Today we visited the Embera indigenous tribe, and had a great time learning about their way of life, tried their DELICIOUS food, and swam in a beautiful waterfall near their village. The 5 of us girls staying in the hostile in room 4, woke up at 7:15am this morning in a panic thinking that we were super late for the bus that was picking us up at 7:30am. After quickly getting dressed and brushing our teeth all at the same time (some had to run to the kitchen to brush their teeth because there wasn't enough room in our tiny bathroom) we realized that we forgot to set back our clocks one hour for the time change in Panama! So we were actually early =)
The bus ride to river took about an hour and a half. At the river there were several Embera men and boys, dressed in their native clothing (beaded necklaces and loin cloths) waiting to give us life jackets and load into the canoes. The canoe ride to the trail was about 15 minutes, and was incredibly beautiful. The water was very smooth and the surrounding rain forest was very colorful.
It was about a 15 minute hike to get the waterfall, which was also very beautiful. The water was not very cold at all, and most of us went swimming for a while. There was a log in the middle of the water which made for a great dock to jump off of. After swimming at the waterfall we hiked back down to the boats, which to us to their village for lunch. The children were adorable, and the women very beautiful. The girls wore long beaded necklaces, colorful skirt wraps, and flowered head pieces, while most of the children wore little to no clothing. Most of the Emberas have learned spanish in addition to their native language, and one of the village men told us about how the Emberas create the crafts that they sell, and the way they live their daily life. We ate lunch, consisting of the best Tilapia fish and plantains that I have ever eaten, along with a variety of fruit. After lunch we watched the villagers dance to their own music, and then joined along. They offered us henna tattoos for a dollar, and I got one on my wrist =).
I like the fact that the Embera people have been able to hold on to many of their traditions, and that many of them still know their original indigenous dialect. But I felt a little uncomfortable with the little children having to entertain us and smile. I realize that the Embera people depend on tourists to make a living now, but it is a job that starts for them as children.
We are now back at the Hostile after a canoe and boat ride back. We are planning on walking to the causeway tonight to check out the nightlife and eat dinner. Our first day in Panama exceeded my expectations, and overall was a great success!!
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