We’ve just heard from Steve via telephone that their journey from ITEC to Gamboa went well, and the group is now safely tucked in at Soberanía Lodge. We’ll be joining them tomorrow to spend our last two nights in Panama all together! A post from Steve soon to come.
Our last day in La Enea began with a demonstration of traditional drum carving and playing. A few of us gave drumming a try and had fun making music together. Next, we had the privilege of watching one of three existing professional mask artists in Panama create a clay mold for a diablico mask. After the mold is fired, the surface of the mask is created using papier-mâché. It is then painted with vibrant colors and wooden teeth are inserted to complete the character.
Next, we had a picnic lunch under the shade of an enormous Bongo tree. We then visited a house that is about 125 years old. Afterward, the students had the opportunity to swim and hang out at the beautiful beach near Bonnie’s house. We finished the evening with a despedida party with our host families, complete with merengue music, barbecue, and heartfelt farewell speeches.