Our last day began before sunrise with our luggage out on
our cabin decks at 5:15 for transport to the dock where our two boats would
take us to Boca Town for a flight back to Panama City. It was raining pretty
hard so our luggage and backpacks were wrapped in garbage bags to stay dry and
put into the bow of the boat. A 35 minute rainy boat ride brought us to the dock
at Boca. We traveled to a small airport where one propeller plane travels back and forth
to Panama City a few times a day. Fortunately we made our flight without any major delays.
It was a quick flight to Panama City and we were so happy to
see Claudio and Daniel again! This time we were off to the Metropolitan Park for our last hike and opportunity to learn about trees. Metropolitan Park is a huge area of rainforest right in the heart of Panama City. It is one of the largest urban forests in the world. Many people were out on the trails for a Sunday morning hike.
Here we met up with an American, Dr. Brian Sedo, who has a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and has been a post-doctoral fellow with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 2014. Soon, he will
be leaving with his family to take a faculty position in integrative biology at
Univ of Texas in Austin, while continuing his research with the Smithsonian.
The focus of
his work is primarily on trees and the central role for plant chemical defenses
against insects and microbes in the maintenance and generation of plant
diversity. We hiked to the peak of the park with him, stopping along the way as
he pointed out trees and explained his research. His research demonstrates the
integration of chemistry and biology as he has been pioneering analytical
chemistry techniques to study the chemical underpinnings of plant-insect and
plant-microbe interactions, especially in tropical forests throughout Central
and South America, where there are hundreds of tree species. In Panama he is
studying the metabolites of 2000 tree species to understand the role that
chemical defenses play in sustaining ecological diversity and driving the
evolution of new species of trees.
Along the way were mesmerized by
long trails of leaf cutter ants and the patterns in different leaves of trees.
Watching leaf cutter ants coming back with leaves and going to get leaves
Patterns everywhere!
Our hike was mostly uphill. We made
it to the peak, 135 meters above sea level (was Frank counting steps?) and were treated to a panoramic view of Panama City. Still
amazed how we could hike in such hot, humid weather and not let it deter us.
With all the wonders surrounding us, we just did not notice the discomfort like
we would have at home.
We made it to the top!
We said goodbye to Brian and headed down the beautiful causeway near the Biomuseo, with Panama City's skyline and ships entering the canal in the background, to a restaurant for another delicious lunch. World Cup soccer fever was still evident from the soccer balls hanging over the tables.
After lunch, Jim, who missed our Panama Canal visit due to his flight delay went off to the Miraflores Locks and the rest of us went to the Centro Artesanal to shop for molas, jewelry, and
and local crafts.
After a stop at our hotel to freshen up, it was time to
explore Casco Antiguo, the old city of Panama. The first city in Panama was established
by the Spanish Empire in 1519 on the Pacific Coast and was a vital center for
conquest of and trade with the Americas. It was sacked by pirates in 1671 and
moved to the location we visited today. The buildings were once located within
a protective wall where only remnants of the wall stand today. It has been
named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today it is undergoing extensive
refurbishment to preserve its historical and cultural heritage.
The cobblestone
streets are lined with Spanish colonial buildings, old churches, and chic
cafés. One of our
stops was the Church of San Jose. It had an impressive gold plated alter and
one of the rooms displayed an extensive and amazing nativity of Jerusalem.
We walked along the extensive plaza and looked out over low tide toward the modern skyline of Panama City.
Several Kuna families set up tables
where they sold their molas. We bought molas from a Kuna woman in her colorful dress. I could not help but admire her squid printed skirt! I bought an owl mola to remind me of the wonderful visit we had with Ileana and her owls.
Families were out walking on the promenade in their Sunday finery.
It was a beautiful spot to come full circle in experiencing Panama. We saw some women in the town square, dressed in their traditional dresses. Little did we know we would be seeing these same women again later in the evening!
We walked to Nomada, a trendy restaurant for our final
farewell dinner.
The mango margaritas, local beer, and fresh frozen lemonade was most refreshing! Panama is known for its fresh fish and the sea bass and ceviche did not disappoint!
The special surprise of the evening (Claudio always had a surprise for us!) was when a group of folkloric dancers and musicians came in and performed for our group. Colorful, upbeat, foot stomping, hand clapping lively music and dance! The women wore polleras, a traditional dress dating back to Spanish colonialism that takes two years to hand embroider the delicate, rich needle work. Adorned with necklaces of gold and pearls, a large pom pom in the front and back, and hair combs of pearls and flowers, their outfits can cost up to $6,000! They danced so beautifully, swirling their skirts while the men loudly tapped their shoes and made motions with their straw hats. They invited us to dance with them and take photos with them afterwards.
Pom pom front and back
Exquisitely detailed needlework
Enjoy the video!
With Claudio as our amazing and beloved guide, and his wealth of expertise, we experienced STEM firsthand in a country rich in biodiversity, marine life, scientific research, cultural treasures, and engineering marvels.
Claudio and Luiza show off their Embera tattoos!
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