Getting
by in the new neighborhood without internet
Ten
days ago was the day I left Florida. Today is the second morning that
I woke up in my own house in Panama. It still doesn't seem quite
real. In a way it feels like little has changed. I'm in a residential
neighborhood. The neighbors do very typical things, drive in and out,
holler across the street to friends, work on things in the yard, send
the kids out to play. But, if you listen, you realize it's all in
Spanish, and you can't identify any of the bird songs except the
roosters.
I
don't have internet at the house yet. I see how much I am attached to
the internet. It connects me with the people who are important to me.
I connects me with so many things I take for granted. I can't find my
dictionary. I probably didn't bring it because I can use on line
translation. Find a business? Google, of course. My address book? On
line. My family and friends? Facebook, email, skype. Last night I
went to the park where they have free Wi-Fi provided by the
government. I was happy to check email and call home. I was used to
talking with Joel 2-3 times a day and this silence is the most
difficult for me, especially now. I am in our house where we are
supposed to be living together, but we are not together. I know this
is the most useful thing to be doing at this time, but I will be glad
when the solitary part is behind me.
But,
little by little, I get by. I am very proud of myself because I
called the cable/internet company and managed a successful
conversation. Now I know they are coming on Thursday, and they have
my correct phone number. Meanwhile, I will practice getting back and
forth to the park.
I
still feel tired. I suppose I should not be surprised under the
circumstances! I must go to the park for the internet, but otherwise
I don't feel like doing much today. I'll write, make some food, and
paint some more. I definitely need to buckle down with the Spanish
books.
No comments:
Post a Comment