Expat Community > Panama

jonoyakker
Joined 2012
Posts: 1863

How to Thrive in Panama

11 years ago

Ok, I've calmed down for the moment. Here is what I've wanted to write for a long time. It's at least my crib notes on how to thrive in Panama (and everywhere in Central America that I've traveled for that matter) Some of this is pretty common knowledge, some isn't:

Remember that you are a visitor as well as a representative of the expat community. Expect good behavior from yourself and your life will be better-what goes around, comes around. I think Panamanians are pretty damn tolerant given how some expats and visitors act.. There are lots of great expats and Panamanians but you must cultivate relationships with them by being someone who you would want to be with. My wife said something really profound before we moved-"moving to a new place affords an opportunity to redesign myself as a new person"

Be friendly. Panamanians consider a friendly greeting to be respectful. It is an acknowledgement that there is a person there. They just don't expect if from expats. I say buenes to everyone who crosses my path.

Be patient-it will get done eventually. I know I didn't move from the rat race for more of the same. If you need to go to the bank or Gov. office, take a book to read while you wait.

Learn Spanish. This will make your life much more fun and rewarding. Study to develop your vocabulary, To develop your ear, listen to movies with them switched to Spanish with English subtitles. But most of all, PRACTICE. Classes or a tutor can help but don't get too caught up in grammar. Make sure whatever you do, don't wait to start speaking until you are fluent because it will never happen that way. One of the reasons little kids learn to speak quickly is because they aren't inhibited like adults. It will come bit by bit but you have to work at it. Sorry!

Don't flaunt your wealth! if you need to feel like a bigshot, realize that you will already be regarded as rich by Panamanians just by virtue of the fact that you can afford to move. Most Panamanians can't afford to move from their parent's home for a long time, for crying out loud. Be thankful for what you have.

Get used to less creature comforts, and the need to have "stuff". The "stuff" people don't seem to be happy in Panama anyway. Learn to enjoy the simple things-friends, good conversations (maybe even some in Spanish), relaxation, natural beauty, etc.

Realize that you may never understand Panama. I shake my head everyday at some of the crazy things here...but on balance I love it here because I put myself in a space of natural beauty and friendships. I tell people that I'm sure Panamanians think we are crazy too. It's easy to see the idiosyncrasies in other cultures, but hard to see it in your own.

Security-Panama is low on violent crime (or has been) but petty crime can be a problem. Take some basic measures, you will get used to it. Remember, you are in a different culture. Adapt. Don't create opportunities for crime. As everywhere, 5% of the people create 95% if the problems. Don't be an easy target.

Volunteer. Pick something that is important to you and go for it. Service is the highest operating state in life.

This is what I've noticed for myself and for those around me who seem to be thriving.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

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How to Thrive in Panama

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