Why I Moved to Panama: The Vacation That Changed Everything

In October of 2007, I was living in the U.S., working at full tilt in the hotel and tourism industry — long days, high expectations, and the ever-spinning world of conventions, catering, and luxury experiences. One afternoon, I caught a story on BBC Radio about a runaway from England who had somehow found his way to Panama — and made it home. That story got under my skin in the best way. Something about it just stayed with me.

So, I did what I’ve done many times in life — I followed the instinct. I downloaded a PDF about Panama, picked up the phone, called Leanne (my partner and best friend), and said, “We’re moving to Panama.” She didn’t blink. The team I was working with thought I’d finally lost it — but when you’ve spent your life in tourism, you know the magic happens when you take a different path.

We booked a trip for Valentine’s Day, 2008. Arrived late on the 13th. Stayed at the legendary Bristol, one of Central America’s finest hotels, and couldn’t wait to explore Casco Viejo the next morning. It was still a little rough around the edges back then — not quite the polished jewel it is today — but the bones were there. The heart was there.

We had a lunch reservation at one of the four restaurants in Casco Viejo (that’s right — four at the time). But when we showed up, the place was closed until later. So, we wandered the cobbled streets, soaking it all in — the texture, the history, the mood — and something just clicked. On a whim, we knocked on the door of a local real estate office. I didn’t speak Spanish, but I managed to ask, “Do you sell houses?” A woman named Doris, now a dear friend, gave me a curious look and said, “Yes.”

Ten minutes later, Leanne and I were standing in the living room of a newly restored home. We looked at each other and said, “We’re on.” We went back to the office, signed papers, and within the hour… we had made our first purchase in Panama. We hadn’t even been in the country for 24 hours.

That day changed everything. I felt the pace of my life begin to shift — from fast and frantic to something warmer, deeper, more intentional. The home we bought was part of a new project that would break ground in July of 2008, and Leanne — who is not only my partner but also a brilliantly talented interior designer — worked closely with the team on every detail. Back then, finding basics like full-size mirrors, decent tiles, or quality appliances was a real challenge. But we figured it out, step by step.

In 2010, we received the keys to our apartment in Casa Garay, located on 10th Street in the “uptown” of Casco. Ironically, we thought it would be the last street to get developed. It turned out to be one of the first.

From that point on, we spent years commuting back and forth — building a life here, growing friendships with both locals and expats, and falling deeper in love with this extraordinary community.

What I’ve always admired most about Panama is its soul. The people here live with warmth, pride, and an unwavering dedication to their families and their future. I’ve been lucky — truly lucky. My work in Southern California allowed me to stay connected to the world I knew, while Panama gave me a deeper sense of home and peace. In 2017, we made the move full-time.

Shortly after, I had the great honor of working with the Minister of Tourism on the Panama Convention Center on the Amador Causeway. With decades of experience in citywide events and incentive travel, it was meaningful to contribute to something that would elevate Panama on the global stage. While I’ve intentionally kept my consulting footprint small here — my focus remains on the North American market — I’ve been privileged to watch this country blossom. What was once the domain of backpackers and Bohemian adventurers is now a destination of true distinction.

With the Panama Convention Center open, and landmark hotels like Sofitel Legend and Hotel La Compañía lighting up Casco Viejo with international appeal, Panama is finally being seen for what it truly is — a place of culture, soul, and timeless sophistication.

And now? My life is quieter, simpler… better. When I’m not with my family in Palm Springs, I’m here, in a place I proudly call home. That’s why I created CascoViejo360.com — not as a tourist brochure, but as a labor of love. A resource. A reflection of a place that welcomed me, shaped me, and gave me a new chapter I never saw coming.

This is a community built on passion, resilience, and care. If you’ve walked these streets, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Casco doesn’t just charm — it transforms. It’s where old meets new, where stories are written into the walls, and where people say, “I could live here.”

Just one thing to remember: we come to Panama because we love it — not to change it. The culture is the heartbeat. The hospitality is the glue. That’s what drew me in. That’s what keeps me here.

And One Last Thing…

My son who graduated from IMG Academy in 2010 and moved to Panama to play for Chorrillo FC professional soccer team. He is still here sixteen years later, and says, “I’d never dream of living anywhere else — my heart is here.”

Leanne also built a life here, seamlessly transitioning her interior design skills from the U.S. to serve clients in Panama. Her design gallery shares the same building with SISU Coffee Studio — a true reflection of Casco’s creative soul.

We bought our first home from Compañía Inmobiliaria San Felipe, S.A. — a Panamanian developer deeply committed to preserving UNESCO standards. And I created this platform — CascoViejo360 — to connect the dots between travelers, locals, and dreamers like me. No pop-ups. No flashing banners. Just a living, breathing guide to a place I love.

If you’re here — reading this — I hope you feel a bit of the magic we did. And if I can help in any way… you know.

Out and about with James.