Grayson Zulauf - Earth Train Panama
Week 1

The Seeing Eye

It has truly been incredible to return to Panama, this time as an intern with the Pinhead Internship program. Already, the experiences that we so-called “Gringos” have been exposed to have been mind-altering. Despite the fact that these people have only a fraction of the education that we have been privileged to, our Embara and Kuna Yala colleagues are able to open my eyes to a host of observations and insights. They are incredibly aware of their surroundings.  For us Americans, navigating another person’s house may seem daunting, but a native Panamanian is aware of a much larger and greatly complex world. There is very little that escapes their watchful eye. They are tuned into the biodiversity of the rainforest like nothing I have ever experienced before.

            Although there is water everywhere, including an abundance in the air, somehow on our hike today, I was thirsty. In passing conversation, I mentioned to one of the native founders of EarthTrain my small desire for water. Through his rapid speech I deciphered “Wait a minute.” Rolando then dashed ahead into the rainforest. While I was attempting to discern what he was doing by repeating his last words in my mind, he came dashing back with a rather large stick in one hand, and his ever-present machete in the other. “Mira,” he instructed me.  I then proceeded to watch him cut the end off the branch.  Water came pouring out. I drank the purest water of my life, and simultaneously was amazed at his knowledge of the rainforest. This is one of many examples that these people have shown me of their unbelievable familiarity with the rainforest, and also their  desire to help another whenever they are able.

            Beyond the aforementioned, the native Panamanians are some of the most fun-loving kids I have ever been around. Although that sentence is often mentioned in a condescending manner, I can honestly say that in no way are we superior to the other kids. In fact, our inability to observe may make us in some ways inferior. While walking, they are constantly serenading those of us that are fortunate enough to hear their love songs. While relaxing in our cabin at night, we are taught a variety of dance moves and exposed to Panamanian music through a thought-to-be outdated AM/FM radio that crackles when it is turned up too loud. And, despite being the butt of many, I thoroughly enjoy the profusion of jokes that are told in Spanish, and, even more because I often need to hear them twice to understand.

            Although home is far away, I am still constantly reminded of Telluride. The EarthTrain property is in the heart of the Central American Continental Divide.  It rains everyday here. There is a river next to the houses, and everyone is approachable and friendly. And, above all, everyone (while I am sweating) complains of the cold.