When the Department of Justice (and as my Republican parents would argue Mr. Obama himself) posted the FBI sign with their looming seals, my online poker player and I were in Pittsburgh. I was there on business and since Mr. Hoes is from the Steel CIty; we had been looking forward to this trip for many reasons. I personally really enjoy his parents’ company and my best friend from college was meeting us the following day after her, her fiance, and her engagement ring drove in from Akron, OH.
Bride to be and me
I can honestly say it didn’t all settle in until I was sitting in the back of a conference room during a break frantically googling for poker related news on my phone (God the internet is f*ing crazy). My heart sank and at that moment there was nothing I could do. Having grown up in an age of customer service all I wanted was a 1800 number to call and complain till I got the refund (I’ve mastered the ART of asking for the Supervisor). I’ve read the Full Tilt posts regarding their liquidity problems and I’m not sure I could even sway them. I believe Phil Ivey does have a chance but that’s based simply on my belief that he has a charming half-smile (his online avatar does not give him justice).
For the benefit of the laymen, they do exist: Poker Superfans
After being served a quick dose of salt in the eye and consuming enough booze to squash surface emotions so that we could at least bear sitting through the national anthem without interjections of french revolutionary songs, I began researching (full disclosure: I’m a graduate student and one that LOVES researching). Since sometime in April I have researched a good amount on Costa Rica, how to set up international bank accounts, Bangkok, how to quickly establish residency as a U.S. Citizen, Panama, the cheapest way to move books, Argentina, Brazil, and how to smuggle a dog .
I would like to take a brief moment to say, I have the most amazing online poker player boyfriend ever for dealing with my excitement, constant pressing, and over all lack of patience while he was going through something I’ll never completely comprehend. At the time the only thing I could offer in the hopes of helping (thanks non-profit salary) were home cooked dinners (selfishly I was also able to buff up my recipe Rolodex), excessive research, and futile attempts at being funny.
This was an appropriate reaction to have towards me at the time
So where has the research brought me? Currently, the only confirmation I’ve received from Mr. Hoes, in a not so direct manner, is that we are moving but when and where is yet to be determined. Because this entire situation makes me feel a bit like Sandra Bullock in The Net, Mexico is an option especially given my background there. Panama and Bangkok are currently in the running. I’m not a huge fan of Canada as a contender for many reasons. Mostly because you can’t live like a queen in Toronto for so little and there is snow (which I’ve lived with for far to long as is evidenced by the photo below).
HOWEVER, Canada does have an enormous mall with a full amusement park that includes a Pirate Ship. Yet somehow Panama’s mall is able to compete. While Bangkok’s mall just frightens me , but I could work with it. Yes, I’m considering places to move based off mall layout and amenities. I’ve come to realize it completely reflects the culture . This of course further makes me wonder what the hell is up with Canada.
- Canada Mall: Umm, thats pretty amazing
Panama Mall: Dressing in loud colors is the only way I wouldn't stand out
Bangkok Mall: There is a horror film just waiting to be made here
P.S. I’ve moved on to playing episodes of Ally McBeal in the background. Everyone should be mutually disgusted.
the Pocket Queen 
I would like to visit you in any of those places and go to all those malls.. WOW!!
Just got this in from Mr. Hoes! Panama continues to be a place to go!!
From the Facebook Forum: Why Did you Choose Panama?
By Jessica Ramesch
“Why Panama?” It’s the number one most popular question on my Facebook page, believe it or not. It turns out Facebook is great place for people to discuss and learn about Panama.
Just recently I’ve heard from an expat entrepreneur who says he can make more money in Panama than back home…a former teacher who plans to retire here because it’s the “most exciting and dynamic” country in the region…and a young, self-proclaimed “workaholic” named Ursula, who says Panama is the land of (tourism) opportunity.
The government seems to agree with Ursula. The tourism industry here is poised for growth. It’s spending millions of dollars on expanding the international airport in Panama City…and a new international airport in the Cocle province is also being given serious consideration.
Ursula is taking advantage of the industry’s fledgling status to become a serious tourism industry insider…and mover and shaker.
Another topic of discussion…the many mega-projects underway here, which include the “new city” at Panama Pacifico. One entrepreneur from Canada is excited about Panama Pacifico and the special benefits and tax breaks enjoyed by businesses in its special economic zone. He’s dead serious about cashing in on all the special benefits this zone offers. “I have a meeting with the Panama Pacifico people this Friday,” he told me.
Yet another Facebook post comes from an expat who has already visited Panama once, but says she can’t wait to come again. Her reason for choosing Panama? All the fun things to do and places to visit. “I could live there easily and never be bored,” she says. “I can’t wait to go back.”
Another reader commented, “I was there for a month in 2006.” His aim back then was to travel as much of the country as he could. And he literally saw it all, from the busy, whirring capital to the lush highlands of Chiriqui. He plans to return this winter to rent a house and “see how life in one spot feels.”
Another reader says the highlight of his trip to Panama was a visit to the Darien jungle province. He planned the trip to view a teak reforestation project—but ended up getting more than he bargained for. The best part, he says, was “riding ATVs through the rainforest and a trip on the river in a real dugout canoe (it was leaking). The canoe took us to a real non-tourist indigenous village.”
And you? What will you post on our Facebook page?