. Laptop or other devices.

COMMUNICATION
If you get the wifi going, why not take advantage of Skype, Facetime or Viber to talk to friends and family back home? My experience was that the internet service was less reliable during peak evening useage times. Many, including myself, get a local sim card and buy minutes for cell phone communications. Make sure your cell phone used the frequency band used in Panama. Most quad band phones and iphones do this, but make sure your iphone had a removeable sim card.
1. Sim card
2. Minutes (I use Mas Movil).
3. Wifi if needed
4. Ipad, cell phone, laptop or tablet and software/ subscriptions.
5. Phone contacts. Be sure to add numbers for Resort Management, Resort Maintenance and emergencies.

Local Shopping Revisited - Maria Chiquita Has It!

At first, I thought that only the most basic of supplies could be had in the village of Maria Chiquita. If you get hungry, you must go at least to Sabanitas to find food. If you want prepared food, you must at least travel to Portobelo. NOT SO! There is a surprising variety of foods and supplies available in Maria Chiquita. A special thank you to my neighbor in building one who has explored and found some very useful local resources.

If you are needing some ready-to-eat food, how about a tasty rotisserie chicken? Try this small shop located to your left if coming from Sabanitas, just before the turn into town:

A note: next to this shop, just before it, there is a small business where furniture is repaired. I inquired about buying some wood from them, but prices were quite high.

There are three shops where you can buy food and basic supplies. The closest two face the small plaza. From Bala Beach Resort, walk east along the beach or the entrance road until you come to the small plaza in the center of town. There are two small shops here. They are both pretty basic, but you can walk to them and get a cold drink, a snack, basic household supplies. Check them out:

These shops are basic, but close. Maybe the one should be called "Micro-Mini Not-So-Super"?

The most extensive selection of food, supplies, even including some fruits, vegetables and meats is located at the entrance to Maria Chiquita. When you turn to enter town, it is on your right on the corner:

I have been to all of the above shops. Super 99 and El Rey in Sabanitas are nice, but these local shops are convenient and the more we can support the local community, the better.

March 2014 Visit: A Nature Walk and the New Neighbors

I have had a few days staying in my own condo at Bala Beach Resort. For me, it has been perfect. If you enjoy peace and quiet, nature, a swim in a nice clean pool and a place to explore, come enjoy Bala Beach Resort.

Speaking of exploring, I went for a walk with one of the other owner-residents on the trail and along the beach to the west of the resort. One of the first posts on this blog was from a walk I took along this same route. When the tide is out, often, villagers go to this area to find seafood (octopus, squid, lobster etc.) on the extensive reefs. There are a couple of nice places to swim with a sandy beach and clear water. The reef keeps these areas calm, when the tide is out, and this walk is much easier when the tide is out (low).


A Big Surprise at Trail's End
When this trek was originally done, you came to a spot where mangroves prevent further progress and a small river empties into the bay. On the other side, dense jungle and mangroves made a beautiful site. Now, the land on the west side of this bay has been prepared for a large scale resort development. "Prepared" is a nice way of saying stripped clean of most all vegetation. Palms have been left or planted, and it looks like sand was brought in for a swimming beach.


As an owner here at the resort, I have mixed feelings about these new neighbors. It will be years before anything is actually constructed, and, while I would welcome the possible upside effect on the value of my investment here at Bala, the loss of that beautiful wild coastline is a real loss for the environment. In the meantime the natural coastline and beaches between Bala and the mega development can continue to provide many hours of enjoyment.


I hope you enjoy these pictures from the recent hike on the west trail.

The trail is visible below the restaurant just above the waterline. Look back after you have started down the path and you will see Bala Beach Resort.

It is a nice walk and easy to see where to go. You will always be on the beach or very close to it.

Beach walk looking back toward Maria Chiquita

Many interesting things to see.

Clear water. Perfect for a swim or snorkel.

When you can't go much further you are looking across a bay to the next big development.

There is a white sand beach just visible at the right side of this image. When I first saw this area it was mangroves. It was beautiful. More about our new neighbors later. This walk on the west trail is not overly difficult and it doesn't take long to get to the point where you can not easily go further. It is most easily done at low tide and very low tides make the walk even more interesting. Take your swim suit and enjoy one of the nice swimming spots along the way.  Bring a plastic bag to bring back some trash that has washed up on the beach to make it even more beautiful for the next explorer.

A New Website for Owners at Bala Beach Resort

If you have purchased your apartment at Bala Beach Resort, have a look at this new forum, managed by an owner, for owners:

www.balabeachowners.org

It is a good place to get in touch with other owners who are working on the details of ownership. A recent facility for photos has just been added. I highly recommend it as the site allows for the easy sharing of information. You must be a legitimate owner to join.

