5/28/12
Hola from Panama!
I’ll go ahead and admit from the
start that not knowing Spanish has been one of my biggest struggles! It is day
three and I have picked up a few phrases that I have needed often:
1)
“lo siento:” this came in handy when Kelsey
accidently hit the light switch in the Women’s restroom (bano) upon arriving to
the Panama airport. With a line out the door, the lights went off and we were
apologizing to a lot of confused faces. I can sadly say that this isn’t the
only time this was a crucial phrase. I could not say it enough when I was in
the marketplace. I was looking at a satchel and touched it- really merely a
touch- and the “wall-like structure” fell… agh… Lo siento? … no bueno…
2)
“no gracias:” The Panamanians in general have a
culture that includes hospitality and a warm heart. However, some thrive off of
tourism. To some people in the various markets we have visited, you really can
NOT say “no gracias” enough!
3)
And…
“no habla espanol:” enough said… as if my blank face doesn’t say enough.
4)
I’ve also learned a few odd ends- alto (stop- it
is on every stop sign, it was inevitable), goma (gum), manzana (apple- could
live off of these), and autobus (bus- wooo).
Thank god for Kelsey, my personal
translator, roommate, and seat companion! I have really enjoyed getting to know
a lot of the people on the trip better! I always see them in the gathering
space and classrooms but, quite honestly, I couldn’t tell you most of their
names. After formally meeting and bonding (and continue to bond) with my fellow
colleagues (as Dr. Cadena would say), this trip was more than worth it before
even getting into the jungle!
I guess I should stop rambling
about my American ignorance and hit on my trip some, after all, it is why you
are reading this blog! I have absolutely loved it here so far!
First, I love the colors!
Everything is so bright and lively, from the food to the buildings, music, artwork
and even buses. This alone says a lot about the Panamanians. They appreciate
and embellish what they have. Not much goes to waste. I really respect and even
envy their lifestyle. It doesn’t matter to them that they don’t have the latest
models of cars, constant air conditioning, or even always food. They are just
happy to be alive. This may be due to them knowing nothing else, but
regardless, we who have it all really don’t appreciate life like many of the
people I have encountered here do. As we move farther into the jungle, I expect
this to be even truer. A simple life is a happy life; it is all about the
perspective.
It seems as if my thought process
is leading me to blog in order of importance rather than chronologically.
Pardon (excuse me) if I am hard to follow due to this. This being said, next in
importance after my struggle with the language and my admiration of their
colorful lifestyle comes the coffee! Oh my goodness. I thought I was obsessed
with coffee in the United States. No, the coffee here is amazing. It is called
Duran Café Duro; it is the smoothest coffee I have ever tasted yet still
strong. I would love to just fill a pool with it and stick a straw in!
Now that the important things are
covered, here are a few of my thoughts from playing “American tourist” in the Old City. The city is very
eclectic. The buildings of every different color, style, and condition line
very narrow streets! Music fills the streets from random open doors belonging
to whichever Panamanian has
decided to play DJ for that time being, We first visited an old church. I was
surprised that pictures were freely allowed in any part of the church. There
were also several beggars who crowded around the vicinity and young children
selling postcards. It seems as if this historic church is primarily for tourism
and profit now than for worship. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful church with a
lot of history unknown and unappreciated by I am sure many who visit.
Walking down the street, it was
evident that much of the area was under construction, including the heart of
the city near the French embassy. Over the past decade, the rule of Panama has
exchanged several different powers. This accounts for the varied building
styles. It also accounts for the many abandoned buildings. Many homeless
families have taken advantage of this across the years and resided in these
abandoned homes. In order for these homes to be reconstructed and once again
habitable by paying residences, these people must be relocated. Rather than
kicking the current residents, otherwise homeless, families from the abandoned
settlements, out, the government must abide by policy. According to Panamanian
policy, the government cannot force anyone to be homeless. Thus, the government
has to pay these people to compensate them for their loss of housing that they
never owned so that they can pay rent elsewhere. This is incredible to me! It
makes me respect their government and sense of unity even more. 
Our next stop was the Panama Canal
Miraflora Locks where there is also a museum. It is amazing to me that the lock
system that they were using current day is the exact same system used when the
canal construction was finished in 1914. The Panamanians are currently working
on an expansion project to expand the size of the locks so that larger ships
can pass through the canal. This project is to be complete by the 100th
year anniversary of the canal in 2014. The Panama Canal in general is an
amazing sight. I am awe-struck how so many individuals came together and
dedicated their lives to the planning, construction, and administration of the
canal. I think that the video presented in the museum did not (and probably could
not) emphasize enough the struggles that these individuals had to overcome, not
only to build the canal but on agreeing on the different processes used and
even who oversaw the project. The fact that the canal was completed and still
in such great condition today should be a wonder of the world! 
Currently we are partaking on our
eight-hour bus ride into the jungle! I am very excited for this portion of the
trip, as I should for this is why we are here! Panama is beautiful with it’s
mountainous terrain and winding roads. Leaving off where I started, I love it
here and I can only see my love for the country and people grow as my exposure
to both increase.
-Chanel
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