August 6, 2011

You gotta love this conversation. Utility bills are difficult to get here without mail service, but the cable bill can be retrieved on a special channel on the TV. So Wayne saw it and paid the bill in full. Then, last Saturday, our internet service was cut about 90 percent. Taking a couple minutes to download a simple email message was annoying to say the least. So he called the company the next week, finally got a hold of an English speaking person (which is difficult). So the conversation goes:
Wayne: Our internet service is very slow
Cable: Your bill is not paid
Wayne: But I paid it in FULL
Cable: It wasn’t enough.
Wayne: But I paid in FULL
Cable: It wasn’t enough
Wayne: What do I owe?
Cable: You need to come to one of our offices and find out. (Keep in mind the office at the mall we have visited has NO English speaking person there).
Cable: When you do, service will be restored in 30 minutes.
So Wayne goes to the mall, finds out what he owes (which wasn’t listed on any bill he could find, but found out it was an unlisted charge from previous month) and pays it. Comes home.
Four hours later and still slow service, so Wayne calls again. Spent much time (with two disconnects while waiting on the phone) trying to once again get a hold of an English speaking person. Tells them our service is still not restored. They go, “oops”. And they then restore it within seconds while he was on the phone. Cable customer service down here is universally like any cable customer service in the world – lousy. Wonder if they all compare notes.
Last night we were out with friends. Coming home, we ran into probably the third roadblock in the past couple of weeks. Wayne rolls his window down, he is obviously a gringo and they immediately wave him past. Talk about profiling! They do it all the time here. Being gringo can have its benefits.
We were walking down the street the other day and right in front of us was a short palm tree. It actually extends across the sidewalk, but when the sidewalk was built, they left the tree there so you have to walk around it. Anyway, sitting in the tree at eye level were probably 30 or more little lime green wild parakeets! Talk about beautiful. Had I not scared them as we got close I would have loved to have gotten pictures. Talk about an amazing sight.
Speaking of sights, attached is a picture that is taken from my new classroom at my new school. It is still not finished since it is one big remodeling project. But, if you look out the window of my classroom, you can watch ships travel through the Panama Canal. How many people can say they see THAT from their windows at school! My in-service started this week. We have a month of in-service this year to get the school up and going. I am in hog heaven with all the technology they are getting. Every kid from 3 year olds through 6th grade (it is only going through 6th grade this year) will be given either an iTouch, iPad, or a MacBook depending on their grade. I get to figure out what everyone does with them. FUN!!!!
And getting to meet the teachers on Monday. WOW, talk about International! I couldn’t believe how many countries were represented in that group. Thankfully, English is the language of instruction!

July 30, 2011

One of our favorite past times as we walk lately is to watch the “cutter ants”. 1000’s (although the colonies can reach millions) of ants parade along well worn paths to take their piece of leaf that they have “cut” back to their home. They are fascinating to watch. You can see the worn paths they follow and actually follow them yourself to see where their home is. All these ants, each one carrying a piece of a leaf they have cut from a plant. Now if they were in my yard, it would be a different story, one of annoyance rather than amazement. But they are way fun to watch.
We lost our internet again this week. Such a frustration when your phone, computers, television all depend on the cable working. Unfortunately, it is a common story here. One positive is that my new school is just down the street. We both grabbed our laptops and headed to the offices of the school and did our work on their wireless network. They use a different service than we do, so generally both do not go down at the same time.
Currently, it is raining this morning. Really, seldom does it ever rain in the mornings, but today it is. Not a hard rain, but a wonderful soothing slow rain. We could still take our walk, but with an umbrella. I was watching the widgets on my computer desktop. 75 degrees here in Panama, but high 80’s and 90’s in the places we watch in the states (Cincinnati and Midland MI). Now we are thousands of miles closer to the equator, yet our temperatures never get to the misery of the states. NOW, if you TALK about humidity, it would be is a different story. It is not a miserable humidity though, but is certainly a high humidity. One where mold loves to grow, if not under control. For the past few days, our A/C has been off and the windows all opened and absolutely wonderful. Oh well. I mopped my floors today and wonder if they will even dry (ever!!!!)
This is an interesting story. We went to the mall one day last week. There was a lighting center there (a rather large store that sold nothing but various light fixtures that you would put in your house.). Little did we know that it was their grand opening. The store has been opened for several weeks, but apparently this was the ‘big’ opening event. Anyway, there were gals and guys (dressed in tuxedos) that were roaming around the store offering you glasses of wine as well as appetizers (!!!!). Hey, we could have spent the whole evening there, “shopping” for light fixtures! Another good story is that our lawyer called to explain to us that the bank called him saying that the purchase of our condo was being delayed AGAIN because a very important statement was left out of the deed. The lawyer kindly pointed out that it really WAS in the deed. The bank went….”OH I see it!”. Three more days delay, ARGGGGG !!!!.

