Last Experiences in Panama

Submitted by Elise LaFramboise on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Panama sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

I have returned from Panama! We spent our last few days trying to squeeze in everything there is to do in Panama! We returned to Casco Viejo, the old part of town. I found that I liked it more the last time we went than any of the previous times! The previous times we went, I found it a little too touristy and “Americanized”. However, this time I appreciated it a lot more! I enjoyed the touristy shops a little more because they were owned by local Panamanians and I could talk to the owners. I also enjoyed the history of that part of town and learned more about it this time. We went to a restaurant on one of the last nights for our farewell dinner and I enjoyed seeing the more upscale food of Panama. It was also nice to talk to people’s host families and our professors. I enjoyed seeing the variety of host families that everyone had! I am sad to have left Panama and I hope to return soon.

Market in Casco Viejo
Streamers over the street in Casco Viejo
Me and my host dog!
An alley in my neighborhood
Flowers at the mall in our neighborhood