We live in Panama and enjoy it here. Life is definitely interesting! You're right about the diet - rice and beans for every meal. We live near Cerro Punta called the breadbasket of Panama because they grow all the produce there. Sadly, it is not part of the normal Panamanian diet. We can get veggies for very cheap there (and at local markets here as well that sell the same produce). We also spent some time in El Salvador years ago, but not very long. We honeymooned in Costa Rica 11 years ago and loved it. They do a great job with tourism for sure! We went to Monteverde, La Fortuna and Tabacon Hot Springs as well. I'm glad to know Tabacon is still there as that was one of our favorite places. I hope to take the kids to the cheaper version some day as it is only 7 hours from us here in Panama. Thanks for the post. Really well written.