Storytelling Central America


Gratitude: Warmly accepting and deeply appreciating kindness or benefits received

 I have recently completed 70 days of travel throughout Central America. I want to adequately express how deeply appreciative I am for the experience. The best way I can think to do so is through what I do best: Storytelling. Starting today, I will post a story chronicling my journey from the heart of the Darien in Panama to the bustling metropolis of Mexico City. I hope to convey the overwhelming hospitality of the people we met, the vibrant cultures, and the astounding natural beauty of Central America.

¡Vaminos!


Morning in Cerro Ceniza (Comarca Ngabe-Bugle, Panamá)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

$omething They Forgot to Mention...

Getting ready to go on this adventure is expensive. I mean, we're not talking college tuition or buying a house expensive. Just recent-college-grad-living-paycheck-to-paycheck expensive. Sure, PC will give a living allowance and a regular 'salary' once I am sworn in, and during training we'll have some 'pocket money', but for this part, the between time from accepting the invitation to getting on that plane has its costs. First, I need stuff. I am a theatre technician and run around all day in paint covered jeans and tank tops. Neither are going to be good choices for Honduras as they are not professional enough for the situation nor appropriate for the weather. (Jeans in that kind of humidity? Gross.) So some new wardrobe pieces are essential. Also, last Christmas my laptop died, and I bought a stellar new one. An expensive, fast processing, great graphics card, 17" screen laptop that is wonderful for AutoCAD, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and my design wo...
Read more

"...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

After an excruciatingly long and arduous 9 hour bus trip, I was finally able to open my letter. I will be going to HONDURAS and I start orientation on FEB 22nd. I will be in training in Honduras then until May 12th when I move out to my site and then will finish my contract with the PC on May 12th 2014. My job title is 'Environment and Water Extensionist' meaning that I work with other government agencies and private voluntary organizations like Engineers Without Borders to:  1. To design and provide technical support for the rehabilitation, construction, or expansion of rural water and sanitation systems. 2. To provide training of rural community water associations and system operators. 3. To deliver environmental and sanitation education to community groups. There's another 20-some pages describing what all of that means, but I'll spare you those details. Right now I have a ton of things to read and an acceptance letter to write to officially accept my ...
Read more

Panama's Lessons: Volcán Barú

Image
Panama...or Middle Earth? For 3 years, I listened to other Volunteers talk about their journeys: from miserable, soul-crushing freezing rainstorms to life-changing sunrises. Every climber had a morsel of advice, a nugget of wisdom, and well wishes for their successors. They discussed the best gear, snacks, and hiking styles. In an amiable one-upping contest, they detailed the challenges they faced and overcame. Some played it off as an afternoon stroll; others dramatized it into a battle of life or death on the steeps of Mount Doom. Everyone was glad they did it, but most admitted they would never do it again. Not for a second did I believe I could be one of those people. When I was first told about this volcano upon my arrival to Panama, I was content to admire its beauty from afar. The first time I saw the volcano myself, a stark peak disappearing into the cloudy sky, I was anything but motivated or intrigued. It was formidable and unfriendly. It was neither something I ...
Read more