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Today did not start with me groggily waking up, whining and huffing for more sleep. No, today began with excitement coursing throughout my body. Adrenaline and anxiety meshing into one jumble of nerves still waiting for the reality of what I had been working month long towards to actually happen, to no longer be a dream or some background goal. Today was the day I flew to Panama – my first international trip since celebrating my mom in the Bahamas. More than this, I would board a ship and travel through the Panama Canal, sailing back toward the states. But first things first, I need to make it to my destination and land safely. After much hussle, lots of manuevering, carefully selected nap/rest times, and drowning out all the chaos of each airport, I arrive. Safe and sound, I rush to the immigration line while on the lookout for a fellow STEMSEAS expeditioner I hoped to run into. Thankfully, I was not alone and the line proceeded at a quick, albeit suspenseful pace. Having met the other STEMSEAS student, Sofia, I finally felt like it was happening. I was truly in Panama, I made it off the planes and through the line without any issues, and I was actually talking to another individual in the same situation that could validate and confirm all of this. We share an Uber ride that ends up taking us to the hotel we would be staying at for the night before boarding the ship. Having only mastered basic spanish and not at all fluent in conversing whatsoever, I was beyond grateful to be paired with the wonderfully fluent Sofia. I was also grateful that this afforded me the chance to take in the sites of the city and the various landmarks we were passing by while on the way to the financial district in which our hotel was located. One of these landmarks was a luminescent church lit up by the sun slowly setting behind it.
Once there, we each received our hotel key cards and made our way up to our separate rooms. A few of the other STEMSEAS expeditioners had already arrived and placed their belongings in their assigned rooms, my roomate being one of them. As Sofia left to meet up with the others, I stayed behind to eat some much needed food and update my family. Before this trip took place, I made a list and mapped out some possible markets and shops to visit as well as a few allergy friendly restaurants. Now, all that was left was for me to map it out so I could attempt to hit as many of the stores/marketplace areas as possible. As I should know by now, just because you map things out as best as possible, does not mean things will actually go according to plan. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful time expereincing what it was like to truly be free and on your own… even if it was for a few hours, I made sure that fellow expeditioners had my location and stayed nearby, and I would be meeting back up with the group at the hotel that night. Safety first! Being a tourist and living in the moment, rather than continously trying to stick to the plan once it had flown out the window (like I would have done in the past), was the best decision I ever made. I observed Panamanians of a similar mindset. Instead of moving from task to task, they basked in the hot, humid weather and people watched. They would gather with friends, family members, and neighbors either sharing a cool treat and enjoying time pass in silence or talk amongst themselves. I also noticed officials with their weapons fully out in the light of day, but no one seemed to bat an eye. This was a bit of a culture shock for me, but led me to feel more curious and inquistive than scared or confused. I was not here to be an archaeologist or research the people of Panama, so I saved those thoughts and questions swirling around in my mind for a later day, continuing on with my picture taking and quiet observations. My favorite section of the area I was in, Casco Viejo, hands down had to be the street of hats or La Calle De Los Sombreros where all kinds of hats were strung up. I am not sure if they are made to create the same image all year round, but I loved the fact that one part of it formed the flag of Panama.
After spending hours, and I mean hoooouuurs, in just one market place, I finally prepared to leave the area and attempt to visit a store I was excited about before it closed. As I waited for my Uber, I became fascinated by the hard work of this man shaving ice and making something that was apparently a classic shaved ice desert you just had to get in Panama. Still in my bliss of my adventure, I asked for a cup, feeling the awe and starstruck look in my eyes grow as the older gentleman worked his magic. It was only once I sat down that I noticed the texture of the shaved ice was a bit creamy. This is when I learned that the classic Panamanian shaved ice treat, Raspao, contained lots and lots of heavy condensed milk, not just fruit juice. Heartbroken that I could not experience what was sure to be a delightful dance on my tastebuds, but happy I could capture a mouth-watering picture and support the labor of a man working in this sweltering night to provide us with something cool to the touch, I sat patiently for my ride.
Now, one thing everyone should know or be aware of regarding the city of Panama is their driving. There is an unspoken language here amongst the drivers where every single one of them is aware that they all have places to be, which means make the maneuver and get by if you can and be patient and wait if you can because they do not have traffic signs and there are not many street lights, so you just got to do what you got to do. Say a prayer, cross your fingers, hold on for dear life, trust in your Panama born and raised driver, and get ready for the ride of your life. In other words, be ready to have fun. Making it with an hour to spare before closing, I arrive just in front of the store that I believed was sure to take my money. I guess this is why it actually turned out to be a good thing that it was closed – dead closed, no humans present, lights have been off for a while kind of closed. Disappointed once again, but feeling my hunger finally force its way into the spotlight, I map out the restaurants I previously researched, hoping to find one nearby and very, very open. Thank the heavens I do. The only thing left is to decide on is whether I should walk or wait for another Uber to drive me away. Looking up and seeing the beauty of the moon, feeling the cool wind wipe the sweat off neck, and vibrating with the energy of the people around, I move forward and head to my destination. It was empowering walking alone at night in an unknown city surrounded by strangers. You think I would have been terrified, but all I felt was a sense of confidence and a surge of strength in addition to a peace I have never felt back home. It was a feeling of serenity, not that whole inner peace or world peace thing people are always going on about, but something deep within that reminded me of smooth rocks skipping across rippling water followed by a hum of balance and harmony.
I took my time, but made it to Anti Burger in about 20 minutes. Thank goodness they had a fan – one that was actually blowing cool air at that. Although there was a nice breeze keeping me company, that heat did not really go down much since I had arrived. Feeling accomplished in my day, equipped with delicious smelling food along with one filtered water bottle and two fresh cold water bottles to replenish it, and happily exhausted from all the exploring I had done, I requested one last Uber ride to take me to the hotel and waited with new anticipation of finally meeting the other STEMSEAS expeditioners in person.
– Signing off, Trinity R.
