Things one can do in Panamá and not in the States

· Ride a horse barefoot.
· Borrow somebody´s horse for a quick ride without really asking first.
· Use a machete for anything (cutting down a tree, cutting your lawn, slicing an orange...).
· Give your machete to a two-year-old to hold.
· Bring chickens on a bus.
· Make a 7 hour round trip bus ride for a one hour meeting. Or a date.
· Hold a stranger´s baby on a bus because there is only standing room left in the back and she shouldn´t have to stand with the baby (but don´t give her your seat...).
· Pick your nose in public. But no kissing.
· Use a pee bucket in your house to avoid going to the latrine at night. Or in the rain.
· Fit 29 people in a mini-minivan (aka chiva).
· Buy a coke, 2 bags of chips and an ice cream all for under $1.
· Wear a see-through white t-shirt to go swimming. But not a bikini top.
· Hitch hike with police officers. Or in a beer truck.
· Wear jeans as professional wear.
· Show up to a meeting 2 hours late, but be ¨on time.¨
· Show up to a meeting 3 hours late, and even though it´s already started, say ¨Buenas!¨ (aka Good Morning) very loudly to the room and then walk around and shake everyone´s hand.
· Answer your cell phone in any and all circumstances (restaurants, meetings, conversations...).
· Run out of food at your house but no worries! Simply ¨pasear¨ (aka visit neighbors) to obtain a free meal just for stopping by.
· Walk two hours to find the nearest pay phone.
· Kick a dog.
· Play very loud music for all the neighbors to listen to at 5 am, without any complaints.
· Drink and be drunk in public.
· Dance, drink and party the night away, literally, at a bar or club.
· Take a bus literally anywhere in the country you want to go.
· Rent a hotel room with a double bed, hot water, air conditioning and cable tv for under $20.