July 26, 2011

Why is it when I have all this free time, I can’t blog. When I am so busy with school that I can’t see straight, I can fit it into a busy schedule? Guess the quote about that if you want something done, give it a busy person.
I think after 13 months I can say I am officially getting frustrated for the first time. Efficiency is nonexistent here in Panama. We are still trying to purchase a place to live and it is certainly anything but easy. There always seems to be a problem. Things that would take a day or two in the states, takes 2 or 3 or MORE weeks here. It is just crazy. I know it is the culture and I am here and this is not my country and I need to just swing with it. But after 13 months, I find some things difficult to take. Some are still just interesting and funny. For instance, last weekend we got a coffee table. The gal that sold it to us put the sales info into the computer. Then it went to another desk for someone to order it up from the storage. Two people got it, cut into the boxes and took EVERY piece out and we had to check it (remember from previous blogs, no returns). Then those two taped the boxes together again and THREE people processed the sale. One after the other signing off on it. I was given several pieces of paper. Took one piece to the guys who cut the box opened. They signed off. Then someone put it into a cart to take it to our car (yes, we could have carried it but hey, that was nice). Getting OUT of the store was another adventure. Took two different people taking different pieces of paper and making marks on either the papers or the box. We finally got out the door. Earlier, we TRIED to purchase a set of pots and pans (we have none at our new place). We found a set we wanted and went to stand in a long line at the register. Got to the cashier and we were told something in Spanish which we did not understand. So, we had to wait for someone who spoke English. Found out we had to return to the housewares department and have the clerk take every piece out of the box to make sure all was there and nothing was broken etc. THEN, we could once again get back into a long line and wait. We decided cooking was way too overrated to go through that again. Cooking could wait a few more days.
Then, today we were trying to quickly get out of PriceMart (Costcos in Latin America). Unfortunately, someone in front of us in line was paying their bill with 100 dollar bills. Oh my, you hate for that to happen. The clerk has to record the serial number of each and every bill on a special form, after she checks them carefully for being real. The clerk signs the form, then the customer has to sign the form as well after recording all their identification information. Then, the cashier has to call a manager over (takes FOREVER). The manager comes, carefully examines all the bills and signs off as well. Then and only then, can the transaction be completed. Guess this keeps everyone honest.
So now I have just a couple days left until the job begins. Needless to say, I am really excited about figuring all this technology out. Should be a blast. Another school start-up!

July 16, 2011

Ace needed a haircut. Spent Monday morning running every possible conversation through Google translator before taking him in. The vet who does the grooming can speak English, but the receptionist cannot. After getting my conversations translated, I then needed to listen to how some of the words were pronounced a zillion time to hopefully be able to say things and understand correctly. THEN, after all that, I drove by myself to a nearby city where the vet is. I am taking baby steps with driving around here. During the middle of the day, it isn’t so bad, so I am trying to build my confidence this summer and take advantage of the “not too much traffic time”. That was the challenge for today! Everyday certainly has its challenges. Successfully got Ace trimmed and he looks good.
Last Saturday, several of us were going on a hike through the rainforest. Our drive to the rainforest, although beautiful was accompanied by torrential downpours. Realizing the hike wouldn’t take place long before arriving, we still continued driving on to the starting point. We got out of the car for one quick picture before escaping from the swarms of mosquitoes that started attacking us. Funny, our apartment has no screens, our windows are opened frequently, and yet we seldom have mosquitoes. But Saturday was different. I guess the heavy rains brought them out in full force, especially in the jungle.
This week has been “cold” by Panamanian standards. We haven’t used our air conditioning all week. Windows opened and a great breeze coming in that was wonderful. But the humidity is quite high. Trying to keep mold at bay is an on-going challenge.
We went to the nearby shopping mall today. Since it was right after 15th of the month (pay day), we knew we had to get there when it opened because everyone goes shopping after getting their paycheck. We got there about 9:45 am (it opens at 10:00). Unlike in America, the entire mall is closed with guards at the doors until 10:00. Crowds of people were waiting at all the outside entrances waiting to get in. Guess there are no mall walkers here. But heck, the weather is walkable outside every day of the year, so why go to the mall.

July 8, 2011

So, I was told to not return to the states for the first year because the honeymoon with Panama would then be over. So we went back to the states after 51 weeks. I didn’t want the honeymoon to be over. I still wanted to live it. Anyway, we went back and now noted some differences. Many good, many not so good, but different. We had a great trip. Visiting children and friends was wonderful. We missed everyone so much, but we just want to live something different. And Panama is giving us that opportunity. We are different people and challenged by new experiences.
So what did we notice! America gave us clean streets! No trash anyplace that we saw. Granted, we did notice a lot of cigarettes butts outside of stores. That we don’t see here in Panama. I guess it is way too expensive to smoke down here. America gave us no mold on buildings, sidewalks, or furniture. Then, those amazing four lane highways we found everywhere in the states (actually two lane roads with wide shoulders). Looks like the people in the US only use the middle two lanes and leave the shoulders for emergencies. Not in Panama. Down here, those appear to be special lanes for the taxis and for those who think they are just too important to wait along with everyone else.
Another difference was with the traffic lights. The red lights in the states were so much longer to wait through. Down here, I honestly don’t think people in Panama would wait that long. For a culture that is laid back with a “mañana” attitude, they are crazy behind the wheel. Oh well, fun to notice.
The weather up “north” was marvelous although we do realize that we were there during the summer, not during winter! Another difference noted was that people in the states pay attention to weather forecasts. Down here, the forecast is pretty much always the same: partly sunny with a chance of showers.
We are now back home. We didn’t have too much mold in the apartment, but there was some. That is the problem with having the air conditioning off for 15 days. Just part of living in paradise. So we got our vinegar water out and started spraying like crazy.

