I was so excited when the postman came calling the other day, because he brought me a big fat parcel all the way from America. In it were the latest titles from the Moon Living Abroad Series for me to review for you!
The first book I grabbed from the pile was Living Abroad in Panama, because Panama is a country that really ‘speaks’ to me…I have a strong urge to take a much closer look at this stunning nation. So of course the first book I can now review for your consideration is by Miriam Butterman and it’s really all about going and Living Abroad in Panama!
As with all the Moon Living Abroad titles the book is broken down into 4 main sections. You have your Welcome to Panama section covering everything that a would-be expatriate needs to research and know before they even set foot in the country. Then there’s the Daily Life section that helps you adjust to living abroad – followed by the Prime Living Locations section that breaks the country down by region for you. And finally the Resources section is invaluable for anyone serious about going to live, work or extensively travel in Panama…
The best thing about the Moon Living Abroad books are that they’re written by expatriates who have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. They are written from an expatriate’s perspective – meaning that the books are absolutely accessible and appropriately targeted to their readership. Living Abroad in Panama is no exception – and it benefits from the fact the author is a professional writer!
The book is therefore not only rammed full of insightful information that is otherwise impossible to garner unless you’re already living in Panama, but it’s put together so well and it flows eloquently and smoothly. Guide books and ‘how to’ books are the sorts of literature you can pick up, sift through, skim, scan and dip in and out of – and whilst Miriam Butterman’s book is no exception, it is also so well written you can do as I did and sit down and read it from cover to cover!
If you’re thinking about moving abroad and you’re not sure where to go, the Moon series are a great place to begin your research. In this particular title, just the first section will have you lusting after a life in Panama! From explaining how you can plan a fact finding trip and get the very most out of a pre-move visit to Panama, the author helps you get a real good taste of local life.
For those who’re then hooked on the thought of a move, the Daily Life section which covers the essentials from finding a home to getting a job, from staying healthy and getting wealthy to actually immigrating to Panama makes it all so much easier for you. Because the country is so diverse, I felt that the Prime Living Locations section was particularly useful.
Having done my own research into the country prior to reading this book I thought I’d explored all the possible destinations I could conceivably call home, but I am so happy to say that actually, Miriam Butterman opened my eyes to some more alternatives too. It just goes to show, there’s nothing like local knowledge to really help you make a new country home.
I recommend these series of books from Moon to anyone looking around and wondering where in the world they would like to live – and I especially recommend Living in Panama to you if you’re looking for a place to travel and explore, a country to call home and perhaps a new paradise on earth where you and your family can potentially have a very good standard of living for less. Living Abroad in Panama (Moon Handbooks)
