You know you've lived in Panama too long when... |
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| Written by Andrew Cowan |
| Monday, 04 May 2009 06:44 |
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You've become desensitized to promotional text messages: as in, you used to get all excited when you'd received a message in the morning, then let down upon realizing it was just quadruplica or a special movie promotion. No more does this surprise you.
You go to the same bars every weekend expecting something magical to happen, but it never does You honk the second a light turns green Cleavage takes on a whole new meaning Not kissing someone on the cheek seems so rude You stop sun tanning, realizing instead that doing anything outside of a dark room in Panama will accomplish the same goal At the bar, you order 'esmirnoff' vodka with 'esprite' You want to kill the guy with the obnoxious laugh on the radio, but don't know where to find him You know the jingle for "las cuarenta principales" but have no idea what it is You refer to "@" as Arroba but have no idea what that is either You use MSN instant messenger and say jajajaja You're no longer intimidated by the crackheads of Casco Viejo You've become desensitized to promotional text messages: as in, you used to get all excited when you received a message, then let down when realizing it was just quadruplica. No more does this surprise you You start saying 'Dale' You demand waiters and bartenders to "give you" and "bring you" things..."please" You refuse to overpay a quarter or two on taxi rides 'out of principle' You answer the phone with "tell me" Ice in beer suddenly seems like not such a bad idea You become one with the sweat and accept it You know to avoid the bank on the 1st and 15th of the month, not to mention the streets, malls, and any other place where people may gather You have NO idea what movies are actually new, what actors are popular, etc You've forgotten how to leave a voice message You subconsciously do math in your head, as in, if we're supposed to meet up at 9, that means we should get there at ten Arriving in the US or Europe, you get all excited about the airport bookstore Your car is worth more than your house Singing along with tipico music, you find yourself imitating a dog You drive around with $5.00 in your passport You talk about getting "blower" You say "yes" by wagging your index finger up and down This list was compiled by friends of The Panama Report - people who live in, and love the country of Panama: who enjoy the opportunity once in a while to look back and laugh at their expatriatism. Do you have any good additions to our list? You know you've been in Panama for too long when... Trackback(0)
Comments (5)
  written by Anna Notherthing , May 09, 2009 you wake up on the second day
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 written by 507 , May 12, 2009 "Arriving in the US or Europe, you get all excited about the airport bookstore "
I dont know how you figured that one out but its absolutely true. report abuse
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 written by Flash Gordon , May 18, 2009 The only bookstore I get excited about is that one in the airport at Schipol in Amsterdam. My God!!! First time I was there I nearly broke my back carrying half a ton of glossy paper onto the flight back to Panamamamamama. Spent the whole flight in the toilet. That monkey took a heck a beating on the flight back, let me tell all of you.
(www.encuentra24.com...search for magazine collections) report abuse
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Phases of culture shock
Enthusiastic welcome offered to the first Indian student to arrive to Dresden, Germany (1951)The shock (of moving to a foreign country) often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and not everyone is in the new culture long enough to pass through all three[1]:
Honeymoon Phase - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on.
Negotiation Phase - After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. Depression is not uncommon.
Adjustment Phase - Again, after some time (usually 6 - 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal".
Reverse Culture Shock (a.k.a. Re-entry Shock) - Returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above, which an affected person often finds more surprising and difficult to deal with as the original culture shock.
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