| Top Contributors |  |  |
| 1. When flagging down a taxi or bus, don't raise your hand like you do in New York. Keep your hand at your side and casually curl your fingers in towards your palm a few times (kind of like how a baby waves). This definitely works. Taxis are always eager to stop for you, so the slightest indication is all they need.
2. Don't point to things. Panamanians purse their lips and point their head/lips in the direction of what they want to point at.
3. When something is so hilarious that laughing alone will not sufficiently express your mirth, repeatedly snap your fingers while raising and lowering your hand. (Americans do this too, just not as frequently)
4. This one is tough ... When you're talking to a Panamanian and he doesn't understand you, or doesn't understand what you're trying to ask, or needs more information, he will just stare at you and his nose will twitch ever so slightly. It's really subtle, but if you watch closely you'll catch it happening a lot (especially when you tell the taxi driver where to go and he doesn't understand your Spanish). The nose twitch translates to, "Please elaborate, I need more information." It can be really frustrating if you don't catch the twitch, because you'll ask a question and he will just stare at you, and you're like "Well ... what?!?" while actually he is waiting for you to go on.
5. Wagging your index finger at someone means "no way pal." If you're a hot chick, practice this one for when dudes come up and proposition you. Also use it when a taxi slows down or honks and you don't want to get in, or when a vendor is trying to sell you something you don't want. It is usually taken seriously.
|
Ratings for |   |
| |
|
