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Marcelyn

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Blog Entries posted by Marcelyn

  1. Marcelyn
    Bud and I traveled from Mexico City to Panama City last week and noticed a substantial difference in the handicap assistance at Tocumen as compared to other airports. (Yes, I know the airport in Mexico is bigger than Tocumen in Panama City.) While waiting for two hours at the Mexico City Airport, Terminal 2, for our next flight, we counted 42 wheelchair assistance operations. In contrast there was Zero wheelchair assistance when we arrived at Tocumen Airport even though we had requested this service ahead of our flight. Every staff person we encountered at the Mexico City Airport spoke both Spanish and English, and clearly understood what they were doing while using politeness and efficiency. Not true at Tocumen.
    Tocumen is a major airport in Panama and for The Americas. Tocumen needs substantial improvement to welcome travelers to this country.
  2. Marcelyn
    Bud and I had an interesting experience in airline travel last week. We boarded a crowded plane at Panama City (PTY) and then sat on the tarmac for about two hours! Engines were running and the plane full of passengers were in their seats with seatbelts fastened. The pilot announced the reason for the delay in take-off was a problem at David airport; the destination airport was closed to all air traffic.
    Finally attendants offered water and a snack. Passengers were allowed to use the plane toilets. We didn’t hear a single complaint from other passengers (predominantly Panamanian) about this long delay. Everyone waited patiently without grumbling.
    When our flight landed in David two plus hours later than scheduled, an attendant told us the reason for this late arrival was because David Bomberos could not respond. Explanation was if Bomberos cannot respond then no plane can take off or land at the airport. (Never heard of this before!)
    Another example to support “Panamanians are among the most tolerant and patient individuals in the world”. 👍👍
  3. Marcelyn
    Last week Bud and I had a scare at a Florida airport for our return flights to Panama. We trust the information posted on Chiriqui.Life and had even called the airline prior to going to the airport to verify the Covid-19 documentation requirements was still current. However when we arrived at the airport check-in counter two customer service personnel refused to issue our boarding passes. The issue was that they believed all international passengers had to show a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of leaving the US. They said we didn’t meet required criteria, walked away and got busy helping other customers. Bud requested to talk to a supervisor. This gentleman reviewed two screen sources on his computer and announced the information did not agree with what the prior two agents had said. We told him what we understood, which also agreed with what we had confirmed by telephone the day prior; what we reported was the most recent version for travel to Panama.
    We had not yet entered information for this return flight into a Panama website to get our QR codes, which is now a requirement. By using our iPad, and with help from the Supervisor we were able to document our vaccination status and each of us got our QR codes via email. The supervisor issued our boarding passes. When we arrived in Panama our iPad screen information allowed us to pass through passport control without delay.
    Message learned: Always have electronic equipment (cell phone or iPad, etc.) to collect/document information and request a supervisor for support when encountering a barrier.
  4. Marcelyn
    Bud and I were waiting in the check-out line at PriceSmart when a Panamanian couple joined the line behind us. She was very pregnant. A birthday cake was their single item for purchase.
    We asked this couple to go ahead of us. Another Panamanian couple observed our gesture and stepping aside, invited us to move ahead of them. The husband asked the clerk to move his items aside and place our purchases ahead of theirs.
    We were impressed by this Panamanian style courtesy. They noticed what we had done and repaid our thoughtfulness. A Win Win.
     
