24 Jun Leaving Panama
We are moving back…
How many times have we heard that before? In the 4.5 years my husband and I have lived here in Coronado we have seen many people coming and going and it’s always a shock to hear these words.
One of the great things when we arrived here in Panama was how very quickly and easily we have met people and became friends with so many so fast. I guess it is the beauty of starting a new life in a foreign country with many expats in the community. A couple of visits at the local Happy Hours and gatherings and you know half of the town. And if you choose to live in a condo it’s like speed dating.. a couple days and you know when the next potluck will be held, who’s birthday is next and what new place has opened up.
No matter where we are all coming from, we have never had it that easy and that fast to make new friends and connections. But if you think about it, it all makes sense. After all we have one thing for sure in common. We all have packed our bags to start a new adventure in a foreign country leaving friends and family behind. That by itself is a strong bond right there.
Many have war stories on how they prepared and finally got here. Most of us have family and friends question our decision to move to a country most are really not familiar with.. YOU ARE MOVING WHERE??? I bet you heard that as well, we for sure did, more than just once!
After unpacking and learning to find your way around, the adrenaline is still pumping on an extremely high level. The ” I can’t believe we are really here” excitement is in full gear. A few weeks and sometimes months pass and it is like living the ultimate dream. In our case, I’m not sure how long it took to realize, that this is not an extended vacation. But there was the moment where it all became reality and the normal life started. (Don’t get me wrong, we are still enjoying our Happy Hours!)
When the realization kicks in and reality takes over things sometimes change. In our case we started a business called “That’s Why Panama” and our first designs and shirts were introduced to Coronado and later on to the rest of Panamá. Others that moved here have found volunteer groups or followed their hobbies to create a meaningful day to day rhythm. But then there are others, that just didn’t know what to do with their new lifestyle. Those are the ones leaving fairly quickly. Maybe it was the lack of preparation or research, or the willingness to learn few words of Spanish before moving all of their belongings.
But it’s not just people that didn’t prepare well, that we have seen leaving our “Almost Paradise”. We have seen friends, that moved on to another country, because Panamá just wasn’t IT for them. Others tried their luck with a business idea that unfortunately didn’t work out. And many that have said Good Bye Panamá and to us had health or family reasons for their return.
Shortly after moving here we were told, that there is a natural turn over on people living here. We were told that it breaks down to 1, 5 and 10+ year groups. The once leaving within the first year are mostly and sadly easy to detect. The daily challenges of establishing a new life in a new country get’s overwhelming for everybody. But not all are giving up so easily. Language barrier, different customs and government regulations, lifestyles and traditions are just a few of the obstacles to overcome. Let’s not forget trafico and simply trying to find a lawyer, that can answer ALL the questions.
I’m sure we all had moments where we questioned ourselves, if this will drive us insane. But again, we are in for the challenge and learned to sometimes just go with the flow… the Mañana Syndrome kicks in and all is better.
See You Again
Sadly we have seen many people leaving, that we had become friends with. This is always a tough one and it leaves a certain emptiness. But if we would not have met them here we would have had a greater loss, not knowing them in the first place.
This is a huge THANK YOU to all our friends that have moved away. You have helped us in so many ways with starting a new life here in Panamá . As someone told me once: In the cathedral of our hearts there will always be a light for you.
For the readers of our blogs, that consider moving to Panamá or any other foreign country, please pack a small suitcase and check it out first. Spend a year, travel and see the country of your choice and meet the people. It’s rewarding and even if you choose not to permanently live here, the experience and memories you will make nobody can take away from you.