We were supposed to start our project on Sunday, however we found out that in Panama, Sunday is the day to relax. So with our last free day we decided to visit the nearby Isla Taboga. After a thirty minute boat ride aboard "la trinidad" we arrived to one of the most beautiful places I had ever been. The small island consisted of a few old colorful houses lining the cliffs boarding a dense jungle.. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. On the beach we we were the only tourists, but we were welcomed by the local Panamanians with warm smiles and loud reggaeton music.
The smell of grilled fish and barbecue meat wafted over us as we lay beneath the scorching sun, it was time for lunch. We walked along the beach and finally our noses lead us to a seafood restaurant which overlooked the tranquil ocean. Our meal consisted of fresh pina batidos (pinapple milkshakes), a variety of the freshest seafood and my all time favorite patacones! Patacones are battered deep fried plantains eaten with salt and ketchup,they taste similar to french fries, but are so much better.
After a long relaxing day at the beach, I was exhausted as we boarded our boat back to the mainland. I posses the special talent of being able to sleep anywhere, so as the boat began to rock back and and forth I quickly was rocked to sleep. Apparently I soon became the boat ride entertainment as my head bobbed back and forth with the movement of the boat. I groggily awoke to the laughter of my peers as we arrived back on land, it was a successful nap.
With no time to shower or change, smelling of seawater, the Hanna's graciously welcomed all seventeen us for dinner into their lovely home. We were fed a delicious home cooked meal by Faith's mom, during which she gave us a short overview of Panamanian culture and history. After living in Latin America for over thirty years, and the last fifteen in Panama, the Hanna's were able to put our project into perspective. After the talk, I was given the opportunity to personally chat with Mrs. Hanna about her experiences, which further strengthened my desire to travel and study in Latin America. We bid the Hanna's goodbye, as they wished us luck with our project. I am usually shy with my Spanish, but on taxi ride back, I sat in the front seat and was able to converse with the driver for the duration of the trip. He even complemented my Spanish, I couldn't have been happier! Once back at the hostel, I immediately got into bed, it was an amazing day and I couldn't wait to start the project the next morning.
Simone Berkovitz CMC '14
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