Panama by Solina Long

It has been five days since I first arrived in Panama. So far, the experience has been incredible. Being immersed in a country that speaks another language is definitely one to get used to, but I have taken Spanish classes since high school, and that has really given me a chance to practice what I know. I have definitely noticed that it is extremely hot here, and a little bit more humid than Charleston. However, I feel like I notice it more because there is not a lot of air conditioning here, unlike in America or more well developed countries, where there is full blasting air wherever you go. I have also noticed there are a good amount of poverty, but it is contrasted by super developed areas, especially in Casco Viejo. It is very thrilling to be able to converse a bit to the locals, like for example, the housekeepers, people selling items at stands, waiters, and uber drivers.

One memorable experience and the first time I was able to actually speak to some locals was at the Albrooke Mall. My friend was looking for a Pandora store and we could not find it. We eventually ended up asking many people in Spanish where it was, and eventually it led us to the right place. It was very exciting as we were able to use a foreign language to get where we needed to go.

Another memorable experience was the second night we stayed at Hotel Acapulco. We heard a knock on the door, and it was the housekeeper. She started speaking to us in Spanish and we could not really understand what she was trying to say. Eventually, after seeing her point to the towel, and hearing the words, “sucia,” “limpia,” and a few other words, I put bits and pieces together to figure out that she was just asking for our dirty towels so she could give us new towels in place. Afterwards, we just started conversing a little in Spanish, she asked me some questions and I answered. It was an ‘aha’ moment that I will never forget. 

My favorite thing has definitely been the people. Everyone is so nice and hospitable, from the hotel workers, restaurant workers, and even some people on the street. I love conversing with them in the basic Spanish I know and talking about different things like music and dancing. Not to mention the food. The food has been actually amazing here as well, and Juany, the woman accommodating us, is so nice and welcoming. Today is our final day at Bocas del Drago before we head to the ITEC lab in the rainforest, and I am going to miss it here. There’s nothing like waking up and relaxing at the beach, or walking 20 feet over to eat an ice cream cone before class. It has definitely felt like a vacation so far, but I know I need to prepare myself for the rainforest because it will be even more hot, humid, and rugged out there. All in all, this trip has been very interesting and I look forward to what will happen next!

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