AboutLorena Milanes Expertise I can answer questions regarding Panama, its people, culture, places to visit, places to watch out for, hotels to stay, how much your taxi fare should be... specific information on getting around on a safe manner.
Experience I was born and raised in Panama, educated in American schools. Since I enjoy all related to Panama history, I try to keep myself updated on local happenings in the subject. I also enjoy traveling and the internet seems a wonderful tool to use, specially when you are your own guide (which I usually am)- so I am just willing to give some of the help I have received back.
Publications Article - La Prensa Newspaper
Education/Credentials Bachelor's Degree - Marketing and Advertisting
MBA - Emphasys in Management
I was wondering if you could help give me some guidance about finding a
place to volunteer in the
Los Santos Province and also giving me some general background about the
province. I appreciate
any help you can offer!
1) I am looking for a place for my boyfriend to volunteer in the Los Santos
Province from mid-June to
late July. I will be teaching English in the region (not exactly sure where yet).
One issue is that my
boyfriend speaks only basic Spanish. His redemption however is that he is a
quick learner, a
handyman, and good with children!
2) I was wondering if you could give me an idea of the basics of the Los
Santos Region..such as how
large it is, how easy it would be to get from one side to another, would it be
practical for my
boyfriend to buy a motorcycle or rent a car?
3) I will be staying with a rural home-stay family during my time
teaching....and I eat no
pork/beef...is there a way to abstain without offending them? (I know I sound
like a snob!)
Anyway I hope you can offer me some insight into any of this. I would greatly
greatly appreciate it!
Jan
Answer Hi Jan,
I will do my best to answer all of your questions. If I leav anything out, please let me know so I can get back to you.
1. I am not aware of any current volunteering programs there but you can always check with www.casaesperanza.org.pa or with www.nutrehogar.com, both are dedicated to helping children.
I know that NUTREHOGAR has a center in Los Santos so your chances are better with them.
2. Basics of the region, well the population is approximately 90k, of mixed races and cultural background and a great percentage of it lives in poverty. The roads are not that good so in terms of transportation I would get a motorcycle and be very careful driving as stop signs are often ignored by other drivers. You will see what I mean.
There is a lot of natural beauty, beaches and nice sightseeing.
3. I think due to high prices of meat you will most likely be offered chicken. But, if you are offered anything else you may always use the "allergic" excuse, it works for me :)
Good luck.
Lorena
