To Voyage Without Fear
Paris is a city of contradictions. Tiny lanes and alleyways turn into wide, open boulevards. Cramped city streets lead to sprawling parks with elegant landscaping. The stereotype of the rude Parisian battles the reality of the warm and helpful local. Ancient cathedrals stand converted into monuments to the secular Republic, consequences of the French Revolution.... Continue Reading →
The voyage has commenced! Clayton and I are embarking on a journey across the globe. We departed from Washington DC on September 10 with one-way tickets across the Atlantic. It has been an incredibly hectic week, but the silver lining of a long plane plane ride is ample time where you are forced to sit,... Continue Reading →
So you want to drive across Panama? Let me tell you, driving in Panama is an experience. Buckle up, kids. (Oh wait, it’s Panama, so you CAN’T!) On Monday evening, Christine, Clayton and I went to pick up the rental car, all packed and ready to leave Panama City for the country. In my infinite... Continue Reading →
Our last days in Panama were relatively low-key. After all of the adrenaline and adventures, we spent time on the beaches of Isla Colón. Unfortunately, many of the less-crowded beaches good for relaxing were a ways away from our lodge, and we didn’t much feel like venturing out too far with our limited Spanish. Instead,... Continue Reading →
Waking up in a tree house to the sound of the jungle and waves crashing onto the shore is a luxury that I sorely wish I could experience more in my life. Sadly, we didn’t have the time to laze about. After a delicious breakfast provided by our hosts, we took a (land) taxi into... Continue Reading →
We woke up Thursday morning to strong winds blowing through the valley of Boquete. Trees whipped back and forth, waving at us as we fought headwinds to walk to Sugar and Spice, a bustling breakfast joint on the main road. The pastry selection was overwhelming in the best way possible, and after enjoying a... Continue Reading →
On Wednesday morning, Zach, Clayton and I enjoyed a last breakfast in Valle del Anton before hitting the road to our respective destinations. Zach was following Christine back to Panama City, and Clayton and I were striking out on our own. Our last Spanish lifeline was leaving us, and we would be left with nothing... Continue Reading →
Valle del Anton is a sleepy town in Central Panama that is located in the crater of a volcano. It’s small yet quaint, and everywhere you look you are surrounded by verdant mountains. Having arrived rather late the previous evening, we all woke up bright and early to start exploring. Clayton and I were staying... Continue Reading →
Monday dawned bright and clear, and Zach, Clayton, and I hopped on a bus to Miraflores Locks, a museum and viewing station for the Panama Canal just north of Panama City. The journey was fairly smooth, though we did get off a stop early in our confusion. Only when we were off the bus did... Continue Reading →
On Saturday, Zach, Christine, and I were picked up at 8:30am sharp for our trip to an Emberá Village in the Chagres National Forest. The Emberá are one of the three main indigenous tribes of Panama, along with the Guna and Ngöbe-Buglé. We had booked the tour directly through the village, which meant that... Continue Reading →
Sans Peur 