Colon Free Trade Zone

Sorry for the late posting!

Tuesday we spent the majority of the day at the Colon Free Trade Zone. We boarded the bus bright and early with our tour guide for the day, Gustavo, who explained the history of Panama and how their culture has adapted to American values and trends. The drive out was an hour or so on the new highway that was finished only a few months ago, which cut down traveling time considerably.
On arriving, we met up with Julio, a Bryant alum, who owns a light shop, "Lamparama", in the Colon Free Trade Zone. After a presentation from the trade zone administrators, we visited the showrooms of multiple companies, including Julio's newly expanded Lamparama. Julio told us how his recent partnership with another company, Kennedy Center, has allowed his business to expand to almost twice the size in only a couple years. With this partnership, he was able to develop his own brand of light fixtures and fans, which he designs himself with the help of Chinese companies. For us, his presentation was the most interesting of the day not only because he became an extremely successful businessman, but also because he once was in our shoes and his entrepreneurial talent was very impressive.
After visiting the Colon Free Trade Zone, we drove out to Portobello, and visited Bateria de Santiago, a fortress once used to protect the town, which was a major port in the 15th century. The town is also famous for its "Black Christ" (Cristo de Negro) church, for whom they hold a celebration each year in October. The town's historical aspect was very interesting, but the highlight for many of us was the pet monkey we came upon. Tied by a leash to a porch, the adorable monkey drank many of our waterbottles and even posed for a picture with his arm around Dan. Needless to say, many pictures were taken. We ate nearby at a traditional Panamanian restaurant by the Caribbean Sea; the fish came with heads, but the scenery was beautiful. Although the menu required many people to step out of their comfort zones and try new foods, I think we can speak for everyone when we say it was a unique experience for all of us.

Can't wait for our last day in Panama on the Panama Canal!
-Michelle, Kevin, & Gabriella