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Marcelyn

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Blog Entries posted by Marcelyn

  1. Marcelyn

    A Good Laugh

    By Marcelyn,

    Yes, I agree with recent weather reports, it is cold. But Anouk, our Husky, is enjoying the local lower temperatures. Her sleeping habits have changed. For instance during the day she snoozes on our driveway amid gusty winds but apparently getting as much sun as possible, and only sleeps in her house at night.
    I laugh every time I notice her latest sleeping position of being on her back with legs poked upward. Must be comfortable for her because it seems to be one of her favorite sleeping positions. Too funny, but not very ladylike. ? 

  2. Marcelyn

    A Guy Named Roberto

    By Marcelyn,

    Do you know Roberto Rios? He's the owner of "The Dog Spot". His business card reads "Where Dogs Hang Out".  We took our two year old rescue Husky (Anouk) to Roberto's place for a bath and nail trim, ear cleaning, etc. What a great job he did! Said Anouk was a perfect lady and she enjoyed the extra hair brushing.
    The dog did look especially beautiful, but what impressed me the most was the hug Roberto gave Anouk as we were getting ready to leave his place, and then Roberto said to Bud "thanks for rescuing her". 
    I wish everyone could know a person like Roberto.
  3. Marcelyn
    I stumbled into the kitchen this morning (early, at least for me) and immediately noticed a coffee tree in the finca next door was shaking. Must be an earthquake was my first thought. But then on a closer look none of the other coffee trees were moving. Just one tree was dancing violently from its top to its roots.
    Better check on this, so even before having my first cup of coffee, off I trotted across the patio toward that special tree.
    As I rounded the corner, there stood Anouk with a puzzled look on her face. Thought her brow was wrinkled. She was not quite sure what was going on. Not a sound except leaves rubbing together. As I moved closer to the mystery tree, I could see a small dark spot among the leaves toward the tree top. Then another dark coloring was moving in among the branches.
    Now I could spot two kittens in the tree. Having fun maybe. Then mamma cat came toward me. Seemed worried about those little ones. What was a protective mamma cat to do?
    I hurried back to the kitchen and prepared "a big cat breakfast". Sounded my usual food call and suddenly there were two kittens (looking a little rumpled) but very hungry waiting at the kitchen door.
    Guess "All's Well that Ends Well".
    Now where's my coffee?
  4. 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.
  5. Marcelyn
    A short time ago I ordered jeans from an internet source. Quality was not very good. They were cheap; about half the price of what I could find elsewhere. Yes, once upon a time my mother told me “you get what you pay for”. 
    The color was O.K. The real concern was the length of the pant legs. They were seven (7) inches too long. Now that would be a heck of a roll-up cuff! What to do. I had paid for them; spent money to ship them here, and they were cheap.
    Off I went to downtown Boquete looking for someone with a sewing machine. Found him in his shop on the NE corner across the street from Farmacia Revilla. I had marked the desired length correction with big safety pens so not much Spanish conversation was needed.
    I’m hoping for a happy outcome and will probably never learn who or what was the model used by the manufacturer to make these jeans. But at least I know about the man with a sewing machine in downtown Boquete.
    His name is Domingo.
  6. 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”. 👍👍
  7. Marcelyn
    One of my favorite items that I brought to Panama from US is a large 1920s vintage Asian wall clock. I purchased it from a surplus store many years ago. “This clock hung in the office of the Hong Kong harbormaster” was the story told by the sales clerk. 
    This favorite item has hung on my kitchen wall here in Boquete for several years. Recently the clock stopped working. A friend told me about a repair shop in David, so yesterday off we went to David with my clock nestled in the back seat of our vehicle. 
    Found the repair place near the main park. Couldn’t be certain we understood the very rapid Spanish of the man behind the counter. And here is the good part....another customer in the store (young Asian fella about 18-20 years old) introduced himself as Ricky and offered translation help. We were in the watch repair store. The manager’s father, Erik Marquez, repairs clocks. His location is on the corner across the street from Global Bank and Canal Bank and a few blocks further.
    Our new found friend, Ricky, escorted us along the crowded sidewalks to Mr. Marquez’s store and stayed with us to help with translations.
    Sometime in its past history the clock mechanism was changed from wind-up to battery operation. Moisture and corrosion was the problem with my clock now. An hour later we left the clock shop with a working clock and big smiles on our faces. Cost was $15.00
    Another experience with very friendly and helpful Panamanians. They had no idea who we were, but both Ricky and Mr. Marquez were incredibly helpful and friendly.
  8. Marcelyn
    Several weeks ago I purchased a purse from an indigenous lady at the BCP Market. Just the right size and color and I used it daily. Last week I was in a hurry, forced and broke the zipper.
    Tuesday I took the purse back to this family and asked if a replacement zipper could be installed. No problem and the lady would not accept any payment. I was so happy with the results and impressed with her “no charge” that I purchased a small purse as a gift for a friend.
    As I’ve thought more about this experience, I remember three friends in the US who would enjoy a hand-made purse from Panama, so next Tuesday, I’m going back to the indigenous lady’s booth at the Market and buy more purses as gifts for friends. 😊😊😊
  9. Marcelyn
    A friend and I were enjoying a before dinner conversation last week when she inquired about who was listed as beneficiary on our bank account. I answered with certain names of people. And she said “are you sure, really sure?” Then she told me a scary tale. (This is a smart, clear thinking woman.) Recently when this couple visited their local bank and inquired about who was listed as beneficiary on their account, they were told two names of people they didn’t even know!
    So yesterday Bud and I went to our primary bank to check our account status. You guessed it. One listed beneficiary is deceased and another was someone that we don’t want near our financial matters. This bank charges $112 for a new beneficiary form but we agreed to pay — without a smile — because we wanted an immediate correction of this information. Decided not to delay this process while considering opening an account at a different bank. We also will be checking our secondary bank account in the next few days.
    How does this happen where names of people you don’t even know appear as benefactors on your personal bank account?
    Also learned that Bud is the “owner” of the account. Yes, I have check writing authority, but am not the owner, so settlement/change of ownership would eventually require probate thru Panamanian court system if there is no designated beneficiary.
    Note: My action item is every month check the paperwork data at the bank.
    Are you confident your bank account documentation is as you want it to be?
  10. Marcelyn
    Visited our secondary (back-up) bank yesterday. Surprised to learn this bank does not have beneficiaries for an account. However, the more important surprise came when we were told our book of blank checks were not valid and if we issued a check, the bank would not honor (cash) it.
    What to do? Order the current version of blank checks.
    P.S.  We talked to a gringo couple later in the day and explained our experience at the bank. Their story is when they returned to Panama after a long stay in the US, they wrote a check on “outdated blank check form” which the bank refused and then charged  no-funds fee against their account. Yes, they had money in their account, but their check was not honored.
    Their question to the bank personnel:  When were you going to tell us the bank had a new form for their checks?
    Just a suggestion.......checked with your bank recently?
  11. Marcelyn

