El Valle, mi amor

On the weekend from the 10th-11th, we traveled to El Valle de Anton. Suz substituted for a class on Saturday morning so we served as her teaching assistants for the class, and then after the class, we left for El Valle. El Valle is a region/town/area of Panama that exists in the crater of an extinct volcano. It's in a valley surrounded by mountains, and is so, so beautiful. We resided at Swami's Yoga Camp. The name says it all--lots of hammocks, kittens, rabbits, vegetarian food, nature, and pretty jewelry for sale. What more could I want? Oh, well, and lots of insects to suck your blood. But I guess that comes with the beauty and nature part.



There is a mountain range called La India Dormida that is supposed to look like a sleeping woman. We hiked her and it was probably the most beautiful hike I have ever done. I don't know why I liked it so much. I went on a number of gorgeous hikes in Chile, but something about this trip made me feel incredible at the top. The mountains just stretched on and you could see the entire valley and it was just so open and free and amazing (I realize I sound ridiculous right now). Also, we saw a wild horse, which just made it all seem even more unreal.

La India Dormida

the valley

incredible

our tour guide :-)

y algunas frutas y flores bonitas:

So pretty.

After the hike, we went to these thermal springs and bathed in mineral water whilst applying mud face masks. It was cool, but the pictures make it look like we're just sitting in dirty bath water. However, it was quite relaxing after a day of sweaty trekking.

So...El Valle was an amazing success. And not to mention: we brought home a little bundle of joy to call our own:

Yes. This precious baby is ours. Her name is Flor (flower) and she is not nearly as harmless as she looks (though she is just as little and cute).