Um, So I am here...

Panama is absolutely nothing like what I expected. I don't think I can do it justice in a blog post, but I will do my best.

To get to the research station where we are staying, we walk down a 1/4 mile trail. It is pretty rough, especially since I am out of shape (that particular problem shouldn't last too long...). I freaked out a little when I first got there because the station is built on the side of a mountain, and everything was a little steeper than what I imagined. I was also dehydrated and feeling a little light headed so I was convinced I was going to fall down the side of the mountain and be dead forever. But I survived.

Yesterday we toured El Cope, the town close to where we are staying. We walked, and it was long and hot. The weather is comparable to MO in July except with more rain. After touring El Cope, we went up to the park where most people will be working on their research. It is in a cloud forest so it was cloudy and rainy up there. I saw a sloth! I was super-excited because sloths have been my favorite animal since I was in second grade.

Overall, I think this is simultaneously the best and worst experience of my life. Stay tuned for more, though I don't know how soon because I don't know how often I will have internet.

Mucho Amor!