Hi everyone. You've probably been wondering what's going on with the Day's. Well...the short answer is that we've busy trying to get our life set up here in Panama. As we've heard, things take time. And our story is no exception. But here's the Coles Notes update.
PANAMA CITY: We arrived in Panama on Oct 10th and bunked with the Schmulands in Panama City until the 15th. We did some touring, saw the Panama Canal, did some bass fishing, saw a movie (without the kids) and had a fantastic evening out with Trent and Jody at BenniHanna's.
DAVID: Then we flew to David (45 minute flight) on the 15th and have been staying in the Gran Nacional Hotel. We've been scouting houses and apartments in both David and Boquete, and trying to find a good used vehicle to buy.
ACCOMMODATION: As of 2:00pm this afternoon, we secured a 3 bedroom house in Boquete. We can't take occupancy until November 5. That sucks. But its just so good to know that we've got a place. So the hotel living will continue, but probably not at our current location. We're going to look for something a little cheaper. We'll send pictures of the house once we get set up in a couple weeks. I've been accessing the internet though internet cafes (50 cents an hour) and the upload speed is a bit slow, so I'll wait until we're set up. Don't worry, we've got lots.
TRANSPORTATION: Our last big hurdle is finding a vehicle. Given the state of the roads (massive potholes, and some unpaved roads), expecially out of the city centres, one needs to have a vehicle that is big and rides high. (I'll explain Panama driving in another email. Suffice it to say, its an advantage to be in a larger vehicle). So SUV's are the most common form of transportation (note: for those who can afford them). I have a couple of options I'm pursuing now. I hope to seal a deal in the next day or so. We could use your prayers on this matter.
So that's the big picture.
CULTURE: I've learned lots trying to get a house and find a vehicle. I've learned a bit about some of the differences in our cultures, our ways of doing things, and of course, this whole adventure has thrust me into a crash course of the Spanish language. Its coming slowly. I must say that the people are extremely gracious and kind and most are very willing to help us learn as we stumble our way through conversations (not sure we can actually call what I do being part of a conversation). There are actually quite a few people who speak English which is a blessing.
THE KIDS: Sydney and Josh seem to be doing OK. Unfortunately they've had to spend quite a bit of time in the car as we've gone house and vehicle hunting. The Nintendo DS and portable DVD player are getting phenomenal use. Everyone once in a while they talk about missing their friends and wishing they could go home to Calgary where their friends are. They seem to be picking up bits of the language. Josh actually came into a office I was at, and without asking for my help, he asked a security guard where the restroom was in Spanish (el bano, por favor). I was impressed and very proud of him.
MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD: (Hows that for sucking up). Linda is her usual amazing self. I don't know I'd want to jump off the deep end as we have with anyone else.
Anyways, my hour is about up. So I'll get back to you all soon.
Adios,
Paul
PANAMA CITY: We arrived in Panama on Oct 10th and bunked with the Schmulands in Panama City until the 15th. We did some touring, saw the Panama Canal, did some bass fishing, saw a movie (without the kids) and had a fantastic evening out with Trent and Jody at BenniHanna's.
DAVID: Then we flew to David (45 minute flight) on the 15th and have been staying in the Gran Nacional Hotel. We've been scouting houses and apartments in both David and Boquete, and trying to find a good used vehicle to buy.
ACCOMMODATION: As of 2:00pm this afternoon, we secured a 3 bedroom house in Boquete. We can't take occupancy until November 5. That sucks. But its just so good to know that we've got a place. So the hotel living will continue, but probably not at our current location. We're going to look for something a little cheaper. We'll send pictures of the house once we get set up in a couple weeks. I've been accessing the internet though internet cafes (50 cents an hour) and the upload speed is a bit slow, so I'll wait until we're set up. Don't worry, we've got lots.
TRANSPORTATION: Our last big hurdle is finding a vehicle. Given the state of the roads (massive potholes, and some unpaved roads), expecially out of the city centres, one needs to have a vehicle that is big and rides high. (I'll explain Panama driving in another email. Suffice it to say, its an advantage to be in a larger vehicle). So SUV's are the most common form of transportation (note: for those who can afford them). I have a couple of options I'm pursuing now. I hope to seal a deal in the next day or so. We could use your prayers on this matter.
So that's the big picture.
CULTURE: I've learned lots trying to get a house and find a vehicle. I've learned a bit about some of the differences in our cultures, our ways of doing things, and of course, this whole adventure has thrust me into a crash course of the Spanish language. Its coming slowly. I must say that the people are extremely gracious and kind and most are very willing to help us learn as we stumble our way through conversations (not sure we can actually call what I do being part of a conversation). There are actually quite a few people who speak English which is a blessing.
THE KIDS: Sydney and Josh seem to be doing OK. Unfortunately they've had to spend quite a bit of time in the car as we've gone house and vehicle hunting. The Nintendo DS and portable DVD player are getting phenomenal use. Everyone once in a while they talk about missing their friends and wishing they could go home to Calgary where their friends are. They seem to be picking up bits of the language. Josh actually came into a office I was at, and without asking for my help, he asked a security guard where the restroom was in Spanish (el bano, por favor). I was impressed and very proud of him.
MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD: (Hows that for sucking up). Linda is her usual amazing self. I don't know I'd want to jump off the deep end as we have with anyone else.
Anyways, my hour is about up. So I'll get back to you all soon.
Adios,
Paul
3 comments:
sounds like you guys are settling in, can't wait to see pics of the new digs. It snowed last night, we got about an inch or so, nothing major, but still snow. The funny thing is, it was above 20 two days this week. Now it's -2 yikes! Anywho, all is well here, but we miss ya.
When the snow began to fall this week, we were thinking of you guys! Of course Calgary's a colder place since you left, but we're glad you're enjoying the volcanic sand and sun.
How's the food?
Glad to get your update and a link to your Blog Mr. Day. Say hi to your amazing wife for me and give her a hug. :) Hi Linda! Your kids are so grown up. I've subscribed to your feed so I'll get notified as you add info.
Chat with you soon
PS if your wondering who Lionman is: = Don Lachance
Post a Comment