Visited Paradise Gardens Today

Today was a blast! All of the students took a field trip to Paradise Gardens here in Boquete....amazing exotic animals, plants, flowers, the whole nine! It was so beautiful! I kept thinking of my nephews and thought they'd really get a kick out of it. One of the students, Amy, is a volunteer there, so she was kind enough to introduce us to the various animals and told us each of their names and a bit about their history. Because today was the last day of class for a handful of students, they each shared at the end what their experience has meant to them. Their teacher from our Spanish language training school began to get tears in her eyes....wow, this program is really touching and so wonderful! I am gonna be a wreck when I leave. I have really bonded so much with everyone....students, teachers, my family. This is really a special place.

(Mis profesoras)

So tomorrow I decided to head to Bocas del Toro to the island of Isla Colon. A few of my friends left today up there. You take a 4 hour bus ride for less than $10 and then an hour boat ride to the island. I had class all day today, so I am gonna head out early in the morning....around 6am...and meet them up there. We've got an apartment for the weekend. Should be a good time. Heard the beaches and food are great! I'll be in good company, too, so I'll have a great time regardless. We'll head back late Sunday afternoon.

Oh, and sushi night last night was great! A fellow student from Denver (se llama Witt), as well as a few other helpers, prepared some really great sushi for a group of about 20. Thanks, Julio, for inviting us to your home! It was so much fun.

Okay, I'm off to eat a late dinner, do my homework, and pack for tomorrow's trip. Have a great weekend everyone!