I wanted people here to know that even though I was American, their culture and language were special to me, so I practiced (and still practice) as much as possible and started watching a lot of Spanish-language TV shows on Netflix.
One of the first communities I became a part of was my research team. Everyone was so welcoming at my office. One of my favorite memories with them was one morning at the end of November. November is Mes de la Patria (Patriot’s Month) in Panama because there are many national holidays that fall in November. Instead of working one morning, we ate yummy Panamanian food and everyone dressed up in traditional Panamanian clothing. Because I didn’t have any of my own, some of my co-workers let me wear their hat and jewelry.
Last week I told you all about Tonosí, the small town in the countryside of Panama where I do my research. Back in October when I was still new to Panama, I traveled with one of my co-workers to Tonosí to celebrate La Semana del Campesino (Week of the Farmer). Once again, I was welcomed with open arms and everyone was excited to give me some traditional clothing and jewelry to look more panameña (Panamanian). Every time I have returned to Tonosí, I have met more people who have welcomed me into their homes, fed me wonderful food and taught me some Panamanian dances.
Outside of work, I made some incredible friends. I moved in with two roommates (one from Venezuela and one from Panama) and met friends from all over the world—Germany, Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia and more. In November, my roommates and I hosted a Thanksgiving meal at our apartment. It was a great way to make new friends and show them the traditional American foods we eat at Thanksgiving.
