Whenever I first landed in Panama, I was skeptical. I am in a country that I never thought about visiting, so I was not expecting much. However, I have been taken by surprise. I am truly intrigued. The water is beautiful, the locals are kind, and the food is something I am not used to. What I hope to gain from this global experience is a greater appreciation for different cultures. I can be pretty close minded with trying new things, so I hope I can leave Panama with more of an opened mind. So far, I have enjoyed my time a lot here, but there are many differences I have experienced between Panama and U.S. culture. First off, they speak mainly Spanish. The people who speak English are tour guides and heavily tourist visited areas. It is hard to communicate and get around without someone that speaks Spanish. Next, the foods are different. There is a lot of seafood that is ate in Panama. Plantains and rice and peas are common side dishes. In America, common side dishes are French fries. Lastly, the way people live is different. There are a lot more rural living and a different quality of living. There are places that are highly developed, with other parts being completely neglected. There are also places with incoming gentrification and many soon to be gentrified areas. There are neighborhoods that have poorly built buildings, yet high skyscrapers a few minutes away. This can also be seen in the U.S., as gentrification is starting to become a problem, especially in places that are near downtown. In conclusion, I have had a great time so far. I have met many different people, tried different things, and have made many new memories. I hope to continue to have a great experience in Panama.
