Hola amigos,
View from rooftop at Selina
Miraflores Locks
Our first full day in Panama City was eventful and exciting. We started the day by going to a local bakery where we indulged in yummy pastries and local fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, bananas, papaya, and passion fruit. We then travelled to the Panama Canal to see where ships cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific or vice versa. At the Canal Museum, we saw a single ship pass through the Canal (from a distance) and saw a short documentary that sparked conversations and criticisms within the group. From there we ate lunch at a cafeteria-style restaurant and returned to Casco Viejo – the old section of the city– where we are staying. There, we split into smaller groups to explore Casco Viejo where we saw everything from churches to monuments, interesting vantage points to plazas, and abandoned buildings. Thereafter, we were given time to find a place to eat dinner in small groups. Some of us chose to eat pizza while others ate at a taqueria. As the sun set on our first day in Panama, we returned to our hotel where we regrouped and discussed our day especially what we learned at the Panama Canal, and what we are looking forward to in Pedasí and the rest of the trip. Fortunately, it seems that everyone is enjoying themselves in the warm weather of the beautiful city. 
With the remainder of the night, we hung out on the rooftop of our hotel and in the quirky lounge on our floor. We are all looking forward to what is in store for us in the near future. Look forward to our next post as we travel to Pedasí and begin our time in a homestay.
Signing off,
Rachel, Casey (Casi Casi), and Tommy