¡Panamá mañana!

So today was dandy. It rained, so it was the first non-sunny day on the ship. So not too many people were outside. In class, we spoke about humanitarian aid and technology. Again, we are still trying to determine an adequate definition for the term “Humanitarian Engineering.” And in case you were wondering, I finished my paper 20 minutes before the pre-port orientation, so I’m glad I’m not pulling an all-nighter. It’s finished. I’m glad to be done. Knock on wood, I don’t get any more unpleasant surprises such as that one. We also watched a video on efforts to distribute Vitamin A to impoverished areas because many of those people are vitamin A deficient. In Guatemala, they fortify sugar with vitamin A, whereas in Ghana they educate the people with techniques to include more vitamin A in their diets. It’s amazing to witness the different techniques and approaches of the world. (And that’s only one instance!)

After the “Engineering a New Tomorrow” seminar, I met with my Extended SAS Family for dinner. The members that were absent last time showed up and it was a great time had by all. We’re hoping to have “family dinner” every evening when our ship leaves port. In my opinion, it’s a great way to connect the people of all ages on our shipboard community.

For those who don’t speak or habla Spanish (refering to the title), we will be docking in Colón, Panamá tomorrow (Sunday) morning. I’m going on a “Full-Day Historic City and Panama Canal Orientation.” We will be visiting the Canal, for which Panama is oh so famous, and Panama City, the capital. No plans for Monday yet, although I think I’m going to either return to Panama City or maybe visit Portobello. It’s hard for me because I’m trying to plan something, yet I would also like to do something spontaneous. I’m going to try and just go with the flow…and hopefully practice my Spanish along the way!

¡Hasta la vista!
Matt