Next Visit Coming Soon

I will be visiting Bala Beach Resort for just a few days later this month (March, 2014). Look for more pictures and information on life at Bala following the site visit.

Fun Times Near Bala - Isla Mamey

Things to do near Bala Beach Resort - Isla Mamey

During my recent visit to Bala Beach Resort, I got together with a few friends and we went for a short drive to visit the island called Isla Mamey.  It is easy to find and not nearly as crowded as Isla Grande. Go on a weekday that is not a holiday and you could be sharing the whole island with a few coconuts.

From Bala Beach Resort, drive back through the village to the coastal highway and turn left toward Portobelo.  The drive is very beautiful with many nice views of the water. When you get to Portobelo, you can stop and pick up some snacks and drinks or have a meal. 

Continue on through Portobelo and at the fork, keep to the left going toward Isla Grande. You will now drive inland past some farms. Keep an eye out for some of Panama's great wildlife. 

When you get to Puerto Lindo, you will see a fuel depot. Turn left off the highway and drive to the dock. Parking is restricted, so I recommend you park in the parking lot of the small hotel near the depot. They charge a small fee to leave your car. They will call for a boat if there is no one at the dock, or ask at the restaurant just a few more meters along the shoreline to help you get a boat to Isla Mamey.

The cost when I went was less than $10 per person round trip. The boat will take you and your friends to the island and come back to pick you up at a pre-arranged time. The trip to the island takes only a short time and the water there is fairly protected and calm.

The small island has a nice beach and a sizeable area of shallow water for swimming or snorkeling. We had fun watching the beautiful tropical fish hanging around the rocks.

There is a trail going part way around the island that takes you to a rock spot with some great views of the sea and Linton Island. 

This will be one of my favorite places to share with guests when I am enjoying a stay at Bala Beach. 

Our boat showed up right on time to take us back to Puerto Lindo. If you enjoy a little tropical exploring and the beautiful tropical waters of the Caribbean, you might really enjoy a visit to Isla Mamey.

Getting Around Continued

March 2014 Update: Note: now the major toll highways all require the use of pre-paid toll cards. If you rent at PTY (Tocumen), you will need a card for Corredor Sur. If you use Corredor Norte and the Colon - Panama Autopista, you will need a different card. These cards can be bought and have money added to them at the entrance toll booths. I noticed that one booth on the Panama Colon route was still collecting cash. Save your cards for the next trip as there is a charge for the card also. Oh, and $5.00 will not get you a round trip to the airport from the city or round trip to and from Bala Beach Resort, so you might as well put $10 on each card.

I rented a car while in Panama on the last trip, but based on past experience, driving in Panama City is not recommended unless you:
1. Know the main city streets
2. Know where there is construction and traffic is diverted
3. Have really really really good insurance
4. Know the driving rules of Panama, both formal and informal, and
5. Enjoy stress, you know, the kind of stress that being sandwiched tightly between a diablo rojo and an irate taxi driver can supply.

I could go on, but if you have been there, you probably have got the idea. Driving from Bala Beach Resort to Sabanitas or even to the outskirts of Colon is not too difficult. The traffic can be congested and a little exciting in Sabanitas and at the Sabanitas/ Trasmistica intersection. You may need a little patience at this point.

In any case, try to avoid commute times with both bus and driving, if possible. Traffic lights are often dim, so you must watch for them.

As a future resident at Bala, I plan to go to Panama City as needed, but not often. If you are taking the bus to Allbrook, I recommend the Metrobus for in-city travel. It is great.

Metrobus
The key here is to get a Metropass. You can't get on and give the bus driver money. They only take pre-loaded Metrobus Cards (Tarjeta Metobus). Get a card. They are presently $2.00. Bus fare is $.25 and will eventually go to $.45. They are air conditioned and relatively comfortable.

I always spend my first night in the city and then head over to the Caribbean side. If you are staying near El Cangrejo, you can buy the Metrobus card and load it at the Rey supermarket on Via Espana. (near the original offices of Bala Beach Resort).

As more owners are enjoying their condos I hope that we can work out a cost effective way to share transportation, including airport transfers and shopping trips etc. Until then give the Metrobus a try. Here is the website.

http://www.tarjetametrobus.com/

If you have any other transportation ideas, please feel free to share them. Thanks.

Feed the Hungry Bala Beast!