  5. Marcelyn
    The recent CL posting about border hoppers (Click Here) by Mr. Abel Gomez (a well known Boquete attorney), reminded me of when Bud and I were sitting in the Mexican Naturalization Office waiting for finalization of our Mexican residency visa paperwork. We couldn’t help but overhear four Americans had overstayed their Mexican Visa allowance and now faced a major fine. One woman exclaimed “we can’t pay that much money, we’ll come back later”. The Naturalization Officer told the complainer “come back tomorrow and the fine is higher because the amount due increases each day it is owed”.  The American female shouted “we don’t have that much money, what can we do?” The Officer calmly explained “because you remained in Mexico beyond your visa allowance  time, now you can pay the fine or go to jail, your choice”.
    Sensing what would happen next, Bud and I quickly moved to the back row in the waiting room of the Naturalization Office.
    P.S.  Not sure if these four people are still in a Mexican jail !!
  6. Marcelyn
    Excitement in El Santuario this afternoon.
    We lost electrical service for a second time today (Friday, June 18th), with the first outage being scheduled maintenance. The first outage lasted about seven hours, ending about 2:00 PM. A second outage started about 3:15 PM, and a few minutes later a neighbor called saying a high tension wire was on the ground and “arcing and sparking” in front of his house. We alerted Rodny Direct, who called Naturgy’s emergency number. Rodny called back within a few minutes to report that two Naturgy repair trucks were Immediately dispatched from David to our location. As a sidebar, Rodny informed us that when Naturgy dispatches more than one truck to site that it is called a brigade. Bud alerted our neighbor then drove to meet and direct (using flash lights) the Naturgy trucks when they arrived and moving up the hill into El Santuario.
    A fire truck arrived in case a fire started, and also to block the area immediately around the downed wiring. That fire truck refused to allow a taxi driver and a few other vehicles from entering into the danger area.
    Naturgy arrived with two trucks and assessed the situation. Electrical power was shut down to the high tension wiring. Naturgy estimated three hours for the repair to be finished.
    Great job, Rodny.  👏👏  We’ll certainly renew our yearly subscription for Rodny Direct. This service is the best buy in town.
    Pictures available tomorrow after electricity is restored.
  7. Marcelyn

    And Now I Know - Entitled People

    By Marcelyn,


    main thread
    Have you heard of the “entitled people”?
    Because of surgery on Bud’s hand and arm, we decided to fly first class on a recent trip in US. During our flight when Bud went to the toilet, a fella from economy section sat down in Bud’s aisle seat next to me. The flight attendant told him he couldn’t sit there. The passenger said that’s where he wanted to sit and started an argument with the flight attendant. I unfastened my seat belt and grabbed my cup of hot coffee because I could sense a fight happening, and I wanted to help the attendant. When Bud returned to claim his seat, the economy customer finally left and returned to his assigned area.
    On another leg of our travel the attendant requested three times that everyone be seated so the plane door could be closed. Suddenly the attendant from economy section rushed forward and said there was a female customer who didn’t like her seat and wouldn’t sit down. She demanded a “better” seat. The Captain announced “the woman can sit in the seat she paid for or get off the plane immediately”.
    End of discussion and plane was airborne.
    Our attendant rolled her eyes and said to me “some people sure feel entitled”.
  8. Marcelyn
    Every resident applying for a renewal Panamanian driver license (good for 4 years) must pass an eye and hearing exam. For people 70-85 years old, a certificate of good physical and mental health from a Panamanian doctor who specializes in internal medicine or geriatrics is required. All this plus an actual test in parallel parking and back-up maneuvers is required for residents over 85 years old. For us seniors the renewed license is valid for only two years.
    Since I meet the requirements for the actual test, I used my very small car (named Tiny Tim) and practiced for a week prior to my test date. Everyday Bud had me out doing the backing up and parallel parking drill. The word is that if your car even touches a cone on the driving test range then you fail. The cones are sometimes small and generally not visible to the driver taking the test.
    During my first attempt at test parallel parking on the actual license renewal day the inspector saw me turning my head to look out the rear window. Maneuver was successful, but he made me repeat the procedure and this time I used the vehicle mirrors only....instead of turning my head and looking backwards. Managed the back-up maneuvers, so inspector gave me a thumbs up and approved my drivers license renewal request.
    I understand that no one 90 years old or older is approved for driving in Panama. Individuals can try to renew a license at 89, but probably won't be successful. Everyone at the David Sertracen office was courteous. The only downside is the very rapid Spanish used by employees when giving instructions for taking the eye and hearing exams.
    Many people 85 years of age can't pass the health requirements... certainly can't perform the actual test maneuvers, so I'm celebrating my success. 🙏🙏👍👍👏👏
  9. Marcelyn
    One of my favorite places to buy fruits and vegetables in downtown Boquete is Caballero, located on the left rear corner of the side street where Mascotas is found. We are told that most people call that store “Sarah’s Place” as its owner is Sarah Caballero. Don’t know the name of the street, but you turn off of Calle Principal here in Boquete at the corner where The Perfect Pair is located.
    Headed to the usual location to purchase cabbage and red onions to prepare a dinner salad. What happened?? The store is gone!! While getting back into the car, I glanced across the street...and there is the Caballero store 👏👏. Larger space on the opposite corner with more room to display produce, more vehicle parking, and still a convenient location.
    Boy, am I happy...and what a great decision by store owners. Thanks 👍👍‼️

