The cons blocking up my computer

If you have escaped local predators, just just check your e-mail to see which random lottery you have won

DAVID YOUNG OUR MAN IN PANAMA
ourman@laestrella.com.pa

Con artists abound in Panama, as the silver tongued fraudsters look for newcomers, still disoriented by their change of lifestyle. In a city where in boom times it seemed that everyone was a realtor, and hefty commissions were added on to people providing leads, thus further inflating already overblown prices. the real estate industry got the biggest rap. to the dismay of genuine operators.

One professional who had moved here to pursue a career in which he had shone in Canada, gave up on property sales and opened a store. I’m glad to report that the store is doing well, while many real estate operations are floundering.

But the cons are everywhere, from lawyers to marketing specialists.

But its not only local scam artists who are hitting on the citizenry.

My personal and office e-mails are overloaded with letters from “barristers” widows, lottery organizers. They inform me that I have not replied to the news that I have been named in the will of someone leaving $30 million, that the widow needs help in collecting an enormous endowment for which I will a multi-million dollar commission, and in countries from Belgium to Britain and Nigeria, I have won a million or more dollars in a random selection of e-mail addresses.

If they were all true I would be up there with Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, who earned their billions the hard way.

DRESS UP TIME. There was a time when people ”dressed up” for all sorts of occasions. Remember the expression “Sunday best”?

While I don’t advocate moving back to formal dress for dinner at home (the dinner jacket) there are times when outting on the “glad rags” gives the wearer a genuine lift, making the not so sparkling event a little more memorable.

Sometimes “dress codes” can be hilarious. In a major hotel in what is now called Harare, Zimbabwe customers were required to wear a jacket and tie for lunch. The customary outfit for most people was khaki shorts, so they were permitted. The restaurant carried a large selection of jackets and ties for those who were not correctly attired.

At a military club in Toronto, Canada, the club tie was de rigueur. Members spotted without the correct cravat were referred to a nearby office, and a new tie was added to their tab. (That’s why I still have a large selection of RCMI ties.)

In the military life was easier. “Dress of the day” was announced.

Which brings me to a recent evening at the upscale Chalet Suisse in Panama. One diner arrived in an undershirt, soiled shorts and sandals.

I guess the occasion was not big enough for the wearer, or perhaps I’m getting old.

PENNY PINCHING. At Petit Paris, Marbella last week, where they serve excellent coffee and delectable pastries, I sat watching one day this week, as lunch time diners ate the special of the day, (also available for take-out).

Next to the cash register is a sign informing customers that there is no jubilado discount as the official body has deemed the establishment a pastry shop. Have they visited at lunch time? In Riba Smith’s pastry and coffee section in Bella Vista, the discount is applied, even on a cup of coffee.

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