During my recent visit to Bala Beach Resort, the restaurant was still not open. Without enough guests and owers, I don't see how it could survive. But if and when it does open, it will be fun to try it out. You can drive in the direction of Portobelo and find a several restaurants.

Until then what does one do? Starve? Eat the local vegetation and any other moving thing? Since the apartments come with kitchens, the logical solution is to buy food and cook.

Maria Chiquita has 3 small convenience stores that I know of. If you walk or drive out the gate and continue along the beach road to the small town plaza, there are two small stores stores. You can buy basics such as sodas, a small selection of food items, laundry detergent, candy etc there.

Continue on toward the main intersection on the highway, where the police station is located and you will find a slightly larger convenience store. These are all good, close places to pick up last minute basics.

Across the main highway, just before the police station if you are coming from Sabanitas is a place that sells rotisserie chicken. We had one and it was pretty good. Try to get one when they are just done being cooked. (Fast food - Maria Chiquita style). They charged $8, a little high for Panama, but it fed a whole carload of gringos.

I hope that in the future, the local fishermen will also become a source of fresh fish for Bala Beachers. I haven't had a chance to ask them yet, but plan to do so on my next visit.

Now for major shopping, you will want to drive or Bus your way to Sabanitas. The bus is about 45 cents each way and you have two supermarkets to choose from (forget the ice cream with the bus method). First is Supermercado REY. It is right on the corner where you turn in Sabanitas to go to Maria Chiquita.  If you enter the driveway across the street from REY, you will find Super 99, another supermarket.

Between these two, you should be able to stock up on a good variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, coffee, breads, drinks, etc.

There we have it. If you are going to Portobelo, there are some other small stores. There is no need perish of starvation, but if you are looking for the truly exotic, like salt & vinegar flavoured potato chips, you may have to search further afield.

Bon Apetite!

Is There Really Life at Bala?

Most of us like to rely on our own eyes and ears for solid evidence.

With all of the opinion going around out there regarding Bala Beach Resort, I thought I would share with you what I saw and what I heard while visiting Bala Beach Resort.

I am a purchaser. The goal of this past visit (November 13, 2013 - 25 November 2013). was to 1) determine that the resort was in useable condition with proof of owner-occupation and to finalize the purchase transaction and get my keys for my apartment.

I stayed with an owner in building one for 4 days. Their condo did not include the furnishing package. They did a very nice job of furnishing it themselves. I will discuss what it is like to stay at the resort in the next blog.

What I saw:
While there, there were two apartment owners in the process of closing staying at the resort. Both are purchasers in building two and one of them is myself. There was an owner (closed) staying in building one, full time for several months. There were owners of an apartment in building two who were staying for a shorter term and would return for a second stay later this winter. There were owners or their guests staying for the weekend in a different condo in building one. There was a third apartment in building one with owner's furniture visible where the owners had stayed on several weekends but were not there while I was there.

In short, the resort is no longer totally vacant. It was very exciting to meet other apartment owners for the first time. They were very friendly and interesting people - the kind of people I would like to hang around with.

We (the owner/purchasers of 3 different apartments) even traveled together on a day trip to a local island to swim and snorkel. I will be talking about this in a future blog.

While there, every morning except Sunday, maintenance staff would begin working to keep the buildings and grounds clean. Building 1 had been painted and re-painting on building two was underway.

the restaurant was not open, but I could see equipment that was not there on my last visit. The beach had been worked on, but was not the white sand beach as promised. I walked on the beach and it was still very nice.

Here is a picture of my new Bala friends. Faces are blacked out as a courtesy to their right to privacy. This is the really cool glass wall in the pool and it is a fantastic place to take pictures. I hope that other owners and purchasers will be able to visit the project and stay if possible for at least a few days to discover life at Bala.

Working with Bala Beach Resort to Get Things Done

Today being a major holiday in the US, I thought I would give thanks for being patient, no, very patient, with the administration of this project.  In addition to delays caused by a factors well known to those of you who are purchasers, there are holidays.

If you are planning a visit to Panama to try to get something accomplished in the purchase of your apartment, be aware that the administration celebrates both national and Jewish holidays. I recommend that you be flexible in travel plans and try to arrange meetings, inspections etc, during non-holiday times.

Here are some upcoming holidays:
27 Nov. 2013 - 05 Dec, 2013
08 Dec, 2013
13 Dec, 2013
25 Dec, 2013
01 Jan 2014
03 Jan 2014
01 Mar 2014 - 05 Mar 2014
20 Mar 2014
15 Apr 2014 - 22 Apr 2014
01 May, 2014
04 June, 2014 05 June, 2014
21 June 2014
05 Aug 2014
15 Aug 2014

And on and on...  Check websites for both the religous holidays as well as national holidays.

