I’m exactly the same way, although I keep a sharp lookout now–after the experience with our first jardinero–for what I consider lapses in behavior. However, I have no intentions of giving up what I consider to be among the finest of American principles, customs, and behavior.

I speak always of “American” because that’s all I know for certain. I don’t pretend to speak for other nationalities and cultures.

It’s a very common member of the lily family. One of our temporary workers gave me 4 bulbs as a gift from his mother about 3 years ago, and they multiplied like crazy. I’ve had to take them out of my formal flower beds; I’ve put them among other plantings, hoping they’ll naturalize, which they look like they’re going to. You see them everywhere here in Chiriquí.

Joyce

On the other hand, I really don’t like being taken advantage of. I’ve also found that those little “talks” with the employees don’t really seem to have an effect.

What is that flower at the top? It’s gorgeous.

I’ve not myself experienced theft from anyone working directly for us, but have heard enough stories to know that it exists here. Usually when an American talks about dishonestly, they’re talking about theft. But there are all kinds of dishonesty and the one I’ve had to deal with most is not working the full hours–just like your friend, arriving late and leaving early. Or what I described in my post.

Good for you for taking care of your friend! At times that’s really hard to do because it is my experience that Americans in particular do not have good judgement when it comes to dealing with the people they hire here and I imagine in Mexico as well. What I find absolutely baffling is that over and over again, Americans will do things that they would never ever DREAM of doing (or not doing) in the US. I don’t understand it and I never will, I suppose. It’s as if they feel they had to leave their common sense behind at immigration once they landed here for good.

I want to do one more post finishing up our domestic help story, because it’s a little bizarre, and then I want to give Darío’s side.

Later,
Joyce

You know, I’m certain I have, too, but don’ remember all that I’ve done!

However, I decided to just tell the story of our experiences, which at least is novel. I have a follow-up post to this one in the works.

I also want to report on what Darío told me a couple of weeks ago. What’s fascinating about that story is that it shows the two sides of the story, and how nasty cultural traits get perpetuated.

With that teaser…

Joyce