Friday, July 27, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
MOVING TO THE ISLAND
The Senate gave its approval to a bill that is designed to attract pensioners from overseas. The bill, which was drafted by Deputy Victor Bisono Haza, will allow retirees who come from overseas to obtain Permanent Residency within 45 days. At the same time, they will receive the same benefits and tax exemptions as foreign investors and Dominican citizens who reside outside the country. The law approved by the Senate modifies Article 271 of the Tax Code, and
establishes that the amounts declared as income in order to qualify for the special treatment are not subject to Income Tax. Also, household goods are exempted from duties, as are motor vehicles, although only up to a point.
The bill seeks to better position the DR to attract baby boomers of retiring age that are seeking to purchase property in warm destinations abroad. Several Central American countries offer similar tax conditions to attract the retirees.
As reported in El Dia newspaper, the bill that had been previously approved by
the Chamber of Deputies, exempts foreigners from paying property transfer tax on the first property they acquire in the DR. These will also receive 50% tax deductions on mortgages, real estate property tax and capital gains tax, when the foreigner is the majority shareholder in the company that would be subject to this tax and the company carries out commercial or industrial activities.
The retirees that apply for the program will also be exempt from paying taxes on interest generated by their savings in the country or abroad. The bill now moves to the Presidency for final approval.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
MERENGUE SPIRIT
The Merengue Festival is slated for 26-29 July in Santo Domingo. This year, the festival will be sponsored by Brugal Rum and will be known as the Festival Brugal del Merengue. Some 18 merengue groups have been contracted for live performances at the Avenida del Puerto of Santo Domingo. If you'll be in Santo Domingo this weekend you should check it out. This is another great way to experience real Dominican culture AND shmooze with the boys!
Also, if you haven't checked out Monaga or Spirit lately then you're about to miss a really fantastic sale on airfare. Spirit has many awesome discounts on various routes, including Santo Domingo. Book now because the sale ends in a few days!!
Friday, July 20, 2007
FRIDAY FANTASY 44
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
SOMETIMES...
...you get what you ask for. But don't push it!! LOL Edward responded to the comments section regarding pictures of the "homies" in Panama, as opposed to the polished model types. Here is what he emailed to me.
Monday, July 16, 2007
PARTY TIME
Also, don't forget about the White Party Moonlight Cruise in NYC on August 3rd.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
PANAMA- ITS A WRAP
I found a short clip on YouTube that shows you what a metropolis Panama City is. It is also an ecologically diverse place. The caribbean sea on one side and rainforest on the other.
We know the city has its nightlife and other attractions, but if you're wondering what there is to do while visiting Casa Blanca in the countryside Edward has given me the following information.
HIKE IN THE JUNGLE (BEHIND CASA BLANCA)
• INCREDIBLE PLANTS AND TREES
• GREAT BIRDS
• MOST OF THE TIME WILL SEE MONKEYS
BOAT OUTINGS
• SEE DIFFERENT ISLAND (SWIMMING & SNOKELING)
• GO FISHING IN THE MORNING
• BOAT TO THE SURFING AREA
• YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR THE DAY FOR ABOUT $40.00 + GAS
DAY TRIP TO PORTOBELO
CATCH THE BUS (FOR 75 CENTS P/P)
IT TAKES ABOUT HALF AN HOUR.
PORTOBELO WAS NAMED BY COLUMBUS IN 1502
(BEAUTIFUL PORT). YOU CAN TOUR THE OLD FORTS
OF SANTIAGO, HAVE LUNCH (cheap) AND DON’T FORGET
TO SEE THE CHURCH OF SAN FELIPE OF THE BLACK CHRIST.
NIGHT LIFE
THERE IS A SMALL BAR ACROSS THE STREET
YOU CAN DRINK BEER, PLAY POOL AND TALK TO THE LOCALS
BOATRIDE TO ISLA GRANDE (BEST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY)
MANY BARS AND RESTAURANTS.
(ALSO NICE DURING THE DAY - GREAT BEACHES)
I LIKE TO SIT ON THE BALCONY, DRINK A GLASS OF WINE
AND LOOK AT THE STARS AND MOON, LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
AND THE WIND BLOW THROUGH THE COCONUT TREES.
Friday, July 13, 2007
FRIDAY FANTASY-PANAMA
Theses pics highlight the diversity in Panama. There are several cultures and ethnic backgrounds that make up Panamanian society. A blog supporter informed me that many of the people on the caribbean side of the country are of Jamaican descent. The Jamaicans were brought to Panama when the railroad was being built.
photos are from Panama Talents and Panama Muscle.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
PANAMA TIDBITS
Mello meets the guest at the airport, takes them by bus $.50 to the hotel in Panama City (nice hotel for $18.00) He can stay with the guest if they like (they always do). The next day he shows them around Panama City with some of his friends (taxi anywhere in panama city is $2.00 and you can get a great meal for about $5 to $10). On your 3rd day he takes the guest by Taxi ($70.00) or by bus, which is fun, for $5.00 out to casa blanca (food for the day about $10.00, beer is $.50) The charge for Mellos tour services is $20 per day plus food and drink.
Fun with the guys is no problem and they will hang out with you all day. There are some gay bars, but most of the guests do not have time to go there. They like to go to the bar with Mello and friends. The guys know all the good places to hang out. At Casa Blanca they play cards, drink in the little bar, play pool, go to the lsland at night and swim, or visit the other villages. Lots of guys to look at (the ladies do not go to the bars as a rule). Most guests fall in love with the place and with the guys.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
PANAMA GAY GUESTHOUSE
CASA BLANCA
PUERTO LINDO, COLON, PANAMA
011-507-448-2161
casablancapanama@hotmail.com
ask for MELLO OR YULIANA
74 MILES FROM PANAMA CITY
15 MILES PAST PORTOBELO
4 MILES BEFORE ISLA GRANDE
ROOM UNO
QUEEN BED
PRIVATE BATH, A/C, CEILING FAN, DIRECT TV
SMALL REFRIGERATOR
VIEW OF THE CARIBBEAN FROM THE BALCONY
ONE PERSON $40.00 - TWO PERSONS $45.00
ROOM DOS
TWO TWIN BEDS
USE MAIN BATH, A/C, CEILING FAN, DIRECT TV
SMALL REFRIGERATOR
VIEW OF THE CARIBBEAN FROM THE BALCONY
ONE PERSON $30.00 - TWO PERSONS $35.00
ROOM TRES
FULL BED
USE MAIN BATH, A/C, CEILING FAN, DIRECT TV
SMALL REFRIGERATOR
COURT YARD LEVEL
ONE PERSON $30.00 – TWO PERSON $35.00
MEALS WILL BE SERVED ON REQUEST
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
PANAMA
This is the beginning of our look into the country of Panama.
Our Central American neighbors have been a curiosity of some of the readers. I hope to share some useful information for those who are interested in traveling there.
Homosexuality is legal in Panama. Recent years has seen a developing scene and there are now about 4 gay bars and 3 gay clubs in Panama City. There have also been attempts to fight for gay and lesbian rights. In 1996 Panama's first lesbian and gay organization Asociación Hombres y Mujeres Nuevos de Panama (AHMNP) was founded. It recently received legal recognition after a 3 year battle with the authorities and the church. It is still the only gay and lesbian organization in Panama. Last year they presented a petition calling for Partnership rights, and in June 2005 Panamas first Gay Pride March was held with 100 AHMNP demonstrators.