I hope this helps. My next post is some proof that patience can eventually pay off.

Don't Miss This Turn!

What a visit. I am on my way home and have so much to share. This is a short one and I hope it helps those of you driving out to Bala Beach Resort.

Don't miss the turn!

Coming from Panama  City on the Expressway or Autopista, when you start down to the Colon side, watch for the Sabanitas exit. It is marked, but you can miss it easily. The autopista used to end here, so if it has been a while since you have been to the project, you will need to watch to exit for Sabanitas.

If you miss the exit, all is not lost.  Just go around the traffic circle (round about) and take the exit for sabanitas on the old highway and drive back.

As before, watch for the sign on your right hand side for the 'REY'  supermarket. (if you are lucky enough to take the exit it is on your right).  It is a busy intersection. If you pass the Super 99, you went too far. There is a traffic signal at this intersection. Beware, many traffic signals in Panama are not brightly lit, so watch for them.

The turn at "REY" supermarket is often congested with cars and people. Proceed slowly with caution and watch for potholes. Vehicles will weave around on the roads to avoid potholes etc.

The turn that I STILL miss is the next one. It is not long after you leave Sabanitas and is in another small community.

You will pass a church on the right side. Just after the church, turn right. If you go straight, you will have to turn around.

A picture of this intersection is below. I have it burned into my memory for the next drive out to Bala.

The bottom off the building on the corner is painted blue and says "Rincon..."  something.

I hope this helps. I have missed this corner a few times.

Greetings From Bala Beach Resort

Is anyone really staying at Bala? Yes. In addition to the company-owned apartment, there is one north American resident who is staying in their apartment through the winter months. I am happy to report that the road has been improved somewhat and the giant pothole is gone.

The pool is still looking great and I enjoyed a swim there yesterday. I can confirm that all basic services are available to building 1. I know that water is available to building two. Gas (Propane) is probably also available to Building 2.

I am here at the end of the rainy season so there have been some showers, but yesterday and this morning the sun was out and the weather was beautiful.

I am closing on my apartment in building 2. In addition to the showroom unit and the staff unit in Building one, there is furniture visible in at least 3 other apartments.

At least a couple units have been used by Panamanian owners for weekend use.

I will be staying with an owner in building one starting tomorrow night and will post more after I have had a chance to spend a night on-site.

All of the following pictures were taken in the last 3 days. I hope you enjoy them.

The restaurant is not open yet. There will need to be more guests and residents before it will be feasible to open it, but as you can see the furniture is in and the resort management reports that power for the appliances needed for the restaurant is ready.
As an owner, I hope that other owners will come and have a look for themselves, and if they are satisfied, that they will proceed to close and enjoy their apartments. More pictures and  information to come...

New Pictures - New Details Coming in a Few Days

If you are interested in the latest news about life at Bala, I will begin to post new pictures and information about what life is like at this new development. I will be visiting my new apartment and the development several times beginning around 15 November.

The focus of this blog, in addition to details on the resort itself, from an apartment owner's point of view, will include information about local resources and activities in the surrounding area.

I hope you will find the pictures and details useful. See you in a few days...

New Site Visit in November, 2013

Watch for new pictures and information about Bala Beach Resort

I will be visiting Bala Beach Resort next month. I can't wait. If you are an owner/purchaser, you have recently received a letter from the administration about the project etc. If, by any chance, you are coming for a visit in November, I hope to see you there.

Watch for new posts with information about staying at the resort and lots of new pictures from an owner's point of view. If you have any questions about life there please add a comment and I will do my best to find out some answers.

So please come back in November and have a look.

Getting Around and some Pictures

Thanks to the generous sharing of information from one of Bala's first owner-residents, I have some great tips and information to share.

Cruise Like a Local
If you don't mind being a little flexible, why not take the bus? Buses are plentiful in Panama and Maria Chiquita is no exception. There are public buses that cross by on the main highway to Maria Chiquita, near the police checkpoint at the main entrance to town and some drive in to the village to the small town plaza. Pay what the locals are paying. Ask a passenger before getting on. This past spring, they were charging around 45 cents for a ride to Sabanitas, where you can shop at either El Rey supermarket or Super 99, a new market just a short walk from El Rey. Catch your bus home from in front of El Rey and let the bus driver you will be getting off at Maria Chiquita.

These same buses continue on to Portobelo and beyond (Isla Grande) and also offer great opportunities to explore the ruins, swim, boat, eat or just have fun.

