Land of water ways by Kelly Cullen (2001/08/15)
	Nearest City: Not Specified
Detailed Location: Panama
Photo/Video:"The Embera Tribal dance"
PANAMA .... land of water ways (8-15-01) Panama City.... Melting pot population, tax haven for the rich, hot and sticky climate, extremely flirtatious men, a nightlife that doesn't rest before sunrise, a modern and international city, the impressive cocaine towers (apt. buildings), fast food galore. Colon Province.... Dug out canoes on the Rio Chagres, free trade zone, the first transcontinental railroad in the world, the henna tattooed Embera Indians, magnificent Chagres National Park. Herrea Province.... The heart and soul of Panama, 5 day fun-filled Santo Domingo festival, pridefully maintained buildings, makers of the Panamanian hats, very friendly people, cowboy territory, large quantities of ceremonial pottery, fried food, infamous Seco rum, quaint towns, beautiful but disturbing devil-like masks, jovial parades. Comaraca De San Blas and the Darian Province.... Extremely remote and lush jungle, a birders paradise, snakes, coconut trees, thatched-roof huts clustered tightly together, strongly independent people, beautiful traditional textiles (Molas), bead work to compliment their look, worlds highest incidences of albinism, fierce rats. *********************************************************************** Thanks again for following me on my trip! After almost 7 months, 11 countries and 26 flights I have returned (8-20-01) back to the good o'l US of A. As always, my travels have enlightened and enriched my life to the fullest. I have been so blessed to see such magical sites such as the unending vistas of ice-covered peaks, silent turquoise lakes, luminescent waterfalls, jagged sea coasts, thickly dense forests, magnificent blue-green oceans and breathtaking pristine beaches in the most amazing and unforgettable countries. I have boundless appreciation and respect for all of the wonders of the world around us. I was very fortunate to experience such a unique and genuinely rewarding journey. I met fantastic fellow travelers, interesting and friendly locals, ate unusual delicacies, learned new languages and most importantly was able to absorb the culture of the country that I briefly visited. Travel is not about the distances or the exotic locations, it's about the experiences that you encounter, the pride of self-sufficiency and independence and the profound satisfaction that you get from the journey. Once again, thanks for taking the journey with me. And as always I am sure I will be on another trip sooner rather than later. Much love to you all! Kelly