After leaving the canal, we arrived at Fuerte Amador, which is on the Pacific entrance side. We had decided to take an excursion that would give us an understanding of the people and culture of this area.
Dolphins frolicked in the waters along side our boat.....
and birds flew in formation!
We took a bus ride to the river where we sat in hand-hewn canoes (with motors!) and took a 20 minute journey through the jungle and river. It was amazing. The water was murky and swift and I, for one, was thankful for the motor!
Here are the people lining up to get into the canoes.
We passed several villages, some under construction/repair, and others fully functional. The land is owned by the national park service of Panama and they allow the natives to live in the area as this is their homeland.
We were greeted by the men of the tribe as we arrived on shore.
They watched us get out of the boats - wonder what they were really thinking of these American tourists!
Their music was very rhythmic and inviting.
All over the village were hibiscus in bloom.
We were served a native meal: tilapia caught the night before our visit and plantain. All of it was wrapped in banana tree leaves.
The women who served were dressed in their native dance attire. Their normal dress is just a skirt and the men only wear loin cloths.
Washing up was very refreshing - warm water and mint leaves.
The natives then performed a traditional dance for us.
and the men played their instruments. One of the instruments was a turtle shell.
During the dance, the men and women asked the tourists to join in. The male does not look directly at the woman he is dancing with - pretty strange to dance with someone who won't look at you!
The kids were adorable. They sat around the dance area and played.
The young girls asked to paint tatoos on our wrists. They are quite good, but it was so hot, the ink just smeared - it just didn't get dry fast enough.
It was an absolutely amazing experience and one we won't forget!
Back in the boat - we were so loaded with people (some were super sized!) that it took 6 of the men to push us away from shore.
One of the canoes following us back down to our bus.
Back at the harbor, waiting to catch the tender out to the cruise ship.
Our cruise ship awaiting our arrival. We were sad to leave this beautiful country but we were now on to Costa Rica.
Dolphins frolicked in the waters along side our boat.....
and birds flew in formation!
We took a bus ride to the river where we sat in hand-hewn canoes (with motors!) and took a 20 minute journey through the jungle and river. It was amazing. The water was murky and swift and I, for one, was thankful for the motor!
Here are the people lining up to get into the canoes.
We passed several villages, some under construction/repair, and others fully functional. The land is owned by the national park service of Panama and they allow the natives to live in the area as this is their homeland.
We were greeted by the men of the tribe as we arrived on shore.
They watched us get out of the boats - wonder what they were really thinking of these American tourists!
Their music was very rhythmic and inviting.
All over the village were hibiscus in bloom.
We were served a native meal: tilapia caught the night before our visit and plantain. All of it was wrapped in banana tree leaves.
The women who served were dressed in their native dance attire. Their normal dress is just a skirt and the men only wear loin cloths.
Washing up was very refreshing - warm water and mint leaves.
The natives then performed a traditional dance for us.
and the men played their instruments. One of the instruments was a turtle shell.
During the dance, the men and women asked the tourists to join in. The male does not look directly at the woman he is dancing with - pretty strange to dance with someone who won't look at you!
The kids were adorable. They sat around the dance area and played.
The young girls asked to paint tatoos on our wrists. They are quite good, but it was so hot, the ink just smeared - it just didn't get dry fast enough.
It was an absolutely amazing experience and one we won't forget!
Back in the boat - we were so loaded with people (some were super sized!) that it took 6 of the men to push us away from shore.
One of the canoes following us back down to our bus.
Back at the harbor, waiting to catch the tender out to the cruise ship.
Our cruise ship awaiting our arrival. We were sad to leave this beautiful country but we were now on to Costa Rica.
1 comment:
Your pictures are looking so amazing!! Can't wait to see more!!
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