Today was the first time that we had the opportunity to visit San Cristobal, a community on another island on our archipelago.
Unfortunately, upon arrival, we were informed that the Panamanian government had announced that Americans were not to interact with school children. Their teacher was really enthusiastic about our project, though, so we decided to move our classroom learning outside so that we weren’t in an enclosed room with the kids.
We then went, as usual, to take measurements of the water within the community. The kids we worked with in this community were in grades 7-9, so they picked it up really quickly, and we are very confident they will be able to continue the project once we are gone.
After we finished the measurements, we ate fish that the head fisherwoman had caught for us that morning: delicious!
We then went to a natural dye workshop where the local women taught us how they strip fibers from leaves to make bags. The fibers are dried, then dyed, and can finally be intricately woven into beautiful bags that they are very proud of.
We also got temporary tattoos from a spongy root that dyes skin gray for about two weeks, but be careful—the dye doesn’t appear for a few hours so apply with caution.
We were able to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach back at the resort.
--
Jessica M.
