Celebrate - Log Day 15 - Enchanting Embera Indians!

After anchoring at La Playita we were free to take a wonderful World ARC Tour seemingly back in time to the Embera Indian Village on the misty, almost mystical feeling Rio Chagres. The Rio Chagres is a beautiful tropical river surrounded by virgin rain forest. Silence reigns except for the cries of wild birds and animals.

The Embera guided our group to their village in canoes, but they did have outboard engines for the longish 30 minute or so trip. At the village we were greeted by very nice music from a small combo of men playing natural hand made instruments. In the fascinating reception palapa with many arts & crafts, the Chief gave us a warm welcome in Spanish which our guide translated into English for us. The women of the village gave us an interpretive dance made extra special by each one of the natives taking our hands and bringing each one of our group into the dance. We were thrilled!

Also, we enjoyed a festive lunch of fish and plantains in decoratively wrapped banana leaves used as bowls. Then, we were led on a botanical trail near the village and shown herbs of mint, cilantro and basil, along with medicinal plant examples like palm hearts for kidney health.

All-in-all it was a tremendously interesting trip!

Next, crew changes and party, party, party on the "Party Bus".

Cathy