If you're fortunate enough to be able to count on your hand how many other countries you have visited, consider yourself fortunate to have lifted more than one finger. Travel is a luxury, exploring is a luxury, to be able to visit other countries and experience new cultures is a luxury. Many of us take travel for granted because it's so easy to do and in many countries it's even expected of us to get out and explore this beautiful planet. I would call that a great expectation.
Many consider themselves lucky to be able to travel or say that others are lucky to do so. However, the freedom to explore and journey to the remote and beautiful places of our dreams has nothing to do with luck. I don't believe in luck. It's about hard work and the dedication to making that happen.
But what about other people around the world who aren't permitted to leave their country or enter another? What if, when you learned of an incredible place to explore which you decided you wanted to visit only to find out you're not allowed? This was something I learned more about whilst living in Panama.
Hosting over 1,000 international guests each year you can imagine how fascinating it is to meet so many people from a myriad of cultures. Because of our location and our type of resort, our guests tend to be serious global travelers and adventurers. There never seems to be enough time during their stay to hear of all the different places they have been. Many of our guests value the freedom of travel so much, they have even more than one passport! That type of flexibility to travel the world literally knows no boundaries or should I say borders.
However, it's not that easy for Panamanians. In several discussions I have had with my employees or other local folks, traveling to other countries comes with a lot of red tape and expense. We're talking several months applying for a visa to enter another country (each country is different and a new application), the cost of each application, which does not guarantee approval, then the cost of a passport and travel on top of that.
Panama is considered a high-income economy with a constitutional democracy that does not restrict their citizens right to travel it's just difficult and expensive to do depending on where they wish to go. So, when the challenge is too great to explore the world individually, they open their arms and their homes to meeting people from other countries with a big smile, a warm cup of great coffee, and the desire to share their beautiful country and learn about others.
Panama is a small and safe country with a lot to offer: great surf, beautiful beaches, lush cloud forests, raging rivers, powerful waterfalls, a modern city, historic ruins, a diverse culture, and of course - the canal. But the best part, and there are many, are its people who are kind, patient, happy, accepting, and patient (worth saying twice), who make an amazing cup of coffee.
As you dream about the adventures that await you on this beautiful planet and the stamps you want to add to your passport, please come stay with us and experience the friendly culture and beauty of Panama.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
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