The Big Blow Really Sucks

The storm last week was reportedly as strong as a Category II hurricane. (Don't ask me how fast the winds were because I haven't memorized the Category scheme)  Most places have power BUT NOT US.

I think this is a personal storm out to get me.  We are struggling with it.  As a matter of fact, we almost folded up our tent yesterday and went home. 

Not only are we dealing with no power etc., but we are also settling into me being retired.  I think we need a little space.  So, we started to work on "going our separate ways" for a good portion of the day.  I am pleased to report that it is working well.

On one hand, this relocation thing sucks but, on the other hand, there is an amazing capacity with Panamanians to help you out when the chips are down.

My cell phone won't let me access my voicemail.  Several people are getting fed up with me not getting voicemail.  I can't have that.   

So, down to Cable & Wireless, the most hated entity in all of Panama.  I have been putting off this dreaded trip because of all the nasty stories.  

Why do I have to go to the service provider to get voicemail, you ask.  Well, that's how it's done down here.

I enter the office and ask if anyone speaks English.  Nada.  Now I'm stuck.

But, in steps the most helpful, nice Panamanian lady who starts to translate.  Not only translating, but badgering the office lady to do things right.  

As it turns out, the voicemail has to be turned on by the reticent office lady.  Then all the instruction on the phone are in Spanish.  She could have turned on the English language version, but no!  The nice lady has to request it and then all is well.

She gave me her cell and home phone number and told me to call if I need anything.  Sometimes Panamanians are so considerate it defies the imagination.

Then, I'm on to the the machine shop to get a highly critical part for changing a tire fixed.  My used car came with the wrong rod to crank down the spare tire.  This has caused major problems fixing flats which are prolific here.

With a mixture of hand gestures, Spanish and English, I get the problem communicated to the mechanic.  He and a couple of his fellow workers struggle with the fix for 90 minutes.  They try all sorts of stuff, all of it not working.

Finally, they get it.  What a relief.  This has been on my mind for 3 weeks.

The charge...$10.  A bargain even though they probably over charged me.

I am impressed with Panamanians persistence in solving sticky problems.  The just don't quit until it's done.

So, the yo-yo goes down and up.  Today was up.

We will go to Panama City Thursday to provide documents for our shipment from the USA.  And, we will go through the incredible ringer to get a Panamanian drivers license.  A blog for another day.