Happiness never decreases by being shared
Trip Start
Aug 18, 2009
1
6
39
Trip End
Feb 05, 2010
Boquete, Panama
Sunday, August 30, 2009
We met a guy named Robb who works for GHA(Global Humanitarian Adventure www.goGHA.org) at our hostel and he gave us the opportunity to spend sometime volunteering at a local orphange. We hopped on board along with 2 others (his friend Heath and Rebecca, another girl staying at our hostel). Unfortunately, Carter up woke up that morning not feeling well, so I went for the both of us. The orphanage is about a 15 minutes taxi ride out of town back towards David. The kids range from infants to 12 or 13 years old and are there for a number of different reasons-no parents, given up for adoption or in protective care. To them, the language barrier doesn't exist. All they want is a little attention and affection; someone to push them on the swing or play soccer with. We weren't allowed to take photos for legal reasons, but seeing these kid's smiles was absolutely priceless and heartwarming! Goodbyes are never easy, and saying goodbye to these children was no exception, but it was an experience I'll never forget.
After volunteering, Robb led us across the street, through a field and down the gorge to the river for some down time. It was QUITE the hike! Pretty much one of those slide-down-on-your-butt hikes..the whole way! But it was worth it- the river was refreshing (as was the boxed sangria!) We made our way back up just before the afternoon rain started and headed back to the hostel. Thankfully Carter was feeling much better when we got home! We all made dinner at the hostel and hit La Cabana for a pretty serious dance session!
Woke up today to the SUN, rallied the troops and went to brunch. The food was amazingg! I had the best huevos rancheros I've ever had and Carter has some pretty phenomenal hojadras (fried dough sans confectioner sugar subsitute honey or syrup!) Mom- you would have FREAKED over the pancakes! They were so good it may warrant a trip to Boquete to get them sometime in the future! After we stuffed ourselves silly, we spent a few hours lounging in the grass by the stream, reading, playing cards and refreshing our Bocas tans. Robb's friend was playing a show at a bar in a neighboring town, so we piled into a collectivo bus and ventured out. It was by far one of the most relaxing afternoons we've ever had! Couches and tables set up outside under Christmas lights and orange trees, listening to live music and enjoying homecooked local food...it doesn't get much better!
Hiking tomorrow? Who knows?? We'll decide when we get up..that's the beauty of this town.
Lots of love
carter and jaime
Comments
Nature rocks!
You guys are so in the real world. Volunteer opp super. Food sounds phenom - as does your lives there. Keep on keepin on, Lucy