I'M HERE!

I'm here in Panama!

I arrived safely in Panama this morning and am currently enjoying internet, air conditioning, and the company of my fellow amazing trainees in our 6-girl villa. So far I really don't know how much I can tell you about this experience except that it feels extremely surreal. I have not slept more than 8 hours in the last 2 days and am definitely suffering from the effects.

As for my initial impressions, I am so overjoyed to be in Peace Corps and even more so to be in Panama. The staff seems amazing so far and everything is very organized for us. My only worry is that I over packed and my luggage is already ripping.. oops. That and my other bag suffered from a wrinkle release fiasco. 33oz of my favorite laundry product emptied into my backpack. No bueno. Thank God for ultra absorbent towels!

Panama City, from what I have seen driving into our compound, is a huge paradox. The skyline resembles a growing metropolitian city with cranes visible building new gorgeous skyscrapers. The slums, however, were also very apparent and clashed with the giant bilboards advertising for Tommy Hilfiger. I am sure our eventual training and placement sites will be even more of a contrast to the glamorous parts of the city.

I will try to update often and apologize for the lack of photos so far.

Miss everyone,
Natalie