Desks Delivered

No, no, no. It's wasn't a normal delivery. I paid for the order and expected the desks and chairs to arrive between 1 and 4 pm yesterday. It wasn't as simple as it sounds though.

High Security Compound

It wouldn't be Panamá if we didn't experience some unexpected and unnecessary complications. Panamanians are lovely people. But thinking out of the box and deciding is not one of most popular characteristics I am observing. Panamá exists within a process-driven environment with strong hierarchical status-quo within an organization or group.

I received a few deliveries since I took possession of 21 D. Security however doesn't seem to be predictable. Some visitors they let through, others, like my desk delivery guys, even with an invoice, are denied access. It's nice to be safe, but for heaven's sake - an invoice with my name and Condo number is not let through? I had to got through the administrative supervisor office to grant them access to the building.

There are rules in place in Panamanian society that may take getting some used to. I arrived here 19 days ago, and it will take time to learn the ropes here.

Tally so far:

Now, desks and chairs are delivered, unwrapped, washed and put into the office. Nice!
Carpet, desks, chairs: Check!

Pay!

While the delivery guy is keen for me to know his name, he finally revealed the eagerness for his quest to communicate: He wanted to get paid - in cash. Darn, I thought I had paid in store. Not so.

Note to self: Treble check agreements made in store and clarify even I have no doubt!

Things are man-made complicated here - more than they need to be, in my humble view. Then again, I am an ops guy - ask @r0nd0n! Perhaps some consulting would add value to some firms here?

Internet...

Just as I am entering the elevator to fetch the cash for the delivery guy, a call comes in. It's Cable Onda. In perfect Spanish, the lady says: We will not come today. We come tomorrow. It's 3:32 PM.

I am getting annoyed. What about the CHAOS Show? I need the internet fixed today - not on the day of the broadcast.

Pay delivery --> rush back upstairs and --> get on the phone with Customer Service.
This time, I am asking for a supervisor - who explained that work stopped and someone will be there tomorrow.

My blood is boiling, but I keep calm but firmly make my point. The serious man on the other end commits to send his best team by 9 AM, today. Cross fingers... I am a spontaneous guy - but boy, I also like to be prepared.