Chitre 1D Day 5 July 29th, 2025
Student Trip Blog
Today marked our third day in Chitre, Panama where we had Culture day and experienced the city. Our first stop was to Panaderia La Madalla Milagrosa, and amazing small business who prides themselves on their delicious handmade bread. Owned by Orlando and Yamilet, a married couple, they shared their talents, allowed us to attempt and learn their culture and masteful way of breadmaking. They built their business from the ground up in 2019, managed to continue growing during the pandemic. Something Orlando said stood out to many: The youth are “divino tesoro” (divine treasure). The owner, Orlando, allowed us to pick mangos from their tree, which tasted AMAZING. We also tried a fruit called “mamona” which was the first time for many of us. Then we made to our next workshop which was claymaking with Lucrecio Batista in La Arena. It’s a family business that has been around for 35 years, passed on from generation to generation, and overall stimulated an artistic aspect to Panamanian culture. Some leaders had the opportunity to use the pottery wheel, which was much more difficult then it looked. We all also painted flower pots which we will be bringing home for our families to see! We made sure to drink tons of water and wear mosquito repellent. Today’s quote of the day was “When you learn something from people or from a culture you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong journey to preserve it and build on it” – (Yo Yo Ma). We took two separated activities from similar cultures which helped further develop our understanding of the Panamanian culture.
After our amazing lunch, we took a walking city tour. It was hot, but extremely worth it. First, we stopped at a market with many vendors, got ice cream, and admired some artisinal souvenirs. As we continued our tour, we made friends with a dog that followed/led us, from a far distance, until we took a pit spot at Parque Union, which held a beautiful tree that protected us from the sun. As soon as we were about to continue walking, we ran into a market which had the cutest bunnies and chicks. We took many pictures of them. A handful of students entered a church which, in my opinion, was the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. Later we enjoyed some time at an artisanian market (Parque de La Bandera) where we bought souvenirs, played the bongos, sang, danced, and enjoy our time there and the culture as a whole.
Overall, we aren’t just learning about Panamanian culture, we’re immersing ourselves into it. We’re accepting their expertise and experiences as a gift and privilege. We felt it in the clay we painted and molded, the dough we shaped, and we will carry it with us in our hands, hearts, souls, minds, bodies, and memories for when we go back home.
– Alanna & Shiloh
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Comments (20)
Rhina Perez
Amazing ! Cant wait to see your Art Work Janai !
Dayanna Dias
Hey Sofia, I hope everything’s going well over there. Just wanted to say I miss you and I’m so glad I still get to see your smile in the pictures 🙂
With love,
Dayanna D.
La’Zaria Williams
YAYYY MANGOSSSS! Glad y’all are having lots of fun ! Miss you Ariel n Jalyn !! 💗💗💗🥭🥭
brianna
ERICCCCCCC!!! its too quiet without you!! i hope youre talking everyones ears off & having a good time !! i miss you 😀
Liya
HI JALYNNNNNN miss u girl hope ur having fun!
Yesenia Reyes
Lovely pictures ! So happy you guys are learning and experiencing Panamanian culture. Be safe sending lots of love
We miss you chena
Mom Dad and Linette
Barbara Burgess
Great job Alanna and Shiloh on sharing details that made us feel like we were a part of your experience. Remember learning about another culture is a sacred privilege. Looking forward to admiring your flower pot Shiloh. All of you, keep up the great work!
Gwen
Those mangoes look really good!!!!!
Rhina Perez
JANAI !
You are on bread making duty as soon as you get back ! Thank You GG
Love you NAI
Mom , Namarhi and Jay Jay
Luvenia Burnside
Hi Menorah,
Were starting to miss you! Great seeing ur beautiful smile in these pic. Im so glad ur enjoying urself. Can’t wait to here about it. Nana came back from her vacation 2day! We gonna celebrate these vacation milestones when u get bk. Lori has been doin her chores since u been gone. Lol, we miss u, we love u. GN 😘
Love,
Mother
Nyah
Bestieee , I hope you’re having fun. I miss youu dude
Gerald
Yo! Shiloh! It’s Gerald, aka Edson Sean. I’m so proud of you and the young man you are becoming. This journey will hopefully help you fall in love with the global community and all it has to offer. Great job bro! Keep it up!
Coach shea
Hope you guys are having an amazing time ! Wishing you the best of luck ! Keep up the great work ! Proud of you Shiloh ! – love coach shea
Rebecca
JALYNN!! imu so much ugh. LIBERTY WON AGAINST THE ARIZONA DREAM!!! they came back from a 19 point deficit and won 79-72. starting lineup was stewie, tasha, sabrina, leonie and nyara, but izzy came back on the bench and played for 16 min. also bro tasha got fined by the wnba for wearing a hat last game when she wasn’t playing. like r u srs fined for a baseball cap?? anyways all that matters is that she played ! also player of the game was leonie she scored 21 points. stewie lowkey is getting better (knock on wood) she got 18 points
hope u are enjoying panama i will be back after the next game 🤗
SHAUNDIRA
Awesome!!!! Heyyy Ariel!!! Looking good! Enjoy miss ya! 🙂 Hiii Jayln 🙂
Raely Camilo
Hii Eric!!
It sounds like such an amazing adventure!
Getting to explore the markets, make clay figurines, and having the honor to truly immerse yourself in Panama’s beautiful culture! Bet your clay figurine has Picasso wondering what he missed lol. I love you, missing you everyday.
Love, Raely
Parrish J Newton
Hello Jasmin,
It’s me Nini, I miss you so much! Papa said Hey Pudden, Pudden, and Lance misses you as well. Continue the beautiful experience and fun.
Love ya Jas, hugs and kisses
Kelvin/Ashley/Alexis/Josh
Our Sweet Alanna!
Look at you being and leader and all!
Beautifully written Alanna And Shiloh.
Baby girl, you are so Brave.
Watching you grow and explore is the most nerve wrecking and Amazing feeling.
We are beyond proud of you! Have Fun!
Love your forever Cheer Squad – Big Brothers and Sisters- KAAJ
Eat those yummy Mangos!!
Brentnol W Burgess
Shiiiilooooh! You had an amazing day…good stuff! I’m glad that you are embracing this experience in Panama. Continue to learn, have fun and enjoy the moments. I’ll see you when you get back. Love you
-Dad
Shanelle Dawson
I hope you’re enjoying yourself Menorah! Can’t wait for you to return home. Have fun and spreed your positive energy every step of the way! #Summer2025