A warm Panama welcome waiting for Snowbirds

By Lourdes Quijada
It’s that time of year again when the “snowbirds” in the north are making plans to dodge the first snow flurries and head for warmer climes for the duration of the winter.

The snowbirds I’m referring to don’t have wings. It’s the name given to those who have the time and resources to flee the icy fingers of winter. They even have their own association, and most of them dwell in Canada or the northern states of the USA, but there’s also a fair sprinkling of Europeans.
What better place than Panama to dodge the icy blasts? As our rainy season draws to an end they can look forward to five months of dry weather, low humidity and on-shore breezes while they check out real estate and mull over the big move.
The CanadaPLUS Club is once again laying down the welcome carpet and ensuring a warm welcome with its annual Welcome Back Snowbirds reception. It’s a time to renew old acquaintances, and make some new ones. This year the event will be held on Monday November 12 at Bella Gianna . That’s a cozy Italian restaurant, where the ambience is enhanced by the big three – good food, good service and good prices. CanadaPLUS ads the bouquet garni, good company.
The celebration starts at 7.30 pm with an open wine bar and finger foods. backed up by entertainment, and a tombola, with multiple prizes including a round trip for two on Copa Airlines direct flight to Toronto. The draw for the big prize will take place at this year’s Carols By Candlelight concert on December 15, but other prizes will be handed out during the evening, and you will have your chance to get your LED candle for the big night.
Admission is $20 for members, $25 for guests. To reserve your ticket call 6619-6890 or email clubcanadaplus@gmail.com. Make the subject “snowbirds.” If you live in Panama city, orders for two or more tickets will be delivered to your home or office. Single tickets will have to be picked up in Bella Vista or at Spanish Panama on Via Argentina.
Oh, be sure to book early. Murder Mystery Dinner Theater was sold out two weeks in  advance. Canadian Thanksgiving was also sold out and only a couple of late cancelations enabled latecomers to join the festivities. Those who wish to follow the two plus hour reception with a full dinner, can make a reservation when booking their tickets.