  10. Marcelyn

    And Now I Know - Dollars vs Cents

    By Marcelyn,


    main thread
    My doctor ordered three pills to be taken prior to a physical examination. The pharmacy clerk in David filled the prescription and announced the cost of “48”. Shocked at the price Bud handed over his credit card. Clerk asked for cash. Bud answered he didn’t have sufficient cash.....so the clerk finally accepted the credit card for payment. On the way home, Bud grumbled about the high cost for three little pills.
    The next day when checking the credit card receipt, guess what! 😄 The charge was 48 cents (not 48 dollars) 😳😳. Small wonder the clerk requested cash for payment. They probably lost money on that transaction.
  11. Marcelyn
    Recently a friend gave me a motion sensor light...a really great gift! These are rechargeable LED light strips that are activated by motion during low-light conditions (e.g., at night). We ordered additional units from Amazon. Bud placed several of them along the hallway leading from our bedroom. No missteps or falls at night because of poor (or no) lighting.
    Installation is easy...no tools needed. Magnetic bar attaches to wall using adhesive strips (provided in the kit).
    Considering how often we have electrical outages, more of these lights will be placed near the main entrance door to light our path into the house at night.
    These units are not weather-proof, so they should be used only indoors. The brand is Hysuspeh, and they are available from Amazon - 3 lights per box. Here is the URL link for these lamps at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FD83RXW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Using that link you can see all of the specifications, pictures, and cost information, etc.
  12. Marcelyn
    Rodny Direct is a service that every expat should seriously consider. It is much more than a 911 style emergency number that answers in English; most of our calls deal with issues with public services and utilities that answer only in Spanish. Our main benefit by contacting Rodny is that he knows the "systems", what number to call, who to talk to, and how things work in Panama.
    Our original Rodny Direct placard was faded from being placed on our fence and exposed to the bright sun. Time for a new placard. Contacted Rodny by email. He verified our member number; said he would order a replacement and indicated it would be available in about ten (10) days.
    We received an email that our new placard was available for pick-up from Mailbox. We placed $10.00 cash in an envelope labeled Rodny Direct and delivered to Mailbox when we collected the new placard. He promptly provided a receipt by email.
    This new card is made from a laminated material and should last considerably longer than the original one.
    P.S., Yearly membership dues for Rodny Direct will be $90.00 when we renew in July.
  13. Marcelyn
    Interesting experience at PriceSmart last Tuesday. After reading the latest Minsa report, Bud and I tried to enter the store. Management type employee (female) indicated men only allowed inside. We attempted to explain current Minsa requirements. Her reply was “You are wrong, goodbye”. I waited in the car (for 40+ minutes) while Bud did the shopping. I observed lots of dog food, laundry detergent, dry cereal, and bottles of water were purchased as I waited in our car near the store exit door.  
    I noticed the female buyers had apparently called in their order and then came to PriceSmart to pick-up their items, which a store employee delivered to their vehicle. A security guard used car license information from his clipboard to identify the purchasers.
    Many different types of face masks were used by the men entering PriceSmart. Some individuals also had face shield.
  14. Marcelyn
    This past December we took our first international trip since the pandemic started. We have a condo in Mazatlan (Mexico) and typically go there every Christmas season. Arranging the flights was not easy; we engaged Andrea Cook and she worked some miracles for us. We finally got our reservations completed, but they were changed many times (I recall at least five changes, and they were major changes, not just minor time shifts, etc.). Previously we were able to go from David to Mazatlan in the same day. Not this year. Copa was the DAV/PTY/MEX connections, and AeroMexico was from MEX to MZT. Two days travel outbound and three days travel inbound.
