Last week, on Thursday, we went to visit a local finca (farm). The more rural parts that grow crops and where people maintain their land are called a campo. The day began with a rocky start of witnessing a killing of a chicken for the first time. That was quite hard to watch, but the day only got better from there!
We split up into stations: crushed corn and rice with un mano del pilón, washed clothes in the river, and helped cook a common soup called sancocho. I also got to use a machete for the first time to wack away weeds. After lunch, we learned some traditional dances.
I had a ton of fun in el campo being able to get my hands dirty and learn new cultural skills. I feel at peace when I’m in more remote places. Since we don’t know our site assignments yet, I’m learning more about where I could see myself living.
This past week, I had the goal of meeting a new neighbor and introducing myself. A big part of cultural integration here in Panamá is to pasear which means to walk up to a house and talk to people. I’ve had my eye on a yellow house nearby that seemed like a good family to talk to. Yesterday, I mustered up the courage to walk up to them and start a conversation. Granted, it took until my second time around the block to yell “buena, hola” and get their attention. The awkwardness is so real when I’m standing in front of a big family and introducing myself. Thankfully, this is a normal thing to do and the family was very welcoming and interested in having a conversation.
While many things remind me of the US and my family, the cultural differences in Panamá are opening my eyes to new possibilites.