I have just read the information on this web site about Panama. It sounds interesting. I was thinking of checking out costa rica. I have been to mexico and guatemala. I think the exchange rate for the dollar to any central american currency is in our favor, but I am also interested in a safe environment........not too many people living in abject poverty and a relatively stable government. I loved spain, but the euro/dollar exchange rate is a killer, especially over time.I speak spanish quite well and am therefore very comfortable in spanish speaking countries.