Finally made it to the beach!

This past weekend we went on a group trip. We visited one national park and went to two beaches. One of the beaches is holding the world surfing competition next weekend and were setting up for it while we were there. The waves were huge but you cant really tell in the picture. The next day we took a boat to our own private island for the day called Isla Iguana and it was soo beautiful. The pictures didn't come out to great because it was pretty cloudy. My camera also broke while I was there but it was at the end. So I will be purchasing a new camera soon. Panama has been amazing so far. My first week of class went great. I have also been taking salsa classes with my roommate Tasha. I think thats about everything new. Enjoy the pics!

"Puente del mundo, corazon del universo"

The quote above means "Bridge of the world, heart of the universe," it is a quote cherished by many Panamanians.

So, sorry I haven't been keeping updated at all but I am finally putting pictures up. I have been soooo busy I haven't had time. Panama is an amazing county and I am having an amazing time, and have already made some great friends. It has already been the experience of a lifetime. Here are some photos of things I have done so far, but these pictures can't show how beautiful this place is. I am in complete awe everytime we go somewhere.

EL VALLE
    This is the place where we went on our retreat the first few days we were in Panama. It is off in the mountains about a 2 hour drive away from Panama City. It was a lot cooler here because the cold air sinks into the valley. It seems that pictures could not do this place justice. The mountains with the clouds rolling over it were breathe taking.

These are the villas we stayed in 

again

and again...with the mountains in the background

a little area with hammocks to relax in :)

When in El Valle we went on a hike in the mountains, the next pictures are from that. 

Here is an ancient map on this giant rock, can't remember how old it was but it was over 1000 years I believe. 

Here is our tour guide on the hike, Hector, he was so cute and great. He knew everything about the mountain. 

Waterfall on our hike

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Here is Osvaldo, the program director, and the nicest and most intellegent man I have ever met..
He really enjoys his job and what he does, and is always smiling!

CASCO VIEJO 

      These pictures are from one of the oldest parts of the cities. 

Me and Tasha (my Canadian counterpart) 

Probably my favorite building I saw this day, there is something about it that was almost magical

Inside of a church (yes, that is all gold!)

Some alley cats on the streets of Panama, there are cats absolutely everywhere

A view of downtown Panama City

PUEBLO NUEVO Y EMBERA 

     Here are some pictures from when I went to check out the sites of where I will be conducting and doing some of my research for my project which is extreme weather events and there effects on the indigenous communities. My project is to assess the vulnerabilities of these tribes to future disastrous events (in a nutshell), more info to come later. 

some views from the boat we where coming in on

here is the first village we arrived at 

when we went to take our lunch break we got back on the boat and road through some caves, which
were absolutely spectacular. I felt like Indiana Jones, probably the coolest thing I have ever seen.

FYI, I saw two monkeys on this ride but wasn't able to get a picture of either of them 

Here is the second village we went to. The indeigenous people that live here are the Empera.
I don't have many photos, or any photos of people because it is part of their culture.

Trying to avoid getting my shoes too muddy when getting back in the boat

PANAMA CANAL
     A few days ago we visited the Panama Canal and got to see it in action and learn how everything works, very neat.

Another view of the city from the "Amador" or Causeway, a very popular area in Panama with great restaurants and shopping.

A GIANT grasshopper I saw when we went hiking in the Metropolitan Park.

I have no idea what this bug is but it looks very cool. 

Here is Osvaldo my professor/program director, is back pack says "Girly Galore", I thought that this was hilarious haha

I think this is my favorite picture from the trip so far, very creepy and ominous looking. It was this building in the middle of the rainforest, previously occupied by the US, no one knows what really went on here and it is all locked up now.

This is just a preview of what I have done so far. Can't wait to share the rest of my experiences in this amazing country!!