Thursday March 15th

Buenos dias from Panama!

Thursday was perhaps the most difficult but also satisfying day of work thus far. We woke bright and early at 7 like usual, had a breakfast of a delicious cereal they have here (a box of which might be found in a few suitcases on our way back to California) and also eggs, toast, pineapple juice, and coffee for those of us looking for an extra kick to the day. We then headed out to the site for our second to last day of work, we still had many cement tiles to do including finishing taking out one section of cement which needed to be jack-hammered out. We ran into a few problems as there are many classes and jobs in the rooms surrounding ours, including language classes, and classes for children in the area so they have the space and the help provided to ensure they finish and understand their homework. So after a few issues with scheduling a time when we could be as loud as necessary, we had from 12-2 to focus solely on those last tasks without disrupting the other things going on. So we began mixing the cement to get it ready, and took an early lunch at a wonderful restaurant just down the street where I had a breakfast sandwich and a brownie for sustenance before heading back. In the space of those few hours we jack-hammered out the rest of the tile, put in three more blocks of cement. We ended up running out of materials so we took a short rest break/siesta before carting up the stairs the sand and rocks when they arrived. We began another cement block, organized everything for our last day of work, and swept up the area before heading back to the hostel for much needed showers. Dinner was separate so a few of us headed to Ay Carmela where I enjoyed patacon's with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and a homemade sour cream sauce- delicious. We headed back and had an early night in order to prepare for our last day of work.

So ciao for now and much love

Rachel