I need to thank Jeff Simon a Boquete resident for this video. The video, although I am sure unintentionally was a preparation for two experiences I had in David today.
This was my month to renew my Panama drivers license. I knew the experience would echo the video so I was prepared.
Current License, check
Current Passport, Check
Current Visa, Check
Copy of License, Check
Copy of Visa, Check
Copy of Passport, Check,
Since my passport changed in the past four years, old passport, opps, it was stolen. Copy of old passort which I had, check.
Police report for stolen passport, Check
$40 cash, check
Then a trip to Chiriqui Mall in David, you can’t do it in Boquete.
Forty five minutes to see the first clerk, who questioned me about the two passports and then disappeared into the bowels of the office for a while. When she returned, with a cute smile, she said take a seat.
I warmed the seat for 45 more minutes and was called to clerk number two who confirmed all my information, took my picture and said take a seat. In minutes they tested my hearing, my eyes and did not ask for blood, urine or DNA, I was surprised. Then I was sent me to the cashier to pay $40. I was out in less than two hours and considering the mass of people I was content.
My next experiment in Bureaucracy Panama style was the Post Office. About a month ago I tried an experiment. I discovered a Chinese web site offering some really nice looking made in China stuff. I ordered a cognac flask and two watches for about $30 and had them shipped to me, in Boquete Panama. I wanted to see what happened, I did.
I checked in the Post Office in Boquete Tuesday and asked about a package. They quickly found a piece of paper had me sign it, stamped it and told me I need to retrieve the package in David.
After the drivers license I headed to the David Post Office just in time to see the windows closing for lunch. They had lunch so I did too and returned to the window after lunch. The first window clerk took my paper, found another paper, had me sign or the second paper and sent me to another window.
The second window clerk wrote another paper and asked for $1.05, apparently I had to pay for three days of storage. Finally they sent me into the Post office to Aduana, customs.
The official in Aduana asked what was in the envelope and then opened it in my presence, Out came two watches and the flask, no invoice. The package had a marked value of $3 which he doubted. I confirmed the value was $30, he was skeptical. He said he bought a similar cognac flask in Panama and it was $30. This flask cost $6.55, the watches, $4.62 and $26.02. Then he asked where I bought the flask and after some discussion he was satisfied with the URL below so he could do some shopping for himself.
Everbuying.com: Over 10,000 quality gadgets at unbeatable price, worldwide free shipping.
Glad things turned out well for you Lee. The flask is beautiful and I like Remy Martin. Enjoy!!!
Love the video. Blondes rule!
Way to go, Lee!
Was the flask — um — full? I mean, up until the instant you were finished with the officials?
HA! Kudos to Jeff for a PERFECT video!
(Why does life have to BE like that?!?!?)
great video! LOL
with the exception of the print on the flask, it looks just like the flask I bought at Academy for $10 here in Houston….Coleman brand, stainless steel, I think it was made in China…lol
De veras. Un vídeo excelente. Reí mucho.
Lee:
I see that you are learning the “survival guide in Panama”.
Now you are experiencing it. Can you imagine what do we – locals- have to endure in Panama since were born and raised here.
Too funny ,the fact he wanted the URL address so he could check out the goods makes the story priceless!! NICE!!
That is way too true….I love it! Thanks Lee.
Video of the year !!!!!! & A Great Story
Business as usual
…I once had to go to 6 times to cedulacion to have my cedula renewed.
Now you know WHY I left Panama
Nice one Lee, I have been battling the HSBC in David and Panama city for 2 years, I would like to send your video to the Manager in Panama city who has so far refused my credit card on 48 occasions despite always having ample funds in his bank! He has also failed to answer one single question out of around thirty I have put to him over the two years.
I took my Driving test in David about 3 weeks ago, same experience as yourself except I failed the questions (in Spanish which I don’t speak) on the Tuesday but went back and had a better guess on the Wednesday and passed.
Having now sat the test, I now know why the driving standard of Panamanians is so bloody deplorable,the test is a farce. I have driven and had a license in 12 different countries prior to Panama and have never seen any that was as bad as here!
Thanks for the video, a great laugh and so true!
keith Darby