ok I am trying to upload this video of my apartment but it is not working.
I am trying to decide if I should stay in this apartment or look for something else.
Pros: It is a big space. I am comfortable in this neighborhood. I feel safe here. I am usually alone. I know people who live very close if I ever need anything. I can go walking on the cinta costera every morning for exercise. There are a lot of restaurants and entertainment in walking distance. I live in a bougie neighborhood so for what I am paying, this is a deal.
Cons: I am usually alone. I have to lite the stove with a lighter. I sleep on a twin bed. Although I am not far from things, I am not in the center of the city, either. There is no comfortable place to sit!!!! This is a big CON for me. I will spend a lot of time writing notes, reviewing interviews, and reading. I am currently sitting on a hard folding chair. I bought a wireless router so I can work in my room, but sitting on a bed is not that comfortable either and my room is small compared to other rooms in the apt. The sofas you saw are wicker and the cushions are "firm" to say the least. In the media room, where the tv is, there is a wooden porch swing with a cushion that does not even cover the length of the swing. *sigh* I should be comfortable at home, no???
I do not want to sound like a princess, but I am paying to be here. This place is not free. This will be (I think) my last time spending a significant amount of time in another country. This is my dissertation research! I want to have everything I need as I need it to facilitate my research process. I kind of feel like I am settling by staying here... but is the grass really greener somewhere else?? I would have to pay more money for more comfort. Vale la pena??
opinions needed.
Well,
ReplyDeleteYou do need to talk to people for your dissertation and this apartment doesn't really help you do that. Would another apartment really make talking to people easier?
Comfort is indeed important ..... one should always be comfortable and happy but can you buy a nice comfy chair for less than the cost of a new ritzy apartment and moving costs? You probably can't take the chair back to the states with you but it might make a nice gift to leave behind for someone.
Looking for a new place can be time consuming and a little bit overwhelming even if you are familiar with a city. Is it worth the trouble? Moving your stuff can also be a bit of an inconvenience (unless you find some really strong panamanians to help *smile*).
My vote, stay and spruce up the place a bit with low cost comfort items. Don't worry about the stove too much (as a child we had to light our stove with a match and we lived in NYC). Use the extra money on new experiences not comfort.
On another note, I love your posts - thank you for sharing.
Love,
T
Ariana, I think you should stay. There are ways to make yourself more comfortable. It sounds like you're getting the place for a deal, and other than your seating issues, it's pretty nice and in a pretty good location. I don't think you need the distraction of trying to find another apartment while you are trying to get your dissertation on track. Buy some cushions! You'll be okay.
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