The neighboring area, La Arena, is home to a family of clay pottery artists. In the spring, they source clay from Mexico and use it here in their outdoor studio all year. An artist can spin a piece in five minutes, but the true work is in the sourcing of the clay, the drying (15 days), and further drying in the oven. This morning, in the same outdoor studio, students watched a demonstration of a manual pottery wheel. They participated in a Q&A about the process and selling the products. We were then given handmade clay pots to paint and keep. Four students – Jhanique, AbdulMateen, Karla, and Pamela – spun the wheel and made pottery of their own.
After a delicious buffet lunch at our nearby provider, we took a short bus ride to a gym to learn traditional Panamanian dances. Our teacher was patient and much more suave than his students. He offered a prize of a hat and skirt and solo dance to the best dancing partners; congratulations to Jessica and Darryl for their win and thanks to them for treating us to a final dance! As we discussed in our reflection meeting, our hosts today are integral to spreading local culture to those around them and the tourists like us that visit from outside Panama.
The whole group went through a workshop this evening outlining the responsibility of the Leader of the Day. Tomorrow, Britney and Aminata are our first student LDDs. They’ll be writing tomorrow. Please remember to comment on the post if you want to communicate with your students! We will read them out at one of the meals. As you go through your own day tomorrow, think about the different cultures of those around you. To paraphrase our students from tonight: all people are different and learning about their culture is a big step in learning about them.
You are like spider-man!!! Far from home !! 😂😂😂😂! Love you! Dad!
Hi Faith hope your having an amazing time. Love you
pamela te extranamos
Looks like they are having a great time experiencing other cultures and learning a lot about the hard work other people in other countries do to make ends meet!!! Love it. I hope I get a clay pot!!! Enjoy guys!!!
Andrew said he misses you
It looks like everyone had a wonderful day of learning the Panamanian art of pottery making and dance.
Continue having an awesome time.
April love you!
Laura
Okay, Darryll!! Did Jamal tell you he took the win in Panamanian dance on our trip too? You guys need to bring those moves back to the Bronx!
Ami and Britney! So proud of your courage to step forward and be first liders del dia. Keep the communication clear, reflect on your strengths and put them to good use, even try out things that you didn’t think were your strengths because you’ll be surprised by your own unlimited potential, and that’s growth. Finally, be present and enjoy the process. I know y’all will crush it!
-with love, Ms Carsky
It looks like you guys are having a great time I miss you! keep the pictures coming! I love you Ruben!!! We miss you very much! By the way Connor said he misses you so so much!
Hi Chiarush
We miss you so so much
I love to see you dancing
Giulia says hi!
Simba is just wagging his tail so I think he says hi too
besitos
Mamines
Hi guys!!!, the are having a great time!!! Greetings to Karla and Feith lean enjoying kisses we miss you the Chile familia, tale care.❤❤❤
greetings to my dear Karlita Aguilar enjoy this beautiful experience, we are proud of you, kisses and enjoy
Hey Britney !!! Smile, have a good time. Dad, mom and Javi.
Hi Faith hope your having an amazing time. Love you