Bob Thomas:
CLASS OF 1968
Northwood High SchoolClass of 1968
Silver spring, MD
Benedictine UniversityClass of 2011
Lisle, IL
SIU-CarbondaleClass of 1973
Carbondale, IL
Bob's Story
And now for another chapter I thought I would not have. A friend of 30 years in Nigeria called me up and told me he met a woman that I had to meet. He had been introducing me to women for 30 years. So, I met Gloria by WhatsApp some 7 months ago and, in my normal course of business, I travelled to Lagos in November, and we met personally. I arrived on the 4th and to the surprise of both of us we married on the 15th. I am now in Lagos until she gets her US Visa. I've posted some pictures in the Photos section.
I am now entering a new chapter in my life. I have moved to Panama City Panama where I have leased a 1,600 sq ft apartment with a terrace and all rooms overlook the Pacific Ocean. I will wake up to the sun rising over the ocean (because of the geography of Panama). A maid will be doing all of the chores I used to not like to do.
My daughter in Illinois approves of the decision (I will be spending less money) and took my 12 year old Yellow Lab to Illinois from Florida. We both decided that the dog was too old to go through an international move involving extended stays in a kennel. I sure hope Amber enjoys the snow!
After spending 30 years in International Sales I became familiar with many parts of the world. Next to Mauritius, Panama was my favorite to visit. Panama City is a very cosmopolitan city and has a population of 475 thousand. The Country has a population of 4.2 million. In Panama City you can travel one block and see ...Expand for more
a Mosque, a Synagogue, and a Mormon School.
What was the final factor leading to the decision? The craziness in Florida and other parts of the US. The actions of the Florida Governor in regards to the Covid Virus was threatening my life (still trying to ignore the fact of decisions made by the Governor were tied directly to large contributions to his campaign funds). The county I lived in had a positivity rate of 22%. Panama City had one of 3%. and outperforms Florida in Covid stats.
Why the difference? In Panama you have to wear a mask in public. Even on sidewalks. If you enter a Government building or ride public transport you have to wear a mask and a face shield. There has been 5.4 million doses of vaccine administered and people stand in line (socially distanced) for their shots. There are other restrictions such as elevator capacity and distance between tables at restaurants AND EVERYBODY COMPLIES.
I myself have had the first two shots and, on the recommendation of my doctor, the booster. She recommended it not because I was going to Panama but because I would be returning to Florida on various trips a year.
Having lived in Chile from the time I was 9 until I was 15 (my father was a US Diplomat), I am aware of living in different cultures. I speak Spanish fluently. The Panamanian currency is pegged to the US Dollar so you can spend in their currency or in US Dollars. Having done business here I have many friends in the country.
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