Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ola, Amigas!

A mind that has been stretched by a new idea (experience) will never return to the same shape again. That fact is one of the main reasons I love to travel.

Freshly returned from a rich adventure in the Republic of Panama, I am brimming with impressions and aware that I could write a book about what I learned. Since you will be getting chapter installments once I have time to write them, I’ll simply start today with some sensory impressions; samples of some of the flavors of the trip.

Awakening before dawn and climbing into the hammock on my balcony to listen to the rainforest come alive. (I took this photo from my balcony my first morning there)
The sharp, rich taste of fresh Columbian coffee awakening the taste buds.

The sound of many languages; primarily Spanish but Portuguese, French, the dialect of the Amberan Indian and many which were unidentifiable to me.

The suffocating humidity that turned to steam in the afternoons when the torrents of rain fell in sheets from the low-hanging clouds.

The smell of decaying organic matter in the rainforest; not an unpleasant smell but the fragrance of accelerated cycles of life.

The holy hush of the deep forest that imparted the sense of being in a magnificent cathedral.

New friends, overflowing with the character of God and walking in grace and integrity. Not an ordinary person among them.

There’s another great thing about traveling; coming home! Life is good.

10 comments:

sara said...

sounds like you had an amazing experience! I can't wait to hear more about it!

Uncommon Blonde said...

I can't wait to see all of your pictures! (I love the descriptions but you know how I love photos) Do they spell hola differently in Panama? lol, I am channeling crazy betty

Robin Lambright said...

I could almost feel the humidity rise as i read this post.

and WOW! what an amazing view!!!

STUNNING!!!!

Blessings
Robin

Skoots1moM said...

glad you had a safe trip and enjoyed your stay there...eager to hear all about it.
i was mesmerized reading your first snippet!

Kathleen said...

I love vacationing! I also love sharing another's. What fun to see where you've been, and to hear what you experienced.

It always amazes me that people are so much more alike than they are different, no matter where you go. Probably because He is THERE too.

Welcome home,
Kathleen

Zuzana said...

I would like to return your generous compliment that you left yesterday at my place; I love your writing!
It is almsot poetic at times and I could really feel as though I was in this exotic place with you.
Absolutely love and agree with your last sentence.
Looking forwrad to hear more about your experiences.;))
xo

Christine said...

Your writting is a special gift. I really enjoy the word pictures.
You defanitly have a way with words.
Welcome back to "Home Sweet Home".

Greg C said...

Welcome back. I would sure love some real Colombian coffee right about now. I can't wait to hear all about your trip.

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

Perfectly written, Beverly! I don't think you could make us feel we were there with you any better than the sensory bath you gave us! I would so love a hammock on the balcony... sigh.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

The way you wrote about the scenery made me want to be where you were.