Friday, March 9th

Well, it was a good day. Or....technically...two days? I think I speak for us all when I say that the red eye flight, time change, and sudden onset of humidity and 99 degree weather made us a bit disoriented when we stepped off the plane. Groggy and excited, we were greeted by the Hannas, a Panamanian family whose daughter attends CMC. They met us with copies of the Panama Planner to peruse, and soon ushered us onto our van. We had made it - luggage, limbs, and sanity intact.

It was obvious that Totto, we weren't in Claremont anymore. Our van ride provided us with a breathtaking view of the skyline of the city and the water. After a few trips around Casco Viejo searching for our hostel (the streets aren't as simple as Claremont Village), we hauled our luggage up beautiful marble steps to our stay: the Magnolia Inn. After taking a quick nap, we set out to explore.

I tried. I tried, but my gesture attempting to ask for a scoop of Dulce de Leche ice cream in a cone looked like I was attempting some odd form of dance. Eventually, my 15 peers who DO speak Spanish helped me out by prompting me with what I had to say. We had found heaven in the form of an ice cream parlor, and were taking a break from our exploring to have a treat inside an air conditioned shop. Soon we ventured on to cobblestone streets dotted with vendors selling handmade purses, unique jewelry, and tattoos (don't worry Mom, it's Henna). Awestruck by the beauty of the diverse town, we returned to our hostel to freshen up before dinner.

The best shrimp quesidilla I had ever had. Maybe it was because all that was in my stomach was a scoop of ice cream, or because I was surrounded by the best possible group of 17 people from the Claremont Colleges, but everyone agreed that dinner was delicious. After enjoying some cappuccinos and another round of ice cream, we set out to explore the night life. We happened upon an abandoned basketball court with a German DJ, and spent the rest of our energy dancing and requesting our favorite songs. Some individuals impressed the group with their directional sense and led us back to our hostel without maps. A few showers and balcony gazes later, we climbed into bed. Our feet had a long day.

Little do they know what they're in for the rest of the week.

Stephanie Haft, CMC, '15