well during my spring break 2 weeks ago i went to panama to visit my friend, pete, who is in the peace corps. we spent a little time in his community, then a couple days at the beach and ended the trip in the city. it was so amazing getting to see his community- they have no electricity and everything is very simple as far as agriculture and living. the people have thatched roof homes with either bamboo walls or adobe walls, mostly. there are pigs, chickens, and dogs alike just wandering in and out of houses! the people were sooo hospitable. pete's project is to teach them how to use latrines to turn their human waste into rich soil for crops because much of the soil in panama is overworked and eroded away. the beach was beautiful and relaxing. i got to see the panama canal, some towns along the way (i rented a car), and got to experience some discotecas and great panamanian music. :) it was such a quick trip and really made an impact on me. i was so proud of pete and all he is doing in his community- he loves it. it was the greatest spring break ever!! :) here are some pics-
1) beach in farallon, panama
2) sharpening the machete pete sent home with me...so far i've used it to chop some weeds in my backyard!
3) pete and i at beach
4) panama canal
5) i didn't realize how hilly and dry panama is. pete lives up in the hills, and it is really pretty driving up there
