Michael Goderre

Embera Indians

2007-04-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

The Embera Indians are native to the Darien Province, bordering Columbia. Many groups have resettled on the banks of the Chagres River closer to Panama City. The Embera were the first Indigenous tribe that I encountered. I enjoyed my time with them so much that I decided to make a second visit to their village at the end of my trip. They were by far the most friendly people that I encountered and are extremely photogenic. I spent much of my time photographing the children. If you are visiting Panama City I would highly recommend taking a day trip to visit one of the tribes. It is about an hour or so drive from the city where you meet one of the Embera that will take you upriver in a dugout canoe. You can also plan an overnight trip, but for most travelers I think a few hours in the village would be enough time to have a memorable experience. They have several intricately woven baskets and other handicrafts for sale that are definitely worth picking up.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. This little guy was so serious and would stand perfectly still when having his photo taken.

The pictures of the children running in the rain are among my favorites. I spent most of the day just watching them run around and play. It was tough to leave them, they are just so happy.

Bocas Del Toro

2007-04-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

Naso School Children

2007-04-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

Resort

2007-04-18T06:50:00.000-05:00

My wife Kate, was with me for the first week of the trip. The Decameron Resort was our first stop. Celestino, Demecia, Zaven, Kate and I spent a few days here. For $60 a person it is truly a steal. All meals and drinks are included, that alone was worth the money. For more information on the Decameron visit http://www.decameron.com/Destinations/Panama/rdecameron_panama.html

Naso Indians & Rainforest

2007-04-18T06:49:00.000-05:00

The Naso, also known as the Teribe, have been the inhabitants of the mountainous jungle region of the northwestern corner of Panama since long before the Spanish colonizers ever reached the shores of Central America. The arrival of the Spanish in the 17th century led to a decimation of the Naso population with war, relocation, and disease. Today, the remaining Naso live in 11 small communities located along the Teribe River amid the lush forest of the La Amistad International Park.

The majority of my time in Panama was spent in Bocas Del Toro with the Naso Indians. I stayed with Celestino & Demecia Williams and their son Zaven in their village. Celestino never left my side and made sure that I got around safely from my first day to the very last. Demecia helped me with all of the planing and logistics of the trip. This trip would not have been possible without them. I am very greatfull for having such wonderful hosts, guides & friends. Celestino & Demecia are starting an eco-tourism business, soposo.com. You can visit their website to learn more about the Naso. If you are interested in a rainforest adventure I would highly recommend going with them.

I would like to give a special thanks to Celestino’s parents for welcoming me into their home and feeding me (even if plantains were the highlight on the menu). To his brothers, Michael, Jason and Max for guiding me through the jungle, helping me carry my equipment and playing games in our down time. And to Coco for helping me with my backpack even though it weighed almost has much as him. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and an experience that I will not forget.

Demecia, Zaven and Celestino Williams, founders of www.soposo.com

Celestion’s Grandmother. I thought she had fallen behind on our way to the river from here village, but she had actually moved ahead of us. I was amazed at how fast she can walk.

Celestion’s other Grandmother. She is about 94 and still rides a horse!

Jason on his horse

Max, Mom, Jason and Celestino

Me and Celestino’s Grandmother

Me and the family

Jason, their Dad and Celestino standing by the fire

Snorkeling

2007-04-18T06:25:00.000-05:00

Panama Canal

2007-04-18T06:17:00.000-05:00

Various Wildlife

2007-04-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

Sloths

2007-04-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

Frogs

2007-04-17T20:19:00.000-05:00

Kuna Indians

2007-04-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

The Comarca de Kuna Yala and nearly 400 islands of San Blas are home to the Kuna Indians. The Kuna are the second-smallest people in the world (African Pygmies are the smallest). If you take a cruise ship to Panama these are the Indians you will most likely see. They are the most recognizable and visited of all the indigenous people.

The Kuna are very shrewd business people and may seam unfriendly. Other than selling you some of their colorful molas, necklaces or beads they appear to want nothing to do with tourists. If you want to take a picture be prepared to pay $1 per photo per person. Don’t think you can sneak a photo, they watch you like a hawk! There were so many photo opportunities, unfortunately I was limited to what I could photograph. My stay there was one big camera tease! I’m still thinking of all the photographs I could have made. They my not be the most friendly people but they are very interesting and seeing how the live and walking through their villages was a memorable experience. If you looking for a more personal and warm experience with an indigenous tribe, I would highly recommend a visit with the Embera.