What's it like living in a foreign country anyways?

Day 251 Saturday (Sabado) - Panama City

We get asked the title question many times and you would think it is an easy thing to answer. Living in a foreign country has its challenges, but it really matters how you handle challenges in your normal everyday life. For us living in Panama has not been very different than living in many different states in the US, when you move anywhere you need to get situated, find a doctor, dentist, a vet, turn on phone and Internet, shop, etc.. The major difference in a foreign country of course is the language barrier, but if you really want something to work than the language barrier is not a barrier at all, just treat it as another challenge.  My Spanish is weak at best, yet surprisingly we get along just fine. We have met many locals who speak both English and Spanish and they are more than happy to help if we need it, plus I use my translation software as often as possible.

My advice is, (as Nike says) just do it. If you are looking for a lifelong challenge and wonderful experience than living in a foreign land is very inspiring and uplifting. We would not trade it for the world and we have only just begun this journey.  I remember when we lived in Japan back in the 80's and how awe inspired I was as a young adult, didn't matter then and it doesn't matter now, living is living, people are people. If you need to get something done take a breath and take your time, it will work in the end, if not move onto something else.

I know my Spanish will improve and that will make it easier, but heck I didn't move here to make it easy, I moved because I like challenges and Panama is a beautiful warm country to take up those challenges.

So Come To Panama and Turn Your Frown Upside Down.