10
words you will hear in Panama, but may not find in your
dictionary
Here are some words that you are sure to hear during your
visit to Panama, but may not find in your dictionary.
Balboa: (ball-bo-a) Several things bear the name
Balboa in Panama, in honor of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a
Spanish explorer who crossed Panama in 1513 to become the
first recorded European to see the Pacific Ocean from the
New World. If you hear this word while trying to make a
purchase, it is most likely in reference to the Panamanian
currency. Panama utilizes the US dollar (although they have
their own printed coins that are interchangeable with US
coins), but calls the paper money the ‘Balboa’. Instead of
writing a price with the $ sign on price tags, they may
write 'B./' to indicate ‘Balboas’. Cashiers will announce
your total in ‘dolares’ or ‘Balboas’. Balboa also is the
name of a beer served in many restaurants and bars in
Panama.
Interior: (in-tear-e-or) The areas of Panama between
Panama City and Chiriqui (near the Costa Rican border). This
term may be used in general conversation to reference the
poor, rural areas of western Panama.
Chiva: (che-va) Most often used as the name for the
small van-like buses and, in rural areas, for pick-up trucks
with the bed covered and equipped with benches for
passengers. Chivas travel locally between towns throughout
Panama. They will stop to pick up passengers between the two
designations, but usually do not travel more than two hours
each direction.
Diablo Rojo: (dee-ah-blo row-ho) Old US school buses
that provide transportation around Panama City (and in some
other cities). The buses are characteristically decorated
with dramatic pictures and streamers. The route traveled by
each bus is painted on the windshield and often shouted out
by the driver or helper. The cost is $0.25 to ride in Panama
City, paid when you get off the bus. Diablo Rojos do travel
past Tocumen International Airport during daytime hours
(leaving from Albrook Bus Terminal; about $1.00 each way).
Be ready to exit the bus quickly at your stop as the driver
will not wait long.
Interamericana: (inter-amer-a-cana) Refers to the
Pan-American Highway. In total, the highway extends from
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska into the southern parts of South America
(the actual ending point is disputed). In Panama the highway
runs the length of western part of the country (4-lanes for
nearly the whole distance) and is only interrupted by the
‘Darien Gap’ in eastern Panama, where 87 kilometers (55
miles) has not been completed.
Corredor: (core-e-door) A toll road (4-lane) most
commonly traveled between Panama City and the Tocumen
International Airport by tourists. It heads in both
directions, so you will see signs for Corredor Norte and
Corredor Sur. If you catch a taxi at the airport, you may be
asked if you would like to take the ‘Corredor’ to the city.
This option will help avoid potential traffic delays, but
you will be charged more to cover the tolls (there are 2
between Panama City and the airport, totaling about $3.00).
Dale: (doll-e) A slang term, at times followed by the
word ‘pue’ (translation: then). When on the bus, you will
hear the secretary (the person who helps you on the bus) say
this to the driver when you are clear to move away from a
stop. Taxi drivers may call this out. It also is commonly
heard coming from a group playing fútbol (soccer). The
literal translation is ‘give it’, but it can mean ‘go ahead’
or ‘move it’.
Fondo: (fon-do) A small restaurant serving
traditional Panamanian food. Each normally will offer a
limited number of dishes each day. Meals may consist of
rice, beans or lentils, and a meat (chicken or beef, at
times pork or fish). Soup (chicken, beef, or fish) also may
be available and you can ask for a plate of rice to
accompany this (noodles are not typical). Prices are usually
cheap ($1-$3/meal) and meals are served quickly compared to
restaurants where large menus are offered.
Sancocho: (san-co-cho) A traditional soup. It
contains meat from a farm-raised hen chicken and vegetables
and herbs like yucca, ñame (a type of tuber), onions,
oregano, and cilantro. The soup can be served with rice, but
does not contain noodles.
Mondongo: (mon-don-go) A dish made from the
intestines of a cow. Very chewy and typically not a favorite
of Americans or Europeans! I presonally cannot recommend
choosing this from the menu!
Print this list of words and tuck it into your dictionary. I
would be surprised if you did not hear (and perhaps wonder
about) at least one of these words during your trip to
Panama! |
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