Don't Kill the Cow Too Quick: An Englishman?s Adventures Homesteading in Panama

by Malcolm Henderson

Retiring to live on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, the author humorously describes how he learned through experience, from the first essential of handling a boat without danger to himself and others to his ultimate achievement of establishing an organic farm on the shore of a distant lagoon. Interspersed with vignettes of the local culture, the account gives an insight to the challenges facing Gringos when pursuing dreams of life on a tropical island. Covering a span of six years from the beginnings of the growth of a tourist industry to a time when the islands were clearly destined to become a major tourist destination, Don’t Kill the Cow Too Quick records a passing era.

250 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2004

Reviews

[Sue Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I met Mr. Henderson at the Hotel Ciudad de David in March of 2017. He was such a lovely man and encouraged me to read his book when we told him we were considering immigration to Panama. It is full of useful information and great stories. Even though we decided against moving to Panama, I thoroughly enjoyed his insight. Thanks for the advice, the great conversation and the wine! ❤️

[Britt Vasarhelyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. Malcolm Henderson labels it "Travel," but you could also describe it as adventure, biography, and literature. That it's funny and sweet make it an endearing book, the kind you don't want to finish. I stretched it out as long as I could but finally gave in and read the final quarter last nite.

The action in this book takes place in the Panama province of Bocas del Toro, literally "Mouth(s) of the Bull." Malcolm and his wife, noted artist Patricia Buckley Moss, are vacationing in Costa Rica when the road they are to travel is suddenly shut down. On a whim, they decide to go to Panama and that whim marks the beginning of a whole new world for the couple. Until then, Malcolm and Pat's life was dominated by Pat's public appearances, an activity that Malcolm calls one road show after another. Pat paints and exhibits her work. Malcolm runs the back of the house. They were on the go constantly. And they were ripe for a change.

Twenty-four hours after arriving in Panama, Malcolm has bought a homestead on what is called "The Dark Lands." Despite the ominous tone of the name, it's breath-takingly beautiful and lightly populated with Indians from an ancient tribe. He also buys 25 acres of pristine rainforest.

This book chronicles Malcolm and Pat's integration into the local Panamanian communities, of which there are several: two different Indian tribes; Afro-Antilleans; Chinese; and gringos, both long-standing and recent arrivals. It is also a tale of building a sustainable farm against great odds, with all the slips and falls along the way.

I recommend "Don't Kill the Cow Too Quick" for almost any age from teens on. But I particularly recommend it for mid-lifers who are trying to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives. You may not wind up in Panama but reading this book will definitely give you some ideas of what can be done with those "golden years."

NOTE: I only review books that I can assign a 4 or 5 star to. I do this because I am also an author and I know how hard writers work to make their products enjoyable for readers. I don't want to discourage anyone who's had the fortitude and patience to write a book, nor do I want to praise them when I don't deem their book worthy.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Englishman, former military, and his artist wife buy property and live in Panama starting when they are in their mid-sixties. We'll see how true to life it is.