Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks) [Paperback]

William Friar (Author)

Book Description

Series: Moon Handbooks | Publication Date: October 21, 2008

Writer and Panama native William Friar offers his unique perspective on this up-and-coming destination, from lounging in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro to hiking the highlands of Boquete and exploring Panama City. Friar uses his local knowledge to craft unique trip strategies, such as The 14-day Outdoor Adventure and Six Days for History Buffs. Complete with details for navigating jungle trails, finding cheap taxis and underground bars, or planning a river expedition, Moon Panama gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

There are several well thought out itineraries available in the beginning of the book which are catalogued by length of stay and various interests....This is a must have book for those planning a trip to Panama. --Dave's Travel Corner, November, 2008

Friar provides great trips for travelers exploring his native Panama. This second edition includes tips such as the 14-day Outdoor Adventure and Six Days for History Buffs. --Planeta.com, December 2008

Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 2nd edition (October 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159880085X
• ISBN-13: 978-1598800852
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Travel > Latin America > Central America > Panama
  • #38 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Guidebooks

More About the Author

William Friar grew up near the banks of the Panama Canal. Though an American citizen, Bill has lived most of his life overseas. Besides Panama, he has called Denmark, India, and the United Kingdom home, and he spends as much time as possible traveling around the world.

He has written three Panama-related books: the guidebook Moon Handbooks: Panama (now in its third edition); an ecotourist guide, Adventures in Nature: Panama; and a photo-essay book, Portrait of the Panama Canal (now in its third edition). He also writes about England, San Francisco, and various bits of South America.

Bill began his writing career as a stringer for the metro desk of The New York Times, where he found that covering stabbings, shootings, blizzards, and hockey parades was surprisingly good training for travel writing. He has also worked as a rock-music critic, technology-news editor, human biology instructor, writing coach, fundraiser for a medical foundation and a university, software-manual author, and reporter for three daily newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bill's work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Arizona Republic, Neuen Zürcher Zeitung, San Jose Mercury News, Orange County Register, Houston Chronicle, Budget Travel, and other publications.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, Bill also holds a Stanford MA in English and American literature and an MS in journalism from Columbia University. He lives in London with his wife, Karen.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Organized, Well Researched Guidebook, May 16, 2009

By 

Panama Hostel Owner (Panama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

The Moon Guidebook is by far one of the most thoroughly researched, well organized guidebooks for Panama on the market right now. How do I know this? Well, as the owner of a backpacker hostel located in Panama I have met the writer on several occasions and have personally observed his careful fact checking and research methods. He is one of the few guidebook writers that actually speaks fluent Spanish, and this undoubtedly assists him in verifying current information and finding out about interesting things that other books may not be including. At the hostel, we have a reference library that includes most of the major guidebooks, and quite often our guests request the Moon guide-book.

A general comment about the use of Guidebooks. Guidebooks are "guides". They are NOT bibles. Travelers should assume that they will include outdated information and inaccuracies, no matter how recent they have been published. Things are changing constantly, ESPECIALLY in a country like Panama which is just beginning to BLOOM in terms of tourist venues.

On a personal note: As a hostel owner, I know the frustrations and confusions about how to please 100% of my guests due to all the differences in personal preferences. It's difficult to accept that there are always going to be a small percentage of guest complaints. But all we can do is focus on pleasing the 98% majority that see our vision and like our place. I assume that it is the same for a guidebook writer such as Mr. Friar who has obviously put a lot of time and care into the writing of his book and encourage him to keep up the good work in focusing on his majority!

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply....The best guidebook on Panama., November 24, 2008

By 

R. Marrero ""rickmar"" (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

This guidebook provides a very balanced & well put together information on the country. The author, being a "zonian" himself (one who grew up in the former Panama Canal Zone) & continues to spend time in the country, has a vast knowledge of the area. From the usual tourist areas to the people, history and culture; from the not so well known areas to do's & dont's, he covers it very well. What I like the most is that - unlike some other guides - he covers whatever is negative in a constructive manner without being overly critical. This latest edition includes a few more color pages at the beginning. A perfect companion to relocation guides like "Living in Panama" & "Choose Panama..." Bottom line...If there's room for only one Panama guidebook...look no further.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars William Friar's latest PANAMA-MOON publication, November 29, 2008

By 

Mary P. Coffey (Rep of Panama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback)

Couldn't agree more with reviews by Rick Marrero and Bruce Hadley. Mr. Friar's obvious knowledge of Panama and his tremendous research makes this book, by far, the best out there for anyone traveling to Panama - whether it be their first visit or their tenth. This is not a dry reference book, by any means. Mr. Friar incorporates fact with humor, which makes reading a pleasure - even the lone traveler will manage a few smiles as he goes along. This is a "must have" in anyone's library.