It Ain't Easy...but it's good.

I said good-bye to a new friend today.  An acquaintance, really.  She's been in Panama for 18 months. She and her husband lived at the beach for 10 months and here in the mountains of El Valle for 8, and I was just barely getting to know her. Her name is Rebecca, and I've found her to be kind and generous.  (Good name, huh?)

She is very excited about going back to the USA(ecstatic, she says)...looking forward to the comforts of  the modern amenities that we grow so accustomed to.  They aren't even moving somewhere that they know other people....it's just getting to the US that has her thrilled.  Hot water, dishwashers, bathtubs, good internet.  You know...those luxuries you tend take for granted. Her husband REALLY doesn't want to go back...he loves it here.  But she pretty much hates it, and has health issues that have made the entire thing worse for her.

This has gotten me thinking....most all day today. What is it that makes a place like this work for some and not for others?  I realize I am at a huge advantage, having already done my "time", so to speak, by living in Mexico for 14 years. While there were a lot of things Mexico didn't have, I had the additional advantage of being able to make frequent trips to the US to not only pick up items we needed and wanted, but to get my "fix".  

Grocery stores that were clean and shiny....with everything in them I might want.

Trader Joes.

Costco.

Etc., etc. (Too many to name...)

Great Restaurants.

Clean bathrooms.

Great paved roads.

Great internet.

Produce of every kind.

We loved Mexico, but if we needed anything....well, a trip to the U.S. was no big deal.  We brought down American appliances for our home there. Our van brought back lots and lots of stuff over the years, and that made it pretty easy.  And though we didn't need to speak Spanish, we both got much better at it over the years.  We also lived in an area with lots of expats, thus, lots of English!

In Panama, we don't have that luxury.  My niece says that if you're going to live here as an expat, you've got to be tough.  

That's for sure!

It's not the same as going on vacation to a lovely destination, far from home with charming people, palm trees, beaches, misty mountains, tranquil days and peaceful nights.

Nope!

We're doing life here. And it IS tough.

Now, don't get me wrong...I have been thinking of all the things I am grateful for here, and there are many.  I'm sad to see this new friend leaving, especially since she's so glad to be out of here.  The scenery. The people. The coffee. The weather.  It does sound idyllic, doesn't it?

But the truth is this.

Not that many places have hot water in the kitchen.  (El Valle) There was NONE in our whole house when we moved in.  That was quickly remedied (Thank you, Bob)
Our stove pretty much does 350*, no more, no less...with one shelf. 

There are trash issues.  We've paid for 3 months and it's been picked up a total of 3 times!  

We can't buy some of the fruit and veggies we love because they either don't have them, or they're really expensive. I'm thinking strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, artichokes, asparagus, portabello mushrooms.

Everything is difficult.  Buying a part, or a certain screw, or whatever! Even though more is available here, you might have to drive to several places to find it.
Taking care of business. Getting your mail and bills. Renewing your Drivers License. 

Watching TV

Taking care of paperwork on the car.

Sketchy Internet.
We miss our favorite stores, like Target. Or Harbor Freight.
There are very few English speakers.
We are so far from friends and family.
Potholes. 'Nuff said.

Being an expat isn't necessarily an easy life.

However....

Are those the things that make a place desirable or undesirable?  For some, yes.  But for us. No.

I love living in Panama.  I love living in the worst house I've EVER lived in, because hanging out on the front porch is like a mini vacation.  I love HAVING to speak Spanish to get by.  I love the simple and gracious people who go to our church and have become dear friends (Panamanian and Kuna).  I love the reality check of being around people who have so little, but are so happy. I love the slower pace.  I love the people walking down the streets and riding bicycles with 2 or more people on them and having to weave our cars around them.  I love the downpours of rain. I love the abundant flowers and trees and plants.  I love the sounds of birds squawking in the trees.  I love the fresh, cool weather of El Valle.  I love the Italian food....and the coffee.

Yes...I still get frustrated sometimes, but where there's a will, there's a way.
We miss our friends and family, but we've made new friends and are enjoying family that lives nearby.  It's also a lot cheaper to fly to the US from here than it was from MX.

We're learning to live a more laid back lifestyle...learning to work around the inconveniences and logistics of living here.  We're learning to drive around the potholes and realize it's just not that big a deal.  We're learning to enjoy the frequent displays of fireworks, and not noticing the almost daily fireworks that just make noise. You just do what you have to do.

No, it's not for everyone.
No, it's not easy.
But for us....

It's worth it!