Daniel and Lily were visiting which was great fun.
One of the interesting things to watch was their reaction to some of the Panamanian ways of life. Things that we reacted to when we first got here but it is now normal.
Especially justice...
If a gringo gets in an auto accident with a Panamanian, the gringo is ALWAYS wrong and will have to pay the ticket and damage. ALWAYS!!!
Why?
Because we have the money!
Justice here is defined by money rather than what is just, as in the US. What is just here is who has the most money and can afford to pay. Not a North American sense of justice.
This drives gringos crazy. But it is the way it is.
Also, many cars and trucks smoke...a lot! That is sure to offend a gringo.
And the roads are ROUGH. Daniel said on his last day that he wouldn't miss the rough roads.
Believe it or not, we have gotten used to them.
On the positive side, New Years Eve we went to a party that built a huge bond fire and shot off professional grade fireworks, all stuff that is illegal in the US. Daniel was jumping around shouting "I love Panama, I love Panama, I love Panama."
This is the land of "Do What You Want".
I spent 4 days this week getting my car repaired. That's four full days of running around buying parts, dropping the car off at different places for repairs and generally pulling my hair out.
The car was vibrating. So my buddy and I took it to our favorite mechanic. He diagnosed it as bad front wheel bearings.
So down to David to buy the bearings and a few other things.
He installed them but when we stopped by the next day to pick the car up, he told us he found a rear bearing that needed replacement. So back to the parts store for more parts.
We stopped by the next day, got the car and it was still vibrating. He diagnosed it as a bad U-Joint.
So back to the parts store then to the mechanic.
We picked it up the next day and all was good.
Then I went to David for new tires and alignment. That took a few hours plus the 2 hours to and from David.
Almost a full week.
The good thing is the cost. Parts for the huge front bearings, a rear bearing, a few bushings, front brake pads and U-Joint were $200 and the labor was $30. That's right, $30 bucks.
Tires are expensive here. Not more than the US but as much so they were $625 balanced and mounted. The alignment was $14. Amazing!
This is a strange land. So much great stuff and so much frustration.
Sometimes you don't know which direction you are being pulled.
One thing is for sure: You can't possibly understand the US until you leave it.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to live in another reality.
8 comments:
always good to hear from You, Tom. I can only imagine the fun of actually driving in Panama, though I am sure that necessity demands it. just sitting here in Lucknow, quiet, and listening to Neil Young on my computer, while I reflect on the absurdity of being anything in particular. there's some kinda Freedom here in no man's land.
Love You, Darshan
Being something is very compelling for me, like gravitational pull. Too many years striving to be something. I still yearn for it.
Good thing I am restricted from working in Panama. My visa is a retired person visa...no working allowed. Sometimes I just get lucky!
"Understanding the US after you leave it." That would be a good topic for you to begin a new blog about! Not about Panama experience, but about what you can understand (or see differently) about the US.
Hhhmmm??? If I think I can come up with enough to say, it could be an interesting blog. I'll think about it! I appreciate the thought.
Don't forget to mention we dumped 5 gallons of diesel, and a gallon on gas on it before I chucked a quarter stick of dynamite in to light it. I'll deal with bumpy roads for a chance to blow shit up.
Indeed you will Daniel! I can't wait to see you back here in a couple months!
Indeed you will Daniel! I can't wait to see you back here in a couple months!
Indeed you will Daniel! I can't wait to see you back here in a couple months!
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