Panamá 2024 - Students Going Global (Day 2 - 5/28/2024)

 We woke up to a beautiful day in Panamá! Our hotel sits right behind the Panama Canal. There are several students who can see the ships pass through from their hotel windows!

After a brief overview of our plan for the day. We took a trip to the local Xtra. This is a grocery superstore, similar to Wal-Mart/Dillons. Students were able to use their money, find fun snacks and discuss price differences between Panamá and the United States. The kids were pleased with their purchases and left with smiles on their faces. 

 

Check out some of their favorite snacks below!

For today's snorkeling adventure we headed to Colón on the Caribbean coast. On the way there students saw the largest mall in Panama City, with over 3,000 stores and its own hotel! We also discussed the subway system in Panama and the costs of transporting containers via train vs. via the Panama Canal. Prices are cheaper by train, but it takes longer. We also discussed the education system (1% of all salaries in Panama goes to the education system and uniforms are blue and white) and city systems like trash collection, home loans, land purchasing and farming methods.

  

  

This was out first sighting of the Caribbean Coast!

Below is a picture of Scuba Portobelo! This is where we checked in for our snorkeling experience!

Prior to getting our fins, we took a swim in the saltwater pool.

 

After getting our feet fitted for flippers and passing out lifejackets, we were ready to hit the waves! For the safety of the group, we split into two smaller groups for snorkeling. While one group of students went snorkeling, the other played on the beach (sandcastles, hermit crab races, swinging, mango hunting, sloth searching, etc.).

On our boat ride to the island and reef for snorkeling, we had an amazing surprise! A pod of 8-12 dolphins swam right up next to our boat! I have been to the ocean, and this specific spot numerous times, and I have never had this happen!

 

While one boat prepared to snorkel, the other boat had a lot of fun on the beach!

For the Top Traveler award, there are many ways that points can be earned. One of the ways to earn points for today was to build the best castle! Please comment on which one is your favorite!

                                              A                                                                    B

 
The weather was beautiful for snorkeling. We had waves but they weren't anything too terrible. Students saw several types of fish, various types of coral and overcame fears of the ocean! 

I am so proud of them!

Here are some of the images taken with an underwater camera! 

Just as the second group was headed back from snorkeling, the tropical rains set in on us. We could see them coming and definitely felt what cold rain in the tropics feels like! We boarded the boats and headed back for lunch!

For lunch today, students had a choice of chicken or fish with rice, fries or plantains. I believe that chicken and plantains was the most popular choice! I love when students try new things! The rule is that you should always try it! Different doesn't automatically mean bad. 

On our way back to the hotel most students were worn out and dosed. We passed several iguanas and the U.S. Embassy in Clayton. This area is a very nice area that is where an old U.S. base used to stand. 

Raúl, our driver, is amazing! I am not sure what I would even begin to do if I was faced with the traffic opportunity shown below. Raúl handled it like a champ!

After the day's adventures, we arrived at the hotel, played games, spent some time in the pool, and just enjoyed the company of others. It was also nice to get dinner and a nice shower. 

Handstand Competition:

The students below wanted you to have another opportunity to comment on the blog! Parents, please try to guess if any of these legs are your child. Everyone else, please submit your vote for best handstand in the comments!

            A                                            B            C                D                                        E

Top Traveler Update:

There were a lot of points awarded to travelers today! Points were awarded for responsibility, respect, asking questions, and paying attention/remembering random information about Panama from our guide presentations throughout the day! Here is a snapshot of the current top 5(6)! Also, remember that this is just a fun addition to the trip, definitely not something a parent or guest reader should stress over!

1. Claudia

2. Brooklyn

3. Piper

4. Zaine

5. Andy and Presley!

Quotes of the Day:

Who said them and why? Your guess is as good as mine, but I do love the humor that these moments bring to my days on tour!

1. "Anything I need, the ocean will provide." (Context - Student forgot sunglasses... and then found a pair in the ocean.)

2. Student - " I think that's the sound of a howler monkey." Guide - "No, that's a bus."

3. "How does she do that thing with her feet? I'm not even upside down and I can't do it." (poolside)

4. "That's a your problem."

5. "I think I should get Potter Points for that!"

Have a great night! Tomorrow we adventure back towards the Carribbean to visit La Granja. Students will learn about environmental stability and farming. They will also go kayaking and ziplining. To make this happen they will face firsts and fears! It will be a GREAT day!