Rushed with excitement, stepping foot of the plane was unreal first because it was a new country and second I couldn’t believe I was actually studying abroad. Being greeted by the bright sun and amazing host brought a smile to my face and the rest of the group. Moving quickly through customs and baggage claim, we entered onto the bus and drove through our first sight of the beautiful Panama City. Many new things and experiences stuck with me and drew me closer to the culture, but specifically, the food has a place in my heart that I will definitely miss. My first meal upon arriving was a burger with egg, bacon, ketchup, meat, and cheese, and it is safe to say it was the best burger I ever had. After many seafood meals, including grilled fish and paella, everything was fresh, authentic, and less saturated with sugar compared to the USA. Another thing that will be highly missed as I return home is the aspect of family and community. From every business we visited to just being in the towns, everyone is proud to be Panamanian and gives back to the community in some way. On our very last day in Panama, we visited Portobello, which was a breathtaking experience. Splitting up into two groups, we got on a boat, feeling the breeze, taking in the scenery, and swiping our hands through the clear water before arriving at a private beach. While some of my friends went snorkeling, I stayed close to the beach and just bounced through the water and played with the unique rocks that filled the bed of the ocean floor. As I was relaxing, I was able to have a nice conversation with a local who gave me insight into what it meant for him to be a Panamanian in comparison to his visit to the US and living there for some time. With no shock of surprise, he admired the community aspect Panama holds and the organic fields of everything from food to atmosphere compared to the US. He also explained the joy he has for his job and even his love for the weather. I felt this was a perfect way to end the trip because it allowed all of us to mentally just breathe and take in the beautiful aspects of the country. As I took in that moment and reflected on the aspect of senses, I saw freedom, I smelt relief, I heard rejoicing, I tasted peace, and I felt a sense of humanity that was bigger than just me. While the thought of going home really sunk in a bittersweet way, the group made sure to not only cherish the last moments but also continue making memories of laughter, smiles, union, and gratitude. With me, I have packed extra souvenirs including key chains and shot glasses for my parents, but also overwhelming feelings of gratitude and motivation to give back more to my community other than just money.
