3-14-09
Wow. Today was incredible! We met Caesar, Gigi, Alejandra and Isabela and drove through thick, lush forests and neighborhoods with brightly painted houses to arrive at the shore of the Chagres River (which feeds into Gatun Lake -the lake made from damming the river to make the Panama Canal). On the shore of the river stood two long, skinny canoes with four dark-skinned Panamanians wearing loin cloths. They ushered us into the small boats as they put life jackets on us. With one Panamanian standing at the bow with a long stick and two guys pushing from the back, we took off down the river. I was in awe. This place was gorgeous! Thick rainforest covered the sides of the giant canyon. The wide, shallow river ahead of us was see-through at some parts, and teal and turquoise in others. The only noises we heard were the sounds of the water splashing from our boat, the tiny motor on the back of the canoes, and an occasional whistle from the guides to communicate with each other.
Soon we came to a large, reddish-colored dirt clearing. There were many children in native garb (loin cloths and brightly colored skirts and necklaces, and some were naked) waiting for us. We climbed out of our canoes and climbed a narrow, windy dirt stairway to the top of the steep hill. At the top we saw the village. Bamboo and straw huts stood on stilts encircling a courtyard with a basketball hoop made of a palm tree. The men were dressed in loin cloths, thick beaded necklaces and head dresses and were painted with black tattoos. The women wore brightly colored sarongs and wide, long beaded necklaces to cover their chests.
Lunch consisted of fried fish (with the scales) and fried plantains. After lunch we looked at the baskets, masks, jewelry and other crafts the villagers made. Then came dancing. All the guests were brought into a large hut (about 4x the size of all the others) and herded onto small wooden benches. The villagers piled in and danced for us while making their own music (by singing, playing drums and playing a turtle shell). As they stomped their feet to the rhythm , the thin wooden floors throbbed. After a few dances, they pulled guests out from the audience to dance with them. Joe and I both found ourselves dancing alongside of 30 villagers.
When dancing ended we all went to the river to swim. The water was cool and refreshing. The strong current quickly swept us downstream, so as soon as we passed the canoes we had to swim hard to the shore.
Soon it was time to leave. Reluctantly, we got back in the canoes and headed up the river. I still can't believe we were able to experience this whole thing.
