Construction Workers

Staring, whistling, and cat calls – mi amor, mi reina, mi vida, mami, hola lady, uuuuiiiiii, quiero casarme contigo (today’s selection as I walked back home during change of shifts) - are global signatures of construction workers. This is no different in Panama.

However, I think Panamanian men may be a little more creative than others. Two specific stories come to mind:

The other day, I had one guy literally stop, wipe off the slide walk with his foot (it may have made a bigger impact had he been on hands and knees, but I’ll take what I can get), and then declare, “Let the queen pass!” The always considerate and gracious “queen” passed, thanking her subject. ☺

For at least the first 4-5 months we were here, one particular worker greeted me daily with a friendly “hello” and then after months of pleasantries, he asked me when I’d place him on a leash and take him for a walk as I do my dog. I have found the answer isn’t “tomorrow” because he asked again the next day, and the day after that. Then, when he asked if I were married, the answer “yes” apparently gave him permission to ask me out for coffee. Oops, how did that happen? What didn’t he understand? No, no, you don’t understand, I’m “happily married”. Ahhhh… Being “happily” married means you are off the market. I haven’t seen him since.

Oh, one last thing, I wonder what kind of comments I would get if I had makeup on, had my hair done, and were wearing something other than gym clothes. Hmmmm...