1. Rice. I really do not need heaping servings of rice twice a day. I told Freddy and I get less now, but usually still twice a day. I am pretty sure I have eaten more rice in this short time then I ever have in my life.
2. No schedules or real routes for buses. The other day we were coming back from La Chorrera and we told the driver where we were going, but before we got there we drove through this random town. And there is no way to tell when the buses will come. And how much they cost is posted on this teeny tiny sign.
3. Cat calls. Like really. Please do not hiss and whistle at me. I am not your love. The only English they know is how to "flirt" with girls. And my Spanish is not good enough to talk back. Panamanians definitely have shame, but not when it comes to hollering at girls. It's super awesome to be blonde too.
4. Machismo. This goes along with the cat calls. I was told by a 12 year old boy that I could not help carry something because I was a girl. It's like the 1950s all over again. Most of the time it's manageable and o can joke about it while still hinting that what they are saying is wrong. But other times it is so frustrating.
5. Roosters. I think I have said this before but oh man they are so annoying crowing all night.
6. Manners. In the professional world everything is very formal and appearance is super important. But the kids are not like that at all. I am not sure if it is just because they are more comfortable with me or what. But they use the command form (ex come here) way to much, and rarely say please or thank you. Also they will yell someones name until they respond. I have recently started saying thing indirectly about this also.
7. Sweating. I think the only time o am not sweating here is when I am in the shower. I would have lost so much weight via sweating, but the rice is counteracting it. I am not sure how people deal with this heat all the time. The only really good thing is that it is always a topic of conversation." Que calor" can be said at any time and even multiple times in conversation.
8. Gossip. It is small town talk to the max. Everyone knows everyone's business. And the community all gossip about us. Sometimes it is difficult to really think about everything you say and do, because if it wrong everyone will know, and can really hurt your work in a community. I of course would never to anything wrong... This is for others :-)
9. Bugs. I think there is some sort of thing that attracts bugs to me. My host mom says that it looks like a bomb went off of my legs.
10. Most people are short. This is inconvenient for buying shoes an using an outdoor shower. They should only have the big sizes left right? Wrong. And there definitely needs to be more coverage around outdoor showers. I have to hunch over so no one can see me.
Of course the things about people do not apply to everyone, but definitely happen enough for me to notice. Something's I cannot do anything about, but hopefully I can change a few minds.
Sent from my iPod
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