First Impressions

We came in a bit late, the plane was half an hour late and one of our new suitcases was damaged. We refused to accept that this was ‘wear and tear’ and had some discussion to that effect with the Delta person on the ground. We will have to talk/mail to someone manager because the gentleman on the ground said he could not take these decisions. Makes you wonder why he was there.

The next day was Sunday, which we spend mostly doing nothing very much. We did watch the final of the soccer championships intermittently while we were trying to get connected to the Internet in the Clarocom café. The latter is a nice place. If you have wireless, you can connect for free and do your thing. You can also get connected via a wire, which costs a little bit. The company appears to take its social responsibility serious; most of the staff are people with Down’s syndrome and they would probably have difficulties getting a job.

After the match we had a look at an apartment, but it was not quite what we wanted. Basically we want to get in now and get out in two or three weeks time, when we can leave the urban jungle and head for the real one. Before we can do that however, we need to register a company and get us a set of wheels.

Tuesday we got ourselves a room in an apartment. It was the only possibility at short notice and for a short time. So it is back to our student days, sharing a kitchen and bathroom and living in a rather small room. The good thing is that we have a huge balcony, so plenty of space and a good view of the urban jungle and direct exposure to its noises. The noises of the urban jungle consist of taxis that continually hoot to attract the attention of potential customers, i.e. every pedestrian, and car alarms set off by the more violent thunder during the daily afternoon downpour.

We have already contracted the law firm De Sanctis/Bufete to register a business for us. Next week, Tanager Tourism Corp will be a reality and our wallets will be about U$ 1100 thinner. So be it, at least it can be done in less time than the Mozambicans needed just to check whether the name you wanted was not already taken by another company.

Today and tomorrow we will be building some social capital. The last time we were here, the director of the Summit Gardens (http://www.summitpanama.org), the local zoo and botanical gardens, told us he had difficulties finding funds to improve the housing for the monkeys. In Holland we got into contact with the Apenheul Primate Park (http://www.apenheul.nl/) and they are willing to provide some funds and knowledge to the Summit Gardens. If all goes well, this should result in a long term collaboration. And there may also be something in it for Tanager Tourism in the longer run…