Many thoughts and curiosities ran through my head as I prepared for this trip. How rural is the land? Where are we living? Will the people be gracious and patient with my Spanglish? Can I even drink the water? I halfway expected we would be “roughing it” so to speak and halfway didn’t know what to expect at all. In my head, Panama was a cultural land rich in history and in need of whatever assistance I could lend. I expected a culture shock and that is exactly what I got.
As we drove through the winding, narrow roads of Panama from the airport, I couldn’t control the jaw-drop that overcame me. Let me begin by saying the mountainous scenery is absolutely breathtaking and I have never seen such green grass and beautiful trees. However, when you look at the various buildings and houses throughout Panama City, you see the need; the need for reconstruction and restoration. Beautiful buildings are completely run down and some houses are literally tiny, dark holes in walls. Reconstruction is on every corner of every road in Panama City; it appears to be helping a bit.
I am definitely surprised by the way the people live down here and I am certainly grateful for all the work America has done so we may live the way we do. While we are staying in a fairly nice house, I am not yet used to not having A/C, bugs crawling/flying/jumping left and right, and not being able to drink water straight out of the faucet. At the same time, the city of Chitre is festive and full of people, shopping spots and delicious mouth-watering Panamanian food. Everyone has been very welcoming and gracious so this experience has been pleasant thus far. While I have many adjustments to make these next three weeks, I am definitely embracing the opportunity and excited to really immerse myself in the culture!
Written by: Lauren Sarmiento
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