Various people told me I could go to Albrook Mall to renew my license.

At Albrook they told me I had to go to Pedregal to get my license renewed. They also told me it would be easier if I started from scratch and then they could do it in Albrook. First, I would have to go to the U.S. Embassy and get my U.S. driver's license "apostled" for $40 and then return to Albrook. Then I would have to do the blood tests over again plus go to Banco National and buy $2 in stamps, etc. Then it would cost me another $40 for the license.

I told them to forget it and I would go to Pedregal to renew my license. I arrived at 10:00 in Pedregal and finished at 3:30 p.m.!!

I had to do trips between ATT and Sergudad (1 block walk) - there were 4 trips. I needed to get things authenticated and put in the systems since I have a new passport number that doesn't match my old driver's license or pensionado card.

Then they did the paperwork wrong at ATT and I had to redo some documents and have them authenticated and stamped again!!

Now I have to wait 2 hours for the paperwork to be authenticated at Sergidad AGAIN and get my picture taken. Then there is 1/2 hour wait to get my eyes tested and another 1/2 hour to get my hearing tested.

Then the CAJA says my identification number isn't any good!! At that point the receptionist stepped in and handled that aspect!! Now I have to wait another 1/2 - 3/4 hour to finally give my my new driver's license!!

After I stopped at PriceMart and head out of the the city there is a traffice jam about 3 miles from the toll booth in Chorrera. After waiting 45 minutes to get to the booth they turn me around towards the city because of a strike!!!

I do an illegal u-turn across the median about 10 miles from the toll booth and head into Chorrera via another road. Things are starting to move smoothly. As I get into Chorrera there is a traffic jam because of a car accident and I sit for another 1/2 - 3/4 hour waiting for that to clear!

Needless to say, when I pulled in to the driveway at 7:00 p.m. after leaving the city at 4:00 I am ready for a stiff drink!!!