Day 1 Embera

Posted by Michael

The ride to Chagres National Park was certainly a view of several different Panamanian lifestyles, from the middle class down. Panamanian homes were built in any possible location having distinct features. Some homes were really beat up while others had a nicer, newer finish to them. Some were on implanted on the sides of hills and others were on flats, however there did seem to be issues with each. The garbage collection was a main problem, closer to the park, there were locations with just mounds of trash sitting by the side of the road- on the way home one was on fire. This is an important sanitation/environmental issue which could ultimately devastate the health and well-being of some people in those locations.

At the park, we got to encounter the people of the Embera. First, we were taken to a waterfall with a great ambiance; however, to see an American smoking on his way up to the waterfall seemed out of place and rude to the Embera. We then went to the village which had about 80 people (25 children). We learned the ways they make their heirlooms and crafts, as well as some background information on the tribe. For lunch was the treat of tilapia and fried plantains. It was interesting to see the dedication to the tribe by its youth. This one college student said he was going to return to the tribe after receiving a degree in computer science. It seemed weird because the location is not exactly computer viable, but it does show dedication. The tribes moment of dancing showed their lack of enthusiasm for their restricted lifestyle. The must use tourism as a source of money to get the things they need. They are not allowed to cut trees or hunt because of the government restrictions.

En todos, el dia era interesante.