As the 2nd World ARC transit arrived in La Playita Marina on the Pacific side of Panama Canal, the 3rd transit group of crews left their boats in Shelter Bay Marina to go on a day tour to the Embera Indian village, on the eastern shores of the Panama Canal.
The introduction to the second biggest indigenous inhabitants of Panama - the Emberas - was very interesting especially having met the most numerous group, the Kuna Yala, whilst in the San Blas islands last week.
The Embera live in the province of Darien, found at the confluence of the Chucunaque, Sambu and Tuira rivers and their water ways. So getting to the village involved transportation in traditional wooden canoes.
The group visited a small village with 28 houses, raised off the ground about eight feet to protect the families from the wild animals and any floods. The houses are accessed from the ground via a sloped log with deep notches for a ladder.
After a warm welcome by all the community including the village’s Chief, lunch was prepared by the women and served in banana leafs. The Embera performed traditional dances and asked the World ARC group for volunteers! Afterwards, the Barons (Embera men) drove the group down the river with a stop in waterfall to cool down.
It was a great day out for everyone. A chance to get off their boats and explore some local culture - just what a circumnavigation is about.