    The outbound trip involved an overnight at PTY (we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was substantially cheaper than the Riande), then the second day was from PTY to MEX, and onward to MZT. We finally got to our condo about 7:00PM. Two days of hassles and stress, but we got there safe and sound, although exhausted. Other than wearing masks (required) and face shields (not required, but something we do), the flights were nice and uneventful, but totally without food or drink service. We were given a bottle of water upon entering all of the flights. Whoopee! There were no Covid-19 tests involved in getting to Mazatlan.
    Sidebar comment here. A couple of days before we started our return flights we opted to get Covid-19 tests in Mazatlan. That was not easy because they all require appointments at least two days in advance. We didn't know that, but by encouraging (tipping) our driver he was able to call a relative who had a friend, who, well you know that story. We did get unscheduled testing completed. Cost was about $50.00 USD each (not including the $20 tip), and results (negativo!) were returned via email about four hours later.
    The return flights were not easy and quite stressful. Upon checking in at MZT for a domestic flight to MEX we were stunned to be asked for a copy of our Covid-19 tests. We had them, but questioned why. Mexico does not require Covid-19 tests for their airline passengers. Further this was a domestic only flight, as we were to overnight in Mexico City before heading south. We have permanent residency status in Mexico, so as a legal resident we should have been treated like any Mexican citizen, and they were not being asked for their tests. Only we were asked. What was going on? The agent, Guadalupe Hernandez, was incredibly friendly and helpful. We showed her our test results from the email on my iPad, but she needed them in writing. So she gave us her email address and we emailed the two reports to her. That was scary. Eventually we cleared the check-in process, which took almost an hour, and then went to the boarding gate to wait for our flight. At the boarding gate we saw Guadalupe again (she is multi-tasked). I asked her about the need to show our test results while no one else was being asked, and she responded with two comments. First, the airline knew we were enroute to Panama, and Panama requires Covid-19 testing for entrance. (We presume that we were the only passengers at Mazatlan for that flight who ultimately were going to Panama; safe to bet on that presumption.) Her second comment was that we would not have been denied boarding for the flight to MEX, but having the test "completed their documentation" (her terminology) for our reservation details.
    We get to Mexico City, and overnight. The next flight was extremely early and we were told we needed to be at Terminal 2 at least three hours in advance. So we get up at 4:00AM for a 4:30AM scheduled taxi from the hotel to Terminal 2 (the Hilton Hotel does not have a shuttle van). No problem checking in for the Copa flight to PTY, and we never were asked for a Covid-19 test. 
    Arrival at PTY was at the furthermost gate at the end of that wing of the airport. Almost all of the passengers on that flight were through passengers going further south into South America. Only about ten passengers deplaned in PTY. The very first question we were asked (at the ramp door, not even one foot into the terminal itself) was whether we had our Covid-19 test results. We told the agent we did, but they were rejected as too old (not within the 48 hour window from arrival at PTY). We were shuttled to a Covid-19 test station in that wing of the airport.
    We were fortunate because there was no queue at the testing station. A few minutes later there was a rather large queue. We showed our cedula's and provided address and contact information to the first agent, and paid $50 each; credit cards accepted. We then immediately were shuttled to the back area for the tests. There were two holes in the transparent shield between us and the medical technicians. The paperwork went through one of the holes, and then she had to see our cedulas. She studied the cedulas and our faces quite intently. The test was described as a PCR (probe up the nose version) and was completed within a minute. We were told it would take 30 minutes for the test results and to wait outside in the chairs. The waiting area had been set up with many chairs, and right next to toilet facilities. At exactly 29 minutes after completing the tests, an agent came into the passageway and called our names. Both tests were (again) negative.
    Here are a couple of pictures taken at the Covid-19 testing station in that wing of Tocumen Airport. You can't see the chairs in the waiting area, but they are there.


    Onward we go to passport control. Only one passport control station was operating. The first thing upon entering that area was to show our Covid-19 test results. That required showing not only the Covid-19 test report, but also holding up our cedulas so that they could verify that the report applied to the person standing in front of them. Again, a lot of attention to identity details. There were several police officers in the area, presumably to keep things under control and moving as smoothly as possible.
    We then go to the passport control station. That agent moved slower than cold molasses in the dead of winter at the North Pole. I estimate at least ten minutes for the two of us to finish that task. There was a LOT of typing on the keyboard, much more than previously experienced. Maybe she was just a bad typist. Who knows.
    We overnight again at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The third day of travel again starts at 4:00AM, with a 4:45AM scheduled taxi (no free hotel shuttle van at that hour). The third flight was uneventful. 
    Deplaning on the Copa flights is done one row at a time, starting at row 1. The explanation is that the procedure is done for physical distancing reasons. Fortunately for us we were in the front sections on those flights. The passengers in the rear probably had at least a ten to fifteen minute wait to deplane.
    Collection of our suitcases at David Airport was "managed" so that only about ten passengers were at the luggage carousel at any given time. Fortunately both of our suitcases arrived.
    And finally, upon exiting the David terminal was an experience with lots of people outside crowded around the one exit door that was in use. You have to keep pushing your way through to get out of the terminal. But we finally made it home. A successful but not easy trip.
  15. Marcelyn
    With our first step inside David Airport for our first trip (Friday, November 27th) since the pandemic began, we were stopped by an attendant using a camera-like device to take individual’s temperature. Then it was a very long walk to board the COPA flight. 
    After arriving at Panama a bus ride (20 passengers per trip) delivered us inside terminal. We had no luggage to claim, so we went immediately to taxi pick-up area.
    Very few passengers in Tocumen Airport.
    Boarding return flight was time consuming with attendant taking forehead temperature  and carefully checking all hand-carry items. No food service; each passenger was given a plastic bag containing chips and bottle of water.
    Arriving in David, passengers were deplaned one row at a time.  Walked to terminal and formed four rows waiting to pick up baggage.  Only ten passengers were allowed at a time to obtain luggage from the carousel.
    No visitors allowed inside terminal.  So guess where visitors, friends, and taxi personnel were waiting? On sidewalk outside the one exit door that was unlocked and allowed to be used! What a crowded mess! Airline passengers could not push their way through the crowd, and so could not exit the terminal building.  Scary for several minutes until people finally moved away from exit doors.
    No Covid-19 test required for flights between David and Panama City.
  16. Marcelyn
    Our electrical service has been interrupted daily (sometimes lasting several hours), Netflix reception poor (maybe because of heavy usage by stay-at-home folks), long waiting lines at grocery outlets, more & more empty shelves in stores, restrictive hours allowed for necessary errands like medical consults, “cowboy” drivers on almost empty roads, etc., with no end in sight to the quarantine. Feel like we are “camping out” in our home. The next scary situation is I may have to start braiding Bud’s long hair because no haircut !!
    The good news is that we have our water supply back today. Also used FaceTime teleconferencing to contact our US doctor for medical problem.
    Question: is Panama losing its attraction for many gringos? If foreigners avoid this area, plus continued low water problems for the canal, how can Panama sustain itself economically?
    Wondering what’s next.
  17. Marcelyn
    Yesterday (June 2) was our first trip to David in two months. Arrived at PriceSmart at 8:50am. Only three people entering the store. Staff person sprayed each customer’s cart handle with sanitizer while another staff member checked individual forehead temperature reading. Some items on my grocery list were not available, but shelves were being stocked. Checkers were separated from customer by a clear plastic sheet hanging from ceiling area.
    When leaving the PriceSmart parking lot at approximately 10:00am, there were about 20 people in the queue to enter the building.
    Each business we visited allowed limited number of customers inside at a time. The larger stores also tested forehead temperature of customer before entrance. Face masks were used by everyone outside of buildings. Many businesses closed. One McDonalds was open.
    All vehicles entering Boquete were stopped at Caldera check-point. Staff sprayed car tires and a medically clad person registered each occupant’s forehead temperature. Took 10 minutes per vehicle during morning time frame.
    Not many vehicles on roadway. Almost like past years of no traffic problems. Overall it was a successful trip, and the first time both of us could be in the car together since the lockdown began.
  18. Marcelyn
    Purchased two face masks from Magaly for DogCamp Boquete support. These masks are two layers of microfiber with cloth in the center which works as a filter. Washable. Come in a variety of colors. Maybe the best feature is eye glasses don’t fog when wearing this mask.
    $10 each. Available at La Granja pet store (near GAGO in Alto Boquete).
  19. Marcelyn
    This morning (Thursday) our Panamanian gardener appeared at our gate on time for work  Bud told him no work now.  Poor soul thought he had been fired! Bud spent several minutes explaining coronavirus and how Panama is in total quarantine. Bud paid him his full salary then asked him to return to work when quarantine is over.
    Our great gardener left with a better understanding of the current environment.
  20. Marcelyn
    At 11:00am this morning (May 6th) I put on my face mask and gloves, and headed to the public health clinic across from Bomberos to get my flu shot. Of course, lack of parking was my first problem. Located a space about 300 feet down the street from the clinic and trotted back to join the waiting line.
    After a couple of minutes a young man wearing a face mask motioned me to step to front of the line and asked my medical need. Told him I wanted a flu shot. He instructed me to walk around the metal barriers separating two lines and join the other area.  
    I approached the table (outside clinic door) where one lady checked my cedula, logged my name plus address into her book. Looked confused when I requested she make flu entry into my international “yellow book” of inoculations. The second lady realized what I wanted, agreed to the entry before she gave me the flu shot. Only a few minutes. No pain involved. I thanked the young man wearing the face mask before I trotted back to my vehicle to complete grocery shopping before the rain started.
    No appointment was made, and none needed.
    Total time less than 10 minutes, including the walking time.
     
  21. Marcelyn
    Silly me !!  I donned my mask and gloves to go shopping today (Monday, April 20) because I thought this was the assigned day for females to be away from their residence. Reckon not!
    I observed more males (in stores shopping, driving taxi, selling produce from back of their pick-up, walking along the street with shopping bag, numerous male vehicle drivers, etc.) than females during my quick trip downtown to buy groceries.
    Seems fines, taking away drivers license and car for 90 days, etc., is not a deterrent toward stopping people from doing what they want to do. Paying $100,000 penalty for holding a catered wedding or scheduling a birthday party during quarantine is 0.K.? I observed people walking their dog during last weekend shutdown days.
    Perhaps stiffer penalties are needed. Maybe these vehicles held for 90 days could then be sold at public auction or place offenders in stocks in the park.  
    What’s the answer?
  22. Marcelyn
    After grocery shopping on Monday (April 13) I was stopped by Police on Ave Central (not far from Mail Boxes). The officer checked that I was wearing mask and gloves then looked into the back seat to make certain no one else was in my vehicle. I was wearing  a baggy tee shirt. My face was mostly hidden by the mask plus sun glasses, so the officer looked at my hair before waving me to continue.
    A polite inspection to verify that I was legally out of my residence on “Ladies Day”.
  24. Marcelyn
    Yesterday for the first time in more than a week I left the house to go grocery shopping. Put on my mask and gloves, grabbed my shopping list and headed to GAGO to buy fresh vegetables. Joined the line of waiting customers outside the door. When it was my turn to enter the store, the door monitor insisted I use the hand sanitizer that was available. Even tho I was wearing gloves, she refused to allow me entrance if I didn’t use the hand sanitizer. So guess what...I used the sanitizer‼️
    Located in short order, and then purchased my needed items using a credit card (so I didn’t need to touch money). Everything worked fine. People were shopping quickly to allow other waiting customers room to enter the store. Wrestled my filled bags out the door and into the car to head home. 
    A very few minutes later as I arrived down the hill into Bajo Boquete but not yet home, I realized no credit card in my wallet!! Turned the car around and headed back to GAGO. Joined the “Customer Waiting Line” again, but concerned and with worry thoughts. What happened to that credit card? Were my gloves too wet with the extra sanitizer solution so I dropped the card?
    Bless her ....the door monitor recognized me waiting in line and handed me my missing credit card!! Boy, was I thankful for that honest GAGO staff member. Reckon I dropped my credit card somehow as I squeezed out the GAGO door, she found the card, and remembered me.

    I am a GAGO shopper forever.
     
  25. Marcelyn
    Coronavirus is teaching me a lesson of how humans respond to grief, fear, and stress. Some humans play the “blame game” and accuse others of causing the problem. Some try humor to reduce their anxiety. The bottom line is that stress makes some people say and do stupid things. I’m allowing my friends lots of freedom to express their grief, fear, or stress in the method that works for them and makes them feel OK.  This coronavirus situation will pass.  We will be better and stronger.
    Now I know.
     
     
     
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