April, 2024, we traveled in Panama and Colombia for a 2 ½ weeks and savored this bit of Latin life! Immediately after college, Larry lived for two years in Venezuela. During those years, he visited several other Latin/South American countries. He fell in love with the Latin culture and brought that love into our relationship. That appreciation is threaded into our lives. For example, our home is dubbed Casa de Paz and much of the artwork throughout has been discovered on our travels to Latin/South America. We welcome any opportunity to travel in that region of the world and to experience its influence in our home—and country.
Panama: Papaya and Plantains
This trip included several days presenting and participating at the Global Social Work and Social Development conference*, held in Panama City, Panama. The conference took place at the convention center across from the hotel where we stayed. It was a delightful experience of connecting with inspiring, eclectic colleagues from around the world and experiencing the exuberant, hospitable Panamanian culture.
Before the conference, we flew into Panama City, stayed one night and then took an Uber to a resort in the Gamboa Rain Forest for a few days. As one of our guidebooks said, “Panama’s biodiversity is three times higher than the U.S., Canada, and Europe combined.” It was such a delight to experience a bit of it: Tiny frogs, beautiful butterflies, lush forest trails. Oh, and Snakes! But, also, Sloths! 😊Reading, reflecting, resting in the hammock on our balcony—which felt like a cozy rain forest nest—was the epitome of buena vida (good life).
Returning to Panama City a day before the conference began, we took a day tour of areas of the city and to the Panama Canal. This relatively brief tour was enlightening. Conceptualizing, initiating, building, and navigating (literally, geo-politically, commercially, and so forth!) this canal is complex and has reverberations we’d never considered. We learned that Panama is actually one of the most diverse countries in the world—in part, because of colonization and, also, the confluence of people coming to work on the canal. This (relatively) tiny country has a BIG influence.
So, we know we should encourage you to go to Panama for all kinds of incredibly intellectual and edifying reasons. But, here’s the truth: Our most indelible memories will be of the delicious fresh papaya and plantains. Back home, we try to replicate them but it’s just not the same.
Colombia: Coffee & Coconut
After the conference, we flew to Cartegena, Colombia. This port city has busy beach areas. But, we opted to stay at a lovely hotel, Voilá Centro Histórico. It had a fun vibe and hospitable staff, and was ideally situated in the heart of the walkable Old Town district. As is common in the city, the hotel had a roof-top restaurant—it catches the breeze! We had a scrumptious dinner there the first night. And, each day, the “best part of waking up” 😊 was popping up there for tasty breakfast and the Colombian coffee in our cups each morning.
As a walled city, Cartegena, has intriguing history. We explored the exuberant art and street scenes of the central and surrounding areas. We visited the fortress (Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas) and convent (La Popa Monastery)—both for the historic and cultural importance, and their views of the city. Mainly, we simply enjoyed BEING there—the vibe is uniquely Latin; the people hospitable; the culture vibrant.
Colombia is known for its emeralds! We had our priorities straight and instead invested in coffee and Erlene’s new obsession with limonada de coco (coconut limeade). The weather was gorgeous and HOT! Stopping for a refreshing limonada daily (okay, twice daily!) as well as an afternoon siesta became cultural/survival requirements! 😊 (When in Colombia…)
Since being home, we’re trying to replicate the limeade—it needs that Cartegena something-something! Tambien, the afternoon siestas keep us in touch with our Latin life!
Latin Culture: Taste it!
We hope this brief travelogue gives you a taste for traveling to Panama and Colombia, specifically, and to Latin/South America more broadly. We want to address briefly the cautions regarding safety that we heard when we told folks we were traveling to this area of the world.
Certainly, violence in these countries is real and is reported (and amplified by xenophobic agendas). However, any guns we saw were held by police present in heavily guarded tourist areas. We never saw some rando Rambo toting his guns into KFC—as happens at home. We didn’t fear for a mass shooting, even though we were frequently in places with lots of people—unlike in the U.S., where one cannot go to the mall, concert, religious setting, or school without those fears. We read an article that discussed an increase of guns in Panama. Guess where these guns originate? Bet you can get it in one: UNITED STATES. The U.S. has the dubious and dreadful distinctions of being one of the primary exporters of weapons and having more guns than people.
So, of course, it’s important to be aware, but don’t let the xenophobic fears keep you from traveling! And, let’s, please, get more serious about sensible gun legislation at home!
Enjoy the sampling of photos from our trip; check out additional travel resources to plan your trips to Panama, Colombia, and other Latin/South American countries! Just know that some things—such as the beautiful terrain, exuberant culture, and delectable tastes of papaya, plantains, coffee, and, ooooh, that coconut limeade—can only be authentically be experienced there. Travel: Taste! Savor! And, make Latin culture part of your smorgasbord of life.
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*Social work colleagues, the Global Social Work Conference (#swsd2026) takes place every two years in varying places across the globe. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see the world and connect with inspiring colleagues. The next one is in 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya! We’re already planning to go; join us!
