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Panama-not just a vacation destination anymore. A new generation of Americans plan to retire here:

Folks who've discovered Florida's Emerald Coast pretty much believe they've happened upon paradise.
And who can argue?
The beaches; the other-worldly hued water; the temperate climate..
But Chester Kroeger, Destin resident and former city councilman, and the founder of wildly popular Fudpucker's restaurants, says he's been hit by lightening a second time. He's found another paradise - And who would believe it - it's Panama.

"A friend of mine told me he was going to vacation in Panama, and I said 'why?'" Kroeger said.
"I'd never considered going there."
But his friend was effusive about the bountiful and unspoiled beauties to be found there, so a-month-and-a-half later, Kroeger made the trek.
"We flew into Panama, and I expected a third world scenario, but it wasn't-Panama City's very cosmopolitan," he said.
One of the many attractive travel features of Panama is its easy access.
There are direct flights to Panama City from Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Newark.
Panama has two climates: the lowlands, which include Panama City, are humid and tropical. Temperatures typically range from 80 to 90 degrees during the day.
The highlands' temperature usually ranges from about 45 to 85 degrees during the day.
In itself, Panama City is a great place to begin explorations. The city abounds in examples of fine mid-20th Century architecture. Not to be missed are the historical ruins of Old Panama and Casa Viejo, the old town, where you'll find a wonderful collection of buildings that date from the 17th Century. Some say it's reminiscent of old New Orleans.
Panama also is home to seven living Indian populations, with their own unique traditions and cultures.
No trip to Panama is complete without a visit to the Panama Canal zone. Located just minutes from Panama City, the area's lush rainforest is part of the Soberania National Park - protected from development because it serves as the watershed for the Canal.
These are some of the most accessible rainforests in the world, and worth a trip to Panama in itself.
Kayaking, fishing and bird-watching are among popular activities.
Other national parks, located near Panama City, include Barro Colorado, Monkey Island, and Pipeline Road. Still others are Plantation Road, Achiote Road, Amistad, Pearl Islands, Darien, Coiba and Bocas del Toro.
Wildlife viewing is some of the best in

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