Respingo is a part of Parque National de Volcan Baru, a refuge, tucked in the mountains at the base of the volcano. It is absolutely gorgeous, and my version of heaven: Tropical but cold! It was amazing to crawl into my warm REI sleeping bag and sleep like I was camping in the Sierras. Ahhhh!
The hike was steep, but not more than 5 Kilometers, when we arrived local park rangers showed us around and taught the youth the importance of refuges like this one. I got a lot of great information on hiking the volcano and on the trail from Cerra Punta to Boquete, 20 km of forest which houses jaguars, monkeys, the endangered quetzal and some of Panamas largest insects and snakes, oh boy! Above is our group of youth, Ina
the volunteer that is leaving in June, and a parent who came along for the adventure. It was a lot like my adventure trips with the Earth Service Corps, but without the rules and regulations of the YMCA. Although I do feel like my job in SF prepared me well for my job here and feel confident that I can help make the excursion with my ECO Club safer and bring new games, activities and energy to the group. The photo on the right is our cramped seat belt-less bus ride to the mountain, a bad photo of me, but it is cute of the kids.
Check out this view, at nearly 9,000ft! This week I am super busy, still observing in the schools, but starting to help out more. I think in 2 more weeks I will be teaching classes 3 days a week. We are starting a Vivero (a tree reforestation project) at the school and are planting avocados, plantains, banana and yucca to start. I am working on a presentation for the community level on the risks of slash and burn farming and also on organic compost and soil nutrition.
Friday I am going to Vocan, to an Eco fair, where I will help the goat group to sell their yogurt and cheese as a healthy, local alternative.
Check this picture out on the Right, we are roasting cashews, right off the tree! A warm, fresh cashew melts in your mouth like butter!
Other than that, still living with my host family, but have signed a contract and secured my house for June. Looking forward for Maggie and Asella to come visit in July! Not to mention to be in my own place, cooking for myself and enjoying a little bit of privacy (and maybe a glass of wine behind closed doors)!
Hasta Luego! Que tengas un buen dia! Ciao
-Sina
No comments:
Post a Comment