Recently I had the great fortune to visit the Embera  community in the Darien jungle of Panama. I had no idea how they would touch my heart and how that single encounter would leave me with wonderful lifetime memories.

I reached their village by zodiac and was greeted by the most beautiful girls and boys dressed in traditional garb. The boys in their loincloths, and the girls in their brightly colored skirts called palomas. Their bodies were painted in unique designs using a temporary dye from the jagua, a very important fruit in their lives. Oh yes, and smiles, lots of smiles.

They invited us to their Casa Communal, where they performed a variety of dances and then encouraged us to participate as well. We were able to support the culture by purchasing some of their beautiful crafts. It is believed that they were the original basket weavers and wood carvers of their region.

We spent the greater part of the day there, them not speaking English and us not speaking their native tongue, but I found we communicated better than some couples that have been married for years.

I am grateful to have my photos of these beautