Trip to David

Last Monday when my trip to the orphanage got canceled I decided to take the bus to David by myself.  I packed up my passport as when we leave Boquete we always must have it on us ( here we can carry a copy). Walked down the hill to the bus stop; and got on. Those who followed me last year know that the bus is nothing more than an old used school bus.   They are rearranged the seats to get MORE seats in which means that there is no leg room. I have to remind myself that I am probably at least 5-7" taller than Panamanians so they do not require the leg room that I do.  Because I am over 50 I get what is referred to as  jubilado discount so I can ride the bus one way for $1.40 ( $2 is a full fare)  It takes about an hour to travel the 30 some miles.  If you want to get on a bus you stand by the side of the road and put up your hand - simple and it does NOT make any difference how full the bus is.  Starting in Boquete there may be 20 people on board and by the time we reach David there could be 60+. 
It is a nice ride and I have even been known to fall asleep.  Window open , Panamanian music blaring over the CD player and anything large is stashed in the back where they have removed a seat.  Some drivers own there own buses and other are drivers. On every bus is an "aide" who opens the door, places things in the back and some times takes the money.  You do not pay until you get off. 
This trip I did not go all the way to the bus depot but got off at the small shopping plaza about a mile from the depot.  I wanted to shop and shop I did. Conway ( like a Target) Arrocha, a couple of clothing stores and a Subway.  Today I felt confident and tried my Spanish and really did not do too bad.  I was excited to find some elementary Spanish Grammar books to work on  . I managed to order a chicken sandwich at Subway and tell them all I wanted on it.  It was much warmer there than here - in fact David the 2nd largest city in Panama is also known as being the hottest. But summer is just starting so it was not unbearable. 
I also went across the street to Super Baru a large grocery store and found a few items that I cannot get in Boquete.I have always enjoyed grocery stores in foreign countries - the way they display their foods - how they place food in different categories than we would at home etc. 
It was soon time to catch the bus back home and I knew I could do so right out side of the grocery store.  My common sense did not kick in and I did not think about the fact that not getting on the bus at the depot meant that LOTS of people had gotten on before me and there would not be any seats.  I was content to stand but was told no I had to sit - so there I was with 3 adults and a child all in one seat.  Now remember there is no leg room so I am not only trying to keep my feet out of the aisle as people are constantly getting on and off but I cannot get me knees to fit.  All of this while sitting on ONE "cheek" - I think there should be a discount for having to sit like that.  The ride seemed to take forever and every time I spotted someone getting off and leaving a space to actually sit with both cheeks on a seat I was beat out - it is kind of like a game of musical chairs and I definitely was not winning. 
An hour later we arrived - me stiff and sore from bracing myself to stay on a seat.  I thought later I should have taken the little old lady who was sitting beside me and put her on my lap - she was small enough to fit but in hindsight I think she was too prim and proper for that.

Riding the buses here does make me think about my trips to town in Iowa.  Driving my own car - but then having to find parking etc.  It costs we $2.80 for the trip - a lot cheaper than gas would be.  It also does limit my shopping as there is only so much I am going to contend with on a bus.  It really is a neat experience and I am amazed at the gringos who look at us and say they have never ridden the buses here.  Everyone really should do it at least once and maybe they actually would like it.