Great post Randy!
One thing I personally would mention to those considering coming to Panama is to make sure you have the right attitude before you make the move. This bumper sticker says it all...
Negativity will get you nowhere here and you'll drive yourself insane. This applies to anywhere, but I've seen some foreigners get caught up in some pretty negative cycles here in Panama.
Oh Man, that is so true. This place is true chaos. There is very little that makes sense to an outsider.