The Jubilant Ones

Dennis and I just  returned from a whirlwind trip to Panama City  (24hrs.) where we finalized the process for our pensionado visa.  We flew over late Tuesday afternoon and were met by Sourey (I hope I spelled her name correctly) early Wednesday morning.  She made a day of long lines, downed computers, turned off air conditioners due to power conservation, and bureaucratic red tape actually pleasurable.
 I have to mention that Sourey is an intelligent young journalism student at the University and we had the best time chatting about the upcoming presidential election, good books, family, and our philosophical approaches to life.  Anyone traveling to PC and in need of a guide to maneuver the streets, and even find a great Chinese restaurant in which to celebrate, should contract Sourey.  In addition, her driving skills are beyond excellent.  I normally have white knuckles the entire time I am in Panama City, and I only jumped once (my fault, not hers)  while she wove her way through the city.   Her knowledge, patience, and cheerful demeanor helped guide us through the fairly painless process, and we were on a bus heading home by late afternoon.
The process required a trip to the US Embassy to notarize our Idaho driver licenses.  After checking our phones and camera and going through a security check in one building, we walked to the US Embassy building where we paid to have our licenses notarized.  Running into another expat we met from Playa Barqueta and had dinner with the night before was fun too.
Next stop was the Panama Ministry of Foreign Affairs for them to certify our drivers licenses, a process which involved the bank downstairs,  and a quick jump to the head of the jubilado line upstairs.  The process is a bit more involved, but makes sense in some very Twilight Zone sort of way.
 For the uninformed, the jubilado line is for seniors and is something the US should take note of.  There is a deep respect for seniors here and that includes the idea that older folks should not have to stand in long lines.  Respect for older citizens is just one of the many things I love about Panama.
Then over to the Panama Immigration Office.  Things slowed down a bit here. and the place was packed due to the computers being down.  This is so typical that we are used to it and waited patiently with the hundreds of other folks milling around. We chatted with another expat from Aguadulce, and the time flew.   It really is quite an efficient system, and I know I am probably in the minority for saying that, but it's true.  We took care of our paperwork, and then sat for some very unflattering photos for our residency cards. No retakes folks.
We decided to celebrate with Chinese food at Sunly, which was yummy and cheap by PC standards and then headed to the bus station to catch the bus home.  This was my first experience with a double decker bus.  Our seats were on top with great views (at least until dark).  We had heard about the mandatory stops to check for contraband and drugs, but it was still a bit disconcerting to see the officials go through everyone's personal belongings.  The thing I can't figure out is there was a whole storage area under the bus filled with suitcases, packages, and backpacks left unsearched.  Perplexing.
  We arrived in David around midnight, took a quick cab ride to the airport where we had left our car and headed home.  Two very tired but happy jubilados.
"THROW YOUR DREAMS INTO SPACE LIKE A KITE, AND YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT WILL BRING BACK,  A NEW LIFE,  A NEW FRIEND,  A NEW LOVE, A NEW COUNTRY."  Anais Nin

Driving up to the US Embassy

Next stop

Sourey and I smile through the paperwork

Trying to read a favorite author in Spanish

Taking a break in Santiago

Albrook Bus Terminal

Immigration office