Jim Bondoux

My gardener got a pass a couple of days ago. It's essentially a "Safe Conduct" certificate. SALVO CONDUCTO DE CIRCULACION DE PRODUCTOR.

It was issued by the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and is valid for 60 days.

We went with Domingo once, and we quickly decided not to return. Much better luck with Mercedes, the "modista" with a sign on her lawn on the right as you exit Los Algorrobos on your way to Boquete. Just past the school, the apparently very popular "tipico" restaurant and the two car washing places.

She shows her phone number (6928-2198) and her front door is open when she, or her daughter, is home, which seems to be most of the time. No English.

We've paid one dollar for hemming a pair of pants. Prompt, pleasant, and good work.