24 Jul Patience and Acceptance
By Bill Upchurch
Life as an immigrant to a country in Central America can certainly test a person’s ability to adapt to a new homeland.
We made the decision to move to Panamá over three years ago. We actually sold most of our earthly belongings and relocated to this beautiful country at the beginning of 2015. We came here full of hope with some fun business ideas, an open mind and a desire for a new life with exciting adventures. As for me, I knew that life here would be different from the USA……………..oh, how right I was!!! Nothing seemed to make sense to me or my way of thinking!
Language
It seems like eighty percent of the Panamanian people that I have met do not speak English. Fortunately, I have two years of high school Spanish under my belt and can find a restroom at the drop of a hat!! Unfortunately, I do get Caballo, horse, and Caballero, gentleman, mixed up once in a while. As time goes on, with more exposure outside of the gates, as well as basic classroom lessons and Duolingo, the Spanish vocabulary begins to grow. It is amazing how many more smiles, “Good Mornings/Afternoons/Evenings” I get when I try to communicate with the locals. People really open up and are extremely helpful when one makes an effort!
Shopping
When you come to Panamá for vacation (aka, scoping things out,) you tend to look at the overall picture and not the “day to day” details of living in a foreign country. To say there was a rude awakening is grossly understated. As an example: why in the heck do I have to go to all four of our local grocery stores to find the “Gringo” necessities, that I must have for a good quality of life. Seriously, how am I suppose to go on without my favorite Horseradish Sauce or Honey Mustard???
Several months after my awakening, I was lost while traveling near Boquete in the mountains trying to find my way to Bocas del Toro. The GPS and cell phone were out of range of service. After stopping and asking for directions I ended up giving a ride to a local man and his six year old son. Both were walking six kilometers back home, carrying a seven kilogram (15 lb.) bag of rice, that would help feeding the family of seven. Hmmm, maybe Oscar Meyer Bologna and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese are not that important? While saying Good -Bye, the gentleman handed me a phone number to call, in case I got lost again. Him and his brother would come out to help! Thankfully there was no need to try the emergency plan, using his 911 service.
Driving
There are many examples of adapting to live in “Almost Paradise!” Driving in Panamá is just a bit different than in the majority of the world (insert eyes rolling here!!). The formal drivers license history in Panamá is not that old. Roads are still filled with people, that never had to pass a formal test. This changed two decades ago, when the government started requiring testing and insurances for drives and cars.
With that in mind, just remember: 1.) If you leave more than 1 meter (three feet) between you and the car in front of you, a bus is going to try and take that space. 2.) The car that you think is going to pull out in front of you….IS going to pull out in front of you!! As for my own driving habits, there have been changes! On a recent trip to the US, my daughter reminded me that it’s OK to use my turn signal and drive faster than 40 MPH while sitting in the left lane.
Taxis in Ciudad de Panama
I have not had enough practice with “patience and acceptance” to comment on this topic!!
“Tranquilo y Mañana”
Since early in my work life, two rules have been beat into my head!
Rule 1: BE ON TIME! Rule 2: If you cannot be on on time, see rule one!
Our gardener is suppose to be at our house Wednesday mornings at 8:00 for four hours of work. He receives a sum of money that most of us would not get out of bed for. Sometimes he shows up on Thursdays, Fridays or even Saturdays; we never know! Boy, this really ticks me off!! After several months, I find out that he rides his bicycle down to the Coronado from El Valle. He spends the week away from his family so he can earn a living doing yard work for several properties! It’s only a 40 kilometer trip down the mountain.. Oh wait, he has to go back home on the weekends. If I did the math correctly, that’s 40 kilometers up the mountain on a bicycle! I’m pretty sure he’s not riding a Cannondale or Marin! I’m now thinking the man needs a raise and not a verbal thrashing!
I think it is important to remember that most Panamanian workers earn between $400 and $600 dollars per month. That might not be enough money to allow these people the ability to hop into the Beemer and be to their appointment on time!
Panamá is evolving and making strides to leave the third world behind. It is definitely a work in process and will not happen over night! After 2.5 years of living in Panamá, I have learned three things about myself. 1.) I absolutely love living in Panamá!! 2.) I cannot change Panamá into a “Little USA” 3.) With practice, I can change the way I think and react to others. All I need to do is work on patience and acceptance. And when the differences, changes, problems and traffic become too much, I just tell myself “I moved here!”