Its something that I am still finding my comfort zone with..taking photos of the people we meet on our travels.
Panama gifted us an opportunity to interact with two of the Indigenous peoples of Panama. We spent a morning on the banks of the Chagres river at Katuma (little village on the hill). This Embera village was founded by Antonio Zarco who was born in the Darien Jungle but 50 years later migrated to the Chagres River watershed of the Panama Canal zone. Interestingly he worked for the US Government training NASA astronauts in jungle survival skills. This was in the event that their capsule crash landed in the jungle. Mr Zarco, his father, and grandfather were all known medicine men. Most inhabitants of this village are Mr Zarcos children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It was a delightful morning with a warm welcome and dancing displays all translated back to English from Spanish. While most westerners would find this a primitive life the sense of family and quiet contentment was very real. It is a living breathing testament to a life without need or greed. That is not to say that there were no western tools at their finger tips..as I did spot a few tucked away. Even with free education this village draws it family close. It has not enticed the teenagers/young adults away from their home. They seem far more content maintaining their heritage and life on the river..and I guess they get to see enough of another life with regular visits from foreigners!..to make them want to stay true to their roots.
This was one of the highlights of the Panama tour for me, especially being able to interact with the young children…I just cant resist a cuddle!
Turn Right 2 Go Left 