Although Panama is in the northern hemisphere, summer runs from December through to April. The temperature remains fairly consistent throughout the year with highs in the low thirties and lows in high teens but what is not consistent is the amount of rainfall.

From April to November, Panama is prone to heavy tropical could bursts for 1 hour or so – typically in the afternoon- with the rain becoming more incessant in November.

However, come December it hardly rains at all until April due to the prevailing winds from the north. Hence this is known as the summer in Panama.

I am reminded of this every working day at this time of year because it is the school holidays. The holidays run from the beginning of the year until the much anticipated Carnival when everything stops for nearly a week!

Of course, the problem with school holidays is that the parents still have to work as well as ensuring the children are well looked after. Some parents make the most of this time to send their children to English lessons every morning at the ELS English School in Punta Paitilla where they are sure to be safe and, at the same time, learn the most important language in the world.

Why does this reminded me of Summer? Well ELS is in the same commercial centre as my office and at 10:00 every morning I can see and hear 50 excited children queuing up at the snack bar which is directly outside my workplace!

ELS is situated in the best part of Panama City and has fantastic facilities for children, adults and businesses including 20 classrooms and a large computer centre. I am fortunate that my Spanish language school EPA! is the little brother of ELS and we get to share the same facilities, excellent administration and helpful staff.

So if you wish to learn Spanish in the true crossroads of the world, and you will because English is not widely spoken in Panama, then why not join us at EPA and have a great time in the process.