As the days turn into weeks and quite possibly months, it is easy to let this very restrictive Panamanian lockdown get the better of you.
The nationwide lockdown went into effect on March 25, but more restrictive measures were said to be needed since many people were not heeding the restrictions. Since April 1 we have been on a very restrictive lockdown with different designated shopping days for men and women and a 2-hour time limit to shop for essentials on your designated days.
I consider myself lucky that I have a #8 (last digit of my passport), which means I can leave the house at 7:30 AM and must return by 9:30 AM. I am really not an early bird, but I have adjusted to this schedule. I say that I am lucky because the senior crowd (age 60+), all have the same time, 11 AM – 1 PM, regardless of the last digit of your passport. There are so many that fit into this category living in Boquete. The stores can be quite busy during this time. I have heard reports of long lines and stores that are a bit too full for my comfort. Craig falls into this category but he stays away from the larger grocery stores and uses his time to pick up our Amazon packages at MBE, pick up our vegetable order, and stops at the smaller Dorado stores to pick up any loose ends.
There are also businesses who are doing deliveries to your house which also has been a godsend. I placed an online order from Price Smart, which is basically the Latin American version of Sam’s Club. Tomorrow they are supposed to deliver my order. Hopefully I get everything I was looking for. I would drive to Price Smart myself if there wasn’t such a short window for shopping. Price Smart is in David (about 35 minute drive). By the time you drive there, do the shopping, wait in line, then drive back, I don’t want to take any chances being out past my designated time. Also some local restaurants have been delivering as well as Dos Hombres, who has really good frozen prepared meals.
I’ve developed a routine to help me cope and keep up my spirits. That’s not to say I don’t have bad days. We’re all human and it’s OK to not be OK sometimes. I try to include 30-45 minutes of exercise every morning. Doing power walking videos from YouTube has been a Godsend to me. Craig has been doing the “walk-walk-walk” videos with on lots of days also. I’ve been spending more time practicing my Spanish, and video chatting with our family in the US as well as reading my Kindle and social networking.
I have also tweaked a great healthy banana bread recipe using honey instead of sugar and olive oil instead of butter. I wish I had applesauce instead but I have not been able to find it. Adding chopped walnuts and sometimes a little cocoa when I need a chocolate fix. The crazy thing is I have not gained weight, in fact I have lost a little. It is a ray of sunshine peaking through the clouds.
The alcohol ban which started on March 17 was supposed to tentatively last until April 7, but it is still in place. There has been mention that they are talking about lifting this slowly in the near future. After our stash ran out, it was strange, I really missed it, but now I find myself not really thinking about it too much. Yes of course when the ban is lifted, this household will be very happy! Craig is really looking forward to an icy cold Balboa Ice.
Since housekeepers and gardeners haven’t been able to work, I’ve been unenthusiastically keeping up with the house cleaning and weed pulling. We have a rather large yard here that our regular gardener takes care of. Believe it or not he cuts the entire lawn with a gas trimmer in a very expeditious manner. The last time the lawn was cut was mid-March. So, it is very necessary at this point especially since we are now in the beginnings of the rainy season. We are waiting for these restrictions to be lifted, hopefully soon.
And of course, indulging in a little nap on occasion is nice. I think my introvert nature has helped me adapt a bit. My extrovert side really does miss the friends that I’ve made, visiting our local watering holes, going to the gym, and especially our weekly hikes to all the beautiful places that we are surrounded by.
This has become our new “normal” and look forward to better days ahead.
Footnote…
Just announced – end of the Dry Law! Controlled sales will start Friday, May 8!