For the first few days after we arrived in Panama, everything was going swimmingly (with the exception of the aforementioned problems)...however, after five days here Panama is getting to me. It's hard to describe what it is, exactly, that is so frustrating. It's not just fieldwork and its many complications, because I have done fieldwork elsewhere without getting so frustrated. I think this is distinctly Panamanian...the bugs, the bugbites, the potholes in the road, driving in Panama City and their COMPLETE LACK of street signs, the honking and staring, the catcalls, the flat tires (probably due to so many potholes).
Driving in Panama City is not for those who are faint of heart or have high blood pressure, because it is a hair-raising experience. Very few street signs exist, and when they are present they are so small you can only see them when you're driving past them. Whose great idea was that? As my friend Julie says, it's a small town mentality where you just know your way around (but Panama City is a huge city with tons of people and it seems, more cars). None of the streets are straight or run parallel, and I'm just thankful I had a map and another person to navigate last night as we drove around and around during rush hour. The way Panama City street authorities deal with potholes is draw a bright yellow line around them.
Also, I got a flat tire, which is not surprising given that there are so many potholes and so much debris to drive over. This is not a big deal in Panama since it seems to be a common occurrence here and getting a tire fixed costs less than five dollars. However, when the tire was being changed (I of course did not change it myself), one of the wheel studs that holds the tire on the car BROKE! These are supposed to be strong, sturdy screws to hold the tires on a big SUV. I am told you can drive with only three screws, and this was one of six so once again, it's fine...
No comments:
Post a Comment