Tuesday, July 5, 2011

4th of July in Panama

Wow how the time has flown! It has been way to long since my last post, and with so many stories to tell and so many memories that have been created, I will limit it to two, which most of you are probably unfamiliar.
First, I want to say that my trip to the states went really well. I loved visiting family, golfing, fishing, and hanging out with friends. After I returned to Panama, I spent the next four days in Panama City working with at an artesan fair with some women from my community. Anyways, to get to the story I find hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.....
Stomach problems. Being a Peace Corps Volunteer and having stomach problems is common place. I am sure that thousands of volunteers have story similar to mine, and we usually only talk about them among ourselves, or at least from I can tell. However, I feel as if it is time that future Peace Corps volunteers are made aware of common place situations, at least here in Panama and especially for those living in the more rural communities. In Panama, the public transportation system is fairly reliable, and overall I am impressed. However, there is one bus line that travels from Panama City to David, the two largest cities in the country, that is more luxurious. Air conditioning, large seats, curtains, television, and even a bathroom are included. However, the bathroom is actually a deception. While most people would think that a bathroom on a bus is available for all personal needs, these bathrooms are not. They are meant only for urination purposes, and not any more, and this has never been a problem before. However, when I left Panama City after my time at the artisan fair, I felt fine......for about 10 minutes. Then, it struck. The gut pain, clinched cheeks, cold sweat, no comfortable position problem hit. I thought, oh, it will pass, but it didn´t. After about 10 more minutes, I realized I had to take action. I could not go until the 3 hour mid-way stop in Santiago. I walked to the front of the bus and explained to the driver and helper my dilema. They seemed not at all phased by my situation as it is something I am sure they frequently deal with. Anyways, they stated that they could stop the bus in about 15 minutes at a closeby town, but if I needed them to stop sooner, just let them know. In the upcoming town, there would be a public restroom, equipped with toilet paper, with a comfortable seat and four walls. How nice that would be! However, I could not wait for 15 minutes. I gave it a shot, but after about 5 (which seemed like an hour in my time) the bus driver pulled over. Now, before leaving the bus, I did get toilet paper from the bus driver, and he did stop where tall cane was present. But really, none of this mattered. I hurried from the bus, slid down the embankment, pushed my way through head high cane, and found the ideal spot. I looked back to see if I could see passengers on the bus, and I couldn´t seem them. Therefore, I assume they couldn´t see me. Anyways, after finishing, (the bus waiting for me the whole time) I go to make my way back out of the ditch, and I find it much difficult to leave than it was arriving. I fall about twice, and finally manage to make my way back to the door. Covered in mud, sweating, and a little uncomforable after the whole experience, I go back to my seat and continue to my destination.
Okay, so I want to write more, but I have to go meet a community member who just called me. I am going to teach her about emails. Anyways, the fourth of July was great and memorable. I danced with the queen of the private high school, and we danced, coriographed, to the following song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zp1TbLFPp8&feature=related
More to come in the future.