Canal de Panamá

Our first two days in Panama we stayed in Gamboa, a town close to the canal and about 40 min away from Panama City. We spent time hiking, playing games, listening to a few introductory lectures, and going through orientation. The group of students is great. We are all different (as was expected) but it is neat to be surrounded by people who I know are also passionate about the environment and the nature that surrounds us.

On Wednesday, we learned about the history of Panama before heading into Panama City for lunch and a walking tour. Then we went to the Panama Canal! We stopped at one of the sets of locks and timed it perfectly to watch a cruise ship slowly squeeze through. There was also a museum there where we were able to learn about the process of building the canal and the plans they have for its future.

On Thursday we finally headed to our permanent temporary home in Bocas del Toro. After a 4am start to the day, we boarded a small plane that amazingly carried us and all our luggage to our destination. The views from the plane were gorgeous as we flew over the archipelago. A boat took us from Isla Colon to Isla Solarte where we are living.

We are now in the process of settling in and figuring out the rhythm of life here on the island. I am enjoying the sounds that surround us and how they change throughout the day. One of my favorite parts is that all our water is collected from the rain. It is filtered and held in a tank under the building we live in. I think it is neat to have such an obvious example of how we are directly relying on the environment to provide for us.