June 19, 2011

I usually don’t have any problem “leaving”, but I really hate to be “left”. And that is what life is like being an expat. People are always leaving. The beauty is that new people are always coming, but it is tough to say good bye to friends. The last day of school was this week. There were several leaving. It was a good year. I wasn’t challenged as much as I like to be challenged, but the school was great, the teachers were great, the kids were great. All in all, it was a good experience. Looking back, I can’t believe the year is over.
I spent Thursday afternoon with a friend who has lived in Panama for many years. Interesting, as I discovered several thing about the working culture. It seems as though the country almost rewards laziness and irresponsibility. If you are fired from your job, you get a great severance package. If you quit, you get half of that package. You can be just a totally irresponsible worker and it is difficult to get rid of you. Someone said you had to miss six Mondays in a row before they have grounds to fire you without severance. Granted, the severance packages appear good, but the salaries are so low that they really aren’t that much.
A few of us walked to a local “fonda” near the school on Monday for lunch. Fondas are little restaurants run by the locals, usually in a simple small building or shack. You are “taking your stomach in your hands” to eat at one, though. On the way, we noticed a few trees growing up right in the middle of the sidewalk. Looks like the road had been torn up to lay some pipes yet, when they got to the sidewalk, they must have just dug under rather than cutting through the sidewalk and repaving it. So, eventually the sidewalk collapsed. Then, a few weeds must have started growing in the mess, yet no one ever bothers to pick up or dig them out or even repair the sidewalk. Needless to say, over the years trees have developed. Anyway, the food was absolutely delicious at the fonda and CHEAP. Yet, you are still taking a risk. There are absolutely NO HEALTH codes, no inspections to make sure food is prepared safely, at these places.
So three days of vacation are over. Like every summer break, time FLIES. Most everyone that goes to the states has already left. This place really clears out so quickly. With only 6 weeks of “summer”, people scatter almost immediately.

June 12, 2011

Can’t believe we have been out of the U.S. for almost a year now. Can’t believe my year at my new school is over now. What a year it has been, too. We often reflect on everything that has happened and how we have tried to live in a new culture, with a new language and everything just so different. Friday night, there was a great party the school had for all the teachers leaving. It is so interesting that at CHCA where the 20, 15, 10 year awards are given and there are several of them. Here, there is about a 30 percent turnover each and every year. A 5 year award is something, while a 10 year award is rare. There are only a few at the school who have made Panama their home for life. The young teachers come for a 2 or 3 year adventure and then head off to other places. Some of the teachers have taught in several other international destinations as missionaries. Seldom do you find a teacher who was born, raised and still living in Panama. Of course, at this school you have to have perfect English skills, so someone born and raised here probably wouldn’t have them unless they were raised in the Canal Zone. Many people we have met were born and raised in the Canal Zone, left for college, marriage and career in the states and are now returning.
Another interesting thing is the “talk” at the end of the school year. At CHCA, people are always asking each other if you are going “anyplace” this summer for vacation. Here it is “When are you headed to the states?” People scatter within days of the end of the school year. Many stay away for the 6 weeks we have off before returning. The question is never “Are you going?”, but “When are you going?”. Some missionaries need to go back to raise support, others are young and head off to visit their families. Just an interesting mix.
We are anxious to return to the states for a couple weeks as well and see our families and friends. We “wonder” if we changed? How could we not after an experience like this and taking a step of faith by stepping outside our comfort zone.
I certainly hope the Midwest gets some good weather before returning. A couple of my younger kids at school were just terrified about going to the states this summer. All they have seen on American TV down here has been tornado related and they are just scared to death. Nice that here, there is no worry about tornados or hurricanes. I guess we are too far south for the hurricanes, and obviously no big changes of weather for tornadoes. Earthquakes are still a question. We certainly don’t have the number of them that Costa Rica has, but like in Ohio, they “say” there could be a big one eventually.
Now, we have to figure out how to deal with the humidity when being gone for a while. Folks that leave for six weeks come back to mold. Apparently if you park your car and don’t get in it for 6 weeks, you can find mold on your steering wheel. Two weeks apparently isn’t an issue, but six can be. Stuff (just about anything) grows like crazy here.