My Last Post, Editor's Picks

Dear Readers,
It's hard to believe, but I am finally closing my chapter in Panama.  Two years had always seemed like an overwhelmingly expansive amount of time.  Looking in the rear-view mirror, it's all flown by.  Soon I'll be moving on to other projects, leaving this Peace Corps blog behind as a point of reflection for a future self.

Looking back over the 100+ posts, there are a few that personally resonate more than others.

• Touring the Americas, A Mental Journey
• Who Was I Then?
• The Pursuit of Happiness
• A Letter to Solaite
• 100 Days Left
• So You Wanna Join the Peace Corps? - Part 2

I started the blog in an attempt to document this time in my life.  Somewhere along the line, I picked up a small audience.  Thank you to all that have followed along the past couple of years.

I've really appreciated the positive feedback I've received, so much so that I want to continue blogging in the future.  Stay tuned...

Thanks again!


Sincerely,
Austin (Oti Grabu)

Ti Ta Basare

Ti ta basare.  Visiting others.
After leaving my site for the last time, I took a few days to get out to some other volunteer sites.  I visited a pristine beach in the Comarca Ngäbe-Bugle, tried my hand at some paddling, went on some cool hikes, and helped build a composting latrine. Here's some photos of my paseo.

I threw this photo in just because dogs are a good indicator of poverty level.  So sad, but important to share.

Cacoa

Inside of the cacoa pod .  The white flesh is edible (and delicious).  The seeds in the center are roasted, ground, and separated from the butter fats to make chocolate.