Megan Unbounded

To finish off the rainy season, we had a flood in the community where no one could enter or leave the community. Talking with a neighbor, someone's pigs were washed away by the flood and walking through the community, it was sad to see that some of people's produce and farms were destroyed. It is their livelihood and not sure how some will recuperate after the incident but the majority of the community was good. The crazy thing is I almost moved into a house that was flooded but luckily I did not from suggestions from my supervisor!

Independence festivals usually take place for the whole month of November. I went to parades in my community and one in the city to be a part of this cultural moment. This is the time of year where the streets are filled with people wearing Polleras and the intricate head pieces where ever they go, at work or just going to the supermarket for groceries. It is exciting to be a part of this moment, especially when they are dressed in the traditional Panamanian dress for the whole month! The little girls in their Polleras are so cute as well. It is definitely a time of the year to visit Panama to experience their pride in their country because it is not just one day when they recognize their independences from Colombia and Spain. It is really a month of fiestas, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), and family gatherings.