It is widely known that Panamanians like the idea of English and enjoy using it just about any chance they get. But one thing that is not public knowledge is that at parties and on weekends, Panamanians really enjoy speaking Spanish with a bad gringo accent. You can hear this display sometimes on Panamanian television. [...]
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
#115 Gringo accented Spanish
Posted in Uncategorized on July 18, 2011 | 9 Comments »
#114 Guayaberas
Posted in Uncategorized on July 13, 2011 | 8 Comments »
The guayabera is an essential part of the Panamanian wardrobe so it is a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with all colors, styles and qualities of guayaberas, should the opportunity arise for you to utilize your knowledge (and thus impress locals). When you think about who wears guayaberas, it is essential to consider [...]
#113 Limp handshakes
Posted in Uncategorized on July 7, 2011 | 5 Comments »
With the growth of foreigners from non-kissing-when-you-say-Hi countries, Panamanians could easily adapt and return with a handshake or simply keep their own custom of kissing on the cheek. But both of these would be too easy. Instead, Panamanians (specifically females) prefer to give a half handshake. A limp handshake. Advanced Panamanians will even position their [...]
#112 “Thanks God”
Posted in Uncategorized on June 27, 2011 | 9 Comments »
Although there is a full Panamanian consensus on a number of things Panamanians like, there is nothing that draws more Panamanian acclaim than using English on occasion. We all know that Panamanians like “Happy Birthday” and “My Name is Panama” but an interesting new phrase that Panamanians like is “Thanks God.” It is very important [...]
#111 “I ♥ Panama” shirts
Posted in Uncategorized on June 27, 2011 | 9 Comments »
It is well documented that Panamanians like things from New York, so it is no wonder that one of the hottest new trends in Panamanian culture is a version of an old New York favorite.
#110 Think tanks
Posted in Uncategorized on June 20, 2011 | 7 Comments »
It has already been proven that Panamanians like a lot of the same things that Americans* like, but one of the best examples is the famous think tank. If you are unaware of think tanks, simply ask any wealthy Panamanian leading a protest to list what they do as a profession. Aside from “marketing,” they [...]
#109 Being multicultural
Posted in Uncategorized on June 8, 2011 | 5 Comments »
In recent years, Panamanians have loved to be more and more multicultural. When they found out that people from other countries like cultures with lots of diversity, it became one of the top promoted things about Panama. If you ask a Panamanian or International Living what makes Panama so great, “lots of different cultures” will [...]
#108 Blocking the road
Posted in Uncategorized on May 27, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
One of the more interesting things about Panamanians is that they love taking a stand. And no matter their race or gender or age, all Panamanians like to argue in one specific way and that is blocking the road. If you really want to assimilate with Panamanian culture, road blocking is a great activity to [...]
#107 Big watches
Posted in Uncategorized on May 21, 2011 | 1 Comment »
Panamanians are very into fashion and besides things like Playboy or clothing with English sayings on them, one of the best new items you buy is a big watch. Big watches may be confusing to the outsider. “But nothing in Panama is done on time” you think to yourself. But harken young one. Realize that [...]
#106 Irving Saladino
Posted in Uncategorized on May 15, 2011 | 4 Comments »
Panamanians like hometown celebrities. Usually these people aren’t really that great. But if you know a lot about New York City or wear Diesel or fight for a social cause, you are considered a very important figure and will most likely be featured in Ellas. It is important to note that these people actually refer [...]