PTY to Maria Chiquita. Here, your options are also quite good. I recommend taking a taxi, especially for night arrivals. At one time, after collecting bags etc., you could walk up to the departures level and go outside and wait for a taxi dropping someone off and get a fare back to Panama City for quite a bit less than the current going fare, which was $35.00 last time I went. I think you can still do this.

I like to spend a night in Panama City before heading to Maria Chiquita. From your hotel, you can catch a bus or take a taxi to Allbrook. At the big bus terminal in Albrook, you can catch a bus to Colon that will stop in Sabanitas. Be sure to ask if they stop at Sabanitas. Also, the express buses which take the new highway are much quicker and cost only a little more.

If you are going to rent a car, rent it at the airport and save yourself the high taxi fare. Book in advance and inspect for scratches and inspect the tires carefully before accepting a vehicle! If you have driven in Panama before, good luck. If not, you will need good luck. Study changes in one way streets and construction projects before trying to get out of Panama City.

De Pie (BY FOOT)
Walk the beach to a point near the village center in Maria Chiquita and slip through to the plaza area where you can buy supplies at one of the 3 small stores, have a cold beer or just hang out. For me, having the village close by is a real plus. You can meet people and help support local businesses.

 

Pictures

 

Here are a few pictures from my 2013 spring trip to Bala Beach Resort. Enjoy!

 

Bala Beach Resort From Road to Portobelo

El Rey in Sabanitas

Building 2 Looking Toward Bldg. 1

My View (Love It!)

El Rey Supermercado, Sabanitas



Life At Bala?

With the project finally opening it's doors to the first residents, it is time to begin a discussion of the experience of actually living, or staying onsite.

What is it like to wake up to the sound of waves washing up on the beach? What is it like to go for a morning walk on the beach? Is the pool well maintained? How can you get around while staying at Bala Beach Resort? Where do you find supplies and food? What are some great day trips and treks?

My thanks to the developers for not giving up on the project. Even with the economic problems in the USA and Europe, and weather delays in Panama, buildings 1 and 2 look to be finally ready to occupy.

My last visit to the project was in the spring, 2013, and, although there were still things needing to be done to make the project work, such as repairing erosion damage on the beach and preventing future erosion and access improvements, overall, the buildings looked ready and waiting for residents.

In the coming weeks, I hope to provide information for guests, residents, and visitors that they may find useful in getting around and enjoying their time at Bala. If you have ideas,  comments, or pictures you would like to share about life in this beautiful corner of the world and how to make it a little more interesting or easier for the newcomer, please comment.

Bala Beach Resort Construction Update - 2 July 2010

View From Floor 2, Building 2, Studio Apartment
Land Side (Back) of Buildings

View from Upper floor of Building 1

Beginnings of Pool

Finished End Facing Maria Chiquita, Building One - Ready to Paint

Building One - July 2, 2010

Hallway Access to Apartments

Balconies (below)
Buildings One and Two Bala Beach Resort - 02 July , 2010

Bala Beach Resort

Windows are being installed. Building 1 is up to the top floor and Building two is not far behind. I spent a good two hours walking through the project and was able to see the apartments roughed out from the inside. Although the crew fluctuates according to the current project needs, there were around 50 men working on the day I visited.

The plan at this point, according to one of the developers, is to build a restaurant between the apartments and the beach. It will be open to the public as well as to guests at the resort. The administrative offices for on-site management will also be located there. This will help to insure that the public will be exposed to the project and sales will continue for future buildings.

Views from all the apartment balconies I visited were good. Even the lowest floors could see the beach area. The upper floors also can see the sea in the direction of Colon, with ships lined up to enter the canal.

Plumbing and electrical is roughed in so now it is pretty easy to imagine how each apartment will be laid out. The builders have taken great care to not disturb the beach or forest as a result of construction and the safety notices were also impressive.

The exterior concrete wall on the Maria Chiquita end of building one has a nice smooth top coat and gives a good idea of how the exterior will look prior to painting. And there was even some painting being done while I was there.

Obviously, a great deal of finishing remains and this takes time. However, weather and work crew size etc. can have a great effect on speed of progress. I am satisfied that the project is moving along at a good pace and look forward to the day the buildings ae ready for occupancy.

My thanks to the staff at Bala Beach Resort for granting me access to take pictures. Enjoy these pictures and feel free to check out a couple short videos posted at YouTube.com. Just search Bala Beach and look for the most recent posts.

July 2010 Construction Update

Greetings From Panama
I will be visiting the construction site tomorrow and hope to post up-to-date photos over the weekend. Stay tuned for the latest progress and plans at Bala Beach Resort.