One thing about moving to another country is becoming acquainted with culture and a new language. Panama’s language is Spanish. El ladron is one noun I’d rather not have become familiar with. It means “the thief.” Yep. I met a robber up close and personal – a whole lot more up close and personal than I would have preferred.
There is a settling-in phase anytime you move to a new location, even if you are not moving country. You must find all the suppliers for all of your various and assorted needs: haircuts, doctors, insurance, groceries, hardware, veterinarian (if you have fur children), and other necessities – including where the local police station is. That one, again, I would just as soon have put off finding out about. Like, oh say – for about 40 years or so.
Now, when you are in the actual process of being mugged, for those of you who have not yet had this delightful experience, let me assure you that it happens very quickly, and not quickly enough all at the same time. It is actually quite similar to a roller coaster ride. Short and violent. Unlike a roller coaster, though, you don’t get to keep your wallet or purse. Or anything else of value.
Because I react before I think sometimes, I found myself in a tug-of-war with this particular young thug, and because I fought back, jerking my bag between us until the straps tore OFF, my house keys (which had been clipped to the strap) fell to the road, and he did not get them, plus a few other essential items that got shaken out of the bag as well. YES. I KNOW you are not supposed to fight back, especially when it is just belongings that can be replaced. I KNOW, when my brain is engaged. It wasn’t engaged, it was pissed off that this punk kid wanted my things, and was willing to attack me to get them. I KNOW, I KNOW. I could be dead right now. I KNOW, and I realized that after the straps tore off the bag, leaving HIM holding the bag, and me clutching two ripped-off straps.
S$&*. S#@^. S^*@. And some more S^*#. I am coming to the conclusion that Panama might not be the retirement place I was looking for……..
Dirtdaubber Wasp 
I’m glad to hear that you are alright. That must have been really scary!
Yes – afterwards it was, when I realized how I could have been killed had he had, or used, a weapon. More scary afterwards than during, with accurate hindsight.
I am sorry to hear about my native country, when I visit I hear how violent it is getting it wasn’t that way years ago, please stay safe 🙂
I am trying. I don’t go out at night anymore…for ANYthing.