Don't pay the ransom, I .... I am still here in Panama and kicking. I had a strange several weeks - nothing serious, just a combination of things. I was under the weather for about a week (blah) and then had a computer crash that took a lot of time and effort to fix. Plus, the government WiFi network (which I use) was down for extended periods of time which made any computer work both extremely time-consuming AND frustrating. But - back in the saddle!
A New Library - Amazing!
They have just opened a new library in Boquete, the beautiful mountain village up the road from David. And you are probably asking 'what is amazing about a new library'? Well, actually several things.
For starters the design is eye-catching to say the least. Architect Alfredo Boza, won a competition to provide the design, and incorporated soaring spaces in the 3-story design with lots of space, light and views. In fact Boza borrowed from the design made famous by Barnes and Noble in their stores, right down to the inclusion of a coffee shop. And both books and computers (with internet) are throughout the facility - and free. The theory (which apears to be correct) is that the openess and light tend to attract people and they feel comfortable. Participation and usage figures exceed those of U.S. libraries.
The second thing that really catches the eye is that, for a town the size of Boquete, this library is huge. It competes for one of the biggest buildings in the town. It is the size you would expect for a new such facility in the provencial capital of David, which is many times the size of Boquete in both area and population.
But the really amazing thing about this library is that it is NOT a government facility. A Public Foundation ( a non-profit) was formed about four years ago by a family as a memorial to one of their departed members, and a fund raising campaign was undertaken. The Lions Club was also involved, as they could no longer support financially a small one-room library (of sorts) that for a number of years had been the only semblance of a library in town. The library fund received donations from many quarters, including some large donations, including one that exceeded one million dollars.
The library has become the city's art center, with a new show every month. There are also weekly music classes (free), children's story time (in both English and Spanish), and guest speakers (both authors and artists).
You will also find it interesting that the library is staffed by U.S. Peace Corps volunteers who specialize in literacy and librarian training for the local population. Over 20 'expat' volunteers also devote time every week to various programs.
Probably as amazing as anything about the new library is that patrons can check out books for FREE and are trusted to return them. You Americans who are reading this are probably going, "What?" I know - I know that procedure is standard practice back where you live. But, I assure you it is not standard practice here! Just one more of those little things that say, "We aren't in Kansas anymore, Dorothy".
The Shock Of Returning To The U.S.
I have to laugh at myself when I take my 'normal' trips back to the back to the U.S. I normally go back twice a year to visit family, friends and primary care provider (ugh). I usually go in April (when it warms up) and again in September (before he chill gets there). And everytime, in just six months, I have lost some kind of touch with normal life in the U.S. - and have to be retrained!
I know, for instance, that I am going to have to pay attention or I will always say 'garcias' instead of 'thank you'. And that is just for starters. There is also a noticeable lack of trash and trash bags laying around - would think you people must have trash pickup. And everything seems so manicured, even median strips.
For the first few days back in the U.S. it is always a heart-stopper when they hand you your check in a bar or restaurant. You have to catch yourself before you say, 'No, I don't want that big party's check, just mine.' My son and I go in a palce for Happy Hour after he gets off work, and the tab would pay my bar bill for a week down here.
I also find I have to adapt my 'normal' schedule when I return to the U.S. I can not sit down in a restaurant for breakfast (or a coffe shop for a brew) and concentrate on reading the morning paper. I find that, since I am no longer use to it, people around me talking English is a distraction - find find myself evesdropping just because I can. When the chatter is all Spanish it is very easy to just tune it out.
On the other side of the coin - every trip I am surprised yet again how cheap gas is in the U.S. compared to here in Panama (and Panama's gas is about half the price of gas in Costa Rica).
And it is also kind of nice and comforting back in the U.S. to be able to look around and realize you are not the tallest guy in sight. Ha!
You Want To Talk Traffic?
This photo is of a beam being used in the construction of the new subway system in Panama's capitol, Panama City. This monster is 30 meterslong (over 90 feet) and weighs176 tons. And it is just one of 361 such beams needed to installed over the next 10 months to complete the subway project.
Then there is the 'Bad News'. When the construction schedule calls for it, one of these monster beams has to be transported across Panama City to the construction site. The move is slow and long and absolutley clobbers traffic in the already traffic-congested city.
Obviously the 'Good News' is that when the project is finished, there will be significant and long-term improvements to the traffic problems in the city. But, until completion it is going to be a daily sruggle for thousands of people.
Getting It Almost Right
We just had another one of those little things come up that we gringos just kind of walk around shaking our heads - and locals seem to take instride with merely a shrug.
Down in Panama City they have finished the installation of a number of (ready for this?), High Resolution Automatic Ticketing Cameras (Phew) - yes traffic cameras. The cameras have been installed in high-use roadways and ones that have a history of speeding - both a history of speeding infractions and auto accidents were excessive speed was a cause factor. These cameras automatically hand out $50 stingers - which is a stiff tariff here.
But the 'kicker' is - the system has no way to notify you that it tagged you with a ticket. So they just attach it to your driving records at the licensing bureau. So when you go in to renew your driver's license - BAM! Can you imagine the potential $$s if there is a camera on the road you normally commute back and forth to work on? Surpise - you owe us $500. Wow!
I have a feeling a lot of these people are not going to be just 'shrugging' if and/or when they get hit with an unexpected bill.
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