Embera and Guna Natives

In my opinion, one of the best parts about traveling is the opportunity to learn about new cultures that are specific to different countries. It is almost like jumping into a time machine and living the way you never thought you could. Many of the natives in Panama live without any electricity or running water. Being able to spend time with each of these fascinating societies completely opened my way of thinking, and made me realize we could live without much of what we consider necessary. To be fair, these people live in the closest thing to paradise I have ever seen.

I mean, come on!

One of my favorite realizations I came to while spending time with the natives was that no matter the country, culture, or upbringing kids will always be kids. It was charming to see the Embera children run around as their parents tried to tell us about their culture. Many would run after each other through the meeting house, calling friends over to look at something exciting, and when we broke out the cookies we brought for them, well things got a little crazy. It was nice to realize that no matter where you go, every kid is going to be a kid, and every parent is just trying to raise them right.

I am so glad that I spent the money (the natives use tourists as a huge part of their economy) and  time to visit the Embera and Guna natives. I could have gone to the popular tourist destination of Bocas del Toro, but this was an experience I could not get anywhere else in the world. It will definitely be one of the memories that stays with me for my whole life. Never give up on a chance like this when you travel the world. The diversity and cultural traditions of people around the world is a treasure that we cannot let die.

–Emily–