Several months ago, I went to an area of town that I mentioned I really wanted to go back to, but wouldn’t until I had a grasp of the language. Well, we went back to wander around and check it out. We do NOT have a grasp of the language yet, but if we waited for that, we may never go. How interesting because, again, we were the only gringos there, and I am sure the people were as much amazed to see these two tall white people wandering around as we were amazed at watching the community of people that lived there. People were getting manicures and pedicures out on the street. Ladies had their little shop set up on the sidewalk with a couple of lawn chairs and a basket with their “tools” in it. Scary to wonder about the sanitary conditions, but they had the whole works of multiple colors of polish and fake nails. I finally remembered to take my camera with me only to have a battery die after the first couple of pictures.
There were lots of outdoor “cafes”, although I would almost be afraid to eat at them. Apparently, there are many that do eat at them that obviously don’t get sick, or else their stomachs are immune. One picture is of the lottery tickets being sold. Every place you go around here, there are ladies sitting on the streets at these card tables selling lotto tickets. We noticed there were many tables right outside a bank setting tickets. How sad that they are probably selling to people as they exit the bank after getting their paycheck cashed. See the picture of the baskets on shelves. One of the big “super Wal-Mart type stores” was located in that neighborhood, yet you can NOT go into the store with a package. So, people have to check everything they have prior to entering the store. Just ONE more line to stand in with slow service.
Got my first “tropical virus” this week. Here, I came to paradise thinking colds/flu were not around, since in Ohio those generally happen during the winter months when people are cooped up, right? But, as some wise person told me, germs just don’t die here! Well that is a downer. Anyway, when stuffed up, you certainly don’t need a humidifier. Just step outside.
Wayne went to get a tire fixed this week at a place that has no clue what customer service might look like. Anyway, as he was waiting he met a Panamanian man that spoke excellent English. The gentleman was disgusted as he needed to get his required annual car inspection. He started the process, but they discovered he had an outstanding parking ticket. So they refused to inspect it until he went to the government office to pay it. So he left, went to the office nearby. However, he had shorts on and you are not allowed in a government office (and most banks) wearing shorts. So he had to go home, change his clothes, go back to pay the ticket, then return to the repair shop and wait forever to get his car inspected. He “thought” what would take several hours, ended up taking all day.
My school had an “international” fair yesterday (similar to CHCA’s Fall festival). We all had the opportunity to work at it. With a small school, there are a lot of “those opportunities”. But the best part was all the international food available. Parents made food that was particular to their country to sell. So, with the international mix of people that live in Panama, we had some of the most amazing food I have ever tasted.