Laura Alexander, during one of the expat reunions

At a recent happy hour sponsored by the Expat Explorers, Laura Alexander, welcomed everyone who came in.

About half way through the low-key evening of conversation and drinks, held on the terrace of Rino's Restaurant, Laura called for everybody's attention. The talk actually stopped, and the nearly 40 people in attendance turned to hear what their "leader" had to say, for the activities planned for them.

That's what Laura Alexander does. This slim, vivacious, beack haired Canadian investor, who moved permanently two years ago after falling in love with Panama back in 2002, plans and organizes a wide variety of events and activities for members of the multi-national expatriate community.

Recent events included a museum visit and sunset dinner at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center; a trip in dug-out canoes up the Chagres River to visit the Embera Indians; as well as a tour of local outlets featuring lighting, furniture and décor items.

As expat Bill Curtis put it, "I don't know how she does it. She not only loves people; but she's very dedicated and maintains an extensive calendar. And she's always adding new things to do. With Laura, the ship is always on course."

Laura Alexander talking
with fellow Expats
in Panama

Steve Rich, another expat and regular contributor to The Visitor, agrees. "I don't think we could find anybody better organized, or?" Rich adds with a wink, "more personable."

There's plenty to keep organized. Upcoming events listed on the calendar, that can be accessed by contacting expatexplorers@expatsinpanama.com, include such international events as a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner and an October Fest; trips to El Valle and the Gatun Locks; and even a shrimp fishing expedition planned.

Laura told me: "The Expat Explorers started out of a call for help from the expat community. Once the excitement and stress of moving to "Paradise" finally started to wear off, the reality of the decision started to sink in. Many expats had not yet mastered Spanish, thus even finding out where the local grocery store is, can be a chore. Additionally, there was the craving to explore the country, yet a desire to share the experience with others. Thus the Expat Explorers was born."

Laura makes no profit from her role as leader, and often has trouble covering expenses.

She explained what motivates her: "Our goal is to learn, live and laugh and enjoy investing, settling and living in Panama with like- minded expats. There have been many wonderful new friendships born out of the Expat Explorers. What we need to do is help each other, with tips and how to avoid the traps, as we continue to explore, learn and enjoy."

All expats are welcome to join. There are no membership fees or obligations to attend; members simply select the event they are interested in. Maintaining such an organization seems like a full-time job, at least that's retired American Jim O'Hayre's impression. "She's unique and dedicated. Laura devotes a lot of time and effort - too much sometimes, I tell her - it's like a job."

Another member, Larry Buckman, seemed to agree. "Her energy is amazing. Without her, it just doesn't happen."

To find out more about the Expat Explorers ,which is completely e-mail based, contact expatexplorers@expatsinpanama.com