"I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list..." – Susan Sontag
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| (A welcoming dance by the pretty Embera girls) |
Day 04: 22/06/25 (Sunday)
Activity: The Waterfall and Embera Indian Village Tour
Hotel: Casa Miller Hotel, Panama City
The day began with Mr. Ruben, our friendly tour guide,
picking us up from the hotel. He dropped us at a cozy coffee shop for breakfast
while he went to collect the other guests. Soon after, our van left the city
behind and headed toward Chagres National Park, passing through a scenic
countryside that hinted at the adventure ahead.
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| (Having a light breakfast) |
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| (Ready for the day excursion to Chagres National Park) |
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| (A brief stop at a fruit stall) |
At the edge of the river, we boarded a traditional dugout
canoe, carved and maneuvered by skilled Emberá boatmen. Gliding along the calm
waters, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, I felt both exhilarated and
soothed. The air was alive with the calls of birds and the rustle of unseen
wildlife.
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| (A line up of traditional dugout canoes) |
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| (The beginning of the canoe ride) |
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| (Our foods and drinks being loaded into the canoes) |
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| (Wearing life vest is a must) |
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| (The canoes are powered by outboard motors) |
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| (Lush jungle of the National Park) |
Halfway through, we made a detour to explore a nearby
waterfall. The hike was short but challenging—muddy and slippery from the
rains. By the time we reached it, our clothes clung to our skin from the humid
air. The waterfall itself wasn’t towering, but its charm lay in its serenity.
Some of us braved the cool water, letting it wash away the sweat and fatigue. The refreshing dip felt like a gift from nature.
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| (Hiking quite a distance to the waterfalls) |
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| (The group of tourists trekking to the falls) |
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| ( A tribal boy showing off his diving skills) |
Back in the canoe, our journey continued to one of the Emberá villages. As we approached, a group of young girls in colorful traditional attire greeted us with graceful dances. The village, simple yet vibrant, carried an air of timelessness. The Emberá people welcomed us warmly, sharing their stories, customs, and the essence of their way of life.
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| (Canoes arriving at the tribal village) |
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| (A communal kitchen) |
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| (An elevated family hut) |
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| (A clean well maintained surroundings) |
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| (A brief tour around the village) |
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| (A demonstration of tribal punishment) |
We wandered into a hut where handcrafted jewelry, woven
baskets, and carvings were displayed. Each piece reflected not just skill, but
heritage. Lunch was a humble yet delightful spread of fried fish or chicken,
fresh salad, and an array of tropical fruits. Later, we were entertained with
lively songs and dances that echoed with pride and joy. Some visitors even
opted for small tribal tattoos, a symbolic connection to the culture.
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| (Our lunch wrapped in banana leaves) |
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| (A platter of sliced tropical fruits) |
As we prepared to leave, light rain began to fall, as if to
seal the day’s memories in a gentle mist. By the time we returned to our hotel
around 4:30 pm, I felt as though I had traveled not just through a forest and
river, but into a living culture that continues to thrive in harmony with
nature.
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| (A cultural show and tribal dance) |
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| (Tribal masks on display) |
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| (Souvenirs and handicrafts for sale) |
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