- acting like an arrogant Gringo -

[Marion Torgany]

I read this phrase in this forum over and over.I please want to make a comment on this. As a European you approach foreign countries from a complete different viewpoint - different comprehension.If I would drive from my former hometown in Germany a few hours I can encounter Slavic, Skandinavian, Latin cultures. Other customs, other language, other food- whatever. We are used to it and don't go on tip toes around in foreign countries - always in mind "if I am in Rome I have to act like a Roman". No you dont have to . You can act normal. Don't put residents of foreign countries on a pedestrian, and don't put them below your culture. Just act normal, have a normal tolerance, dont act like a visitor in a zoo encounters a foreign species.Sorry I must say that some northamerican do though - many times they overdo - for not be accused to discriminate - what makes it hard for the Panamanians to understand us.

[Embrey Koonce]

This subject has two faces for me.  I chose to Emigrate 'from' the US because I considered it's culture to be in decline. I chose to reject nearly everything about it; toss my citizenship and assets there and more. When it came time to choose a new place there were none that were 'perfect'.  I chose the 'less than perfect' Panama.  I consider it much better and often refer to Panama culture as 1965 rural Texas.  I have tried to identify myself as a Panamanian (specifically a  Chiricano) in order to fit in the best I can.  Early on I learned that you cannot 'hang' with other expates, many times they form group opinions that Panama should be more like where they came from.  This is fatal.....won't happen......never, ever.....or at least I hope not. It is really really hard for me not to duck in shame when one of these 'superior' foreigners (US or wherever) demonstrates they don't belong here.  They just don't assimilate and cannot fit in, due to their own attitudes.  My children and grandchildren will be 'those gringos'.....if there are any.  Just the way it is......but we can try to be good citizen immigrants......socially and family connected.....It happened to a lot of folks that came in to Ellis Island.....Think of Tocumen that way.  Place is not a panacea.......but it is OH SO MUCH better than the USA for me.  Happy holidays to you and yours....and thanks Marion....it's a good and thought provoking topic.

[Marion Torgany]

Embrey thank you and a Merry Christmast to you and your wife! Big hug!
Tu amiga Chiricana.

[Patrick]

Greeting to all on Ning, I hope next year brings peace and tranquility to all.

Patrick

Pictures of my family, they are poor but they are wonderful and have adopted me as a son for the past 10 years.

[Joanne]

Patrick, when you have the love of a big family you are rich and so are they.  Poor is when you are alone in life, especially at this time of year.  You are blessed.  Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.  If you prosper in material wealth, good, but you already got what really counts.

[Sarcasticus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbKQ7nXx0o8

[Sarcasticus]

If it looks like a Loro, and talks like a Loro

Just musing.

[Roger Bellido]

Merry  Christmas and happy new year.    I am so sure the 2015 will be a very good year for all of us living in this little but beautiful country.

I do agree that people are more complicated than a dog with two tails.  My advice for my sons and friends is use common sense.

[Roger Bellido]

Hi B & A

I would like to elaborate a little about this subject that have some people writting some offensive words and making generalization of people's behavior that is not fair and true.

AS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD we have in Panama good and nice people, happy, friendly, polite and amicable and there are other people that are bitter, unhappy, frustrated, rude, and totally bad.

I would like to add also that it is true that the simple people that live in small towns in Panama are better people, friendlier, humble, polite, etc.  Why ? Because they are not contaminated with what I call "Big City Syndrome".   People in Panama City, Colon City and surroundings live in a very high stressed city.   Live in a rush dealing with a horrible traffic, with some criminals doing bad things, high demanding jobs but underpaid.   People thinking in how they will solve their problem first and not thinking in anybody else.   But even so, you for sure will find people that will give a hand to a total stranger if he need his help.  What is needed a polite behavior and a big smile.   It is so sad that people have forgotten the power that a smile has on people.   I have seen people with a fighting attitude that when a person smile at them and ask for something politely they get totally disarmed and their attitude change.  A key to a good relationship is politeness and a big smile.  It opens a lot of doors.  Start a casual conversation with anybody when going to a doctor or waiting in line at the bank.  Maybe some people could not enjoy this because they are not willing to at least speak a couple of words in Spanish.   Panamanians love to "teach and talk" with English speaking people.   For me it is funny because the expat wants to speak them in Spanish and the Panamanian wants to speak them in English (they want to put in practice their English skills).

Hey, go and have Panamanian friends.   Be prepared that you will be invited and will be the special guest at all their family parties.   You will be invited to visit their houses, their fincas or just going with family and friends to visit other interesting places in Panama.  What some people could resent is the fact that English speaking people only mingle and live in enclosed expat neighborhoods.  Panamanians could be poor people, some with a lower education level but good persons and don't want to be treated like a second class people by anybody. 

Maybe some of you are aware that Panamanians are family oriented.   Family is all for us.   Some have very few members others have a large number of members but are very close and share most of the time they could.   Friendship,  after our family a good friendship is well valued.   Panamanians like to party, celebrate, share all good and even bad moments with family and friends.

There are bad people.... but we, the good people, are more....

[Keith Woolford]

Nicely said, Roger. Merry Christmas!

[Roger Bellido]

Hi KeithL

Merry Christmas for you, your family and loved ones.   I do really wish you all that next 2015 brings you health, happiness and of course prosperity $$$$.