    And Now I Know - Box Shop Boquete

    By Marcelyn,


    main thread
    As long term customers of the Box Shop in David, we are happy this service is now available in Boquete.
    Box Shop Logistics for delivery of packages is now open in Local #5, Plaza Los Establos, Bajo Boquete. Phone 778-0595. www.boxshoplogistics.com. (To WhatsApp the David office, use +507-730-1041 or +507-778-0270.)
    Arial, the friendly staff person, speaks excellent English. No charge for registering for an account. Credit card accepted for payment.

     

     

  12. 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.
     
  13. 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.
  14. Marcelyn
    Last month Bud broke a tooth. A chunk just fell away. He wasn’t eating anything hard or difficult to chew, but a big part of that tooth was missing. This was a major and unexpected happening plus scary. A new problem and no dental experience in Boquete. What a blow!
    Using the Health Care Resources for Chiriqui Province maintained by CL moderators Doug and Jo, I called Dra. Monica Sanjur. Told her Bud was in pain and requested an emergency appointment. (She is located in new building not far from the Library.)
    Dra. Sanjur inspected Bud’s tooth within a few minutes after we arrived at her office. Took an x-ray and there was discussion about a root canal. More inspection and Dra. Sanjur checking on the condition of the remaining part of the tooth. Decision was for a crown. All measurements taken by the dentist and technician then sent to Panama City for preparing of this device.
    End result is “feels great, no pain” “Dra. Sanjur did a wonderful job”.
    And Now I Know about dentistry in Boquete.
  15. 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.
  16. Marcelyn
    January is my birth month and 2019 is when I had to renew my Panamanian drivers license. Visited a lab here in Boquete for blood test. Then two days later, with blood result information in hand, went to doctor office for a physical exam and memory test. (At my age this exam has to be done by an internalist or gerontologist). Dra Díaz issued the “results” letter which I took to the licensing office the following day. (Glucose and blood pressure reading seem to be the primary criteria for consideration for license.) Also remembered to take copy of my cedula — instead of paying 10 cents for a copy at licensing office).
    The staff at the ATTT (Transito Y Transporte) office which is located in Chiriqui Mall (near PriceSmart) was polite and efficient. All instructions were in Spanish. I had to ask one female employee to repeat her information because I couldn’t be sure I had understood her very rapid Spanish!
    Passed all hearing and visual tests. Process was completed and license issued in less than 20 minutes from time we entered the building. With my jubilado discount, the cost was $16.00. 
    A happy experience.
  17. 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”.
  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
    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.
  20. 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.
  21. Marcelyn

    And Now I Know - Garbage Pickup Anomaly

    By Marcelyn,


    main thread
    For several years early on Tuesday mornings our garbage has always been collected from the elevated wire bin with lid container in front of our electric utility meter. We pay for that contract service through the Municipio de Boquete.
    Today going outside our gated yard to install the new 2021 garbage contract placard we noticed our garbage in black plastic bags had been removed from the bin, but stacked in a pile near the paved street. That has never happened before, and certainly made no sense to us. The local stray dogs could scatter the rain soaked contents and make a big mess.
    We called Rodny Direct and requested his help to resolve this mystery. This was our first ever request of Rodny to assist with a routine city service matter. Within an hour Rodny called back saying he had talked with the garbage pick-up supervisor.  We checked the street scene and our big pile of garbage was gone!
    No reason was given for this strange situation, but we are happy. Thanks for great service by Rodny Direct !!
    For newcomers who are unfamiliar with Rodny Direct (Rodny Moreno), we recommend that you subscribe to his 24x7 Rodny Direct Chiriqui Helpline. Click here to read more about Rodny Direct.
     


  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
     
  25. 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.
     
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