It is really a hypnotically green, lush, diverse, and plush-ily rainforest flora- padded environment down here at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. To get to my room I walk down a 4th story outdoor hallway with banana plants, bamboo, and coconut palms rising overhead to my right, and charming wood-carved doors with the native tropical creatures coming alive (parrots, gekkos, butterflies, scorpions, and a lobster on my door) to my left.
Upon entering my room I can look out and see the rainforest segué down to the Chagres River (and we are talking a wide-ass swollen grey-green river stretching out there), with misty green mountains in the background
. It is enchanting, and noisy with birds and frogs and crickets and who knows what else.
This morning James and I went on a tour to Monkey Island, and it was so great to be on a boat zooming across the water, and then bouncing over river ripples in the Panama Canal. It was hot and humid but somehow that didn't matter as we cruised up the canal viewing wildlife. We arrived at one island to find a sloth sleeping up in a tree (he lazily glanced down at us), and then noticed capuchin monkeys puttering around the branches. One suspected we had food and came down to see if his hunch was right. It wasn’t, so off he went.
After our boat tour we walked into town, so to speak, (it really is a small community) and then hiked back to Los Logartos (a restaurant at the marina) and had a delicious lunch of Grouper and Peacock Bass. We have documentary evidence of how attractive our meals looked. (Check them out!)
And tonight, the conference began with a reception on the Monkey Bar Terrace where a pretty Panamanian interpreter named Froggy welcomed us in native dress – unique and charming! Old friends were greeted and new friends were made – we wound up with the Costa Rican/Columbian contingent – it was enlightening, and hard to say goodnight. Tomorrow – we start sharing our philosophies and stories about interpretation and nature and place. It will be … revealing ???
I actually do wish you all were here.
Diane
It's hot and humid, but it's worth it!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Gamboa, Colón, Panama
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Tobbe Bjorck
2011-05-05
Thanks a Lot Diane! fantastic.....
If you have not read "Hells Gorge" about building the canal....read it in the comfort of your A/C equipped room....
Greetings from another paradise.....Tobbe
Gretchen
2011-05-05
It sounds so awesome; I am very jealous. Ryan is not getting your blog, so please add him rkeiffer@beetstreet.org
Love, G
Judy Stauter
2011-05-05
Hammock on the terrace-nice! I will be thinking of you. Have a wonderful time. Judy
Susan
2011-05-05
Diane, the critters look wonderful (including those on your plates!)! Can't wait to hear more about the conference!
Louise
2011-05-06
Seems nice I hope that you enjoy, because back home it is probably cold
and still vinter. I write from China and the buissenis centers hera ar not that good thats why it is an empty space in the middle here. Anyway enjoy your trip
Bobby
2011-05-07
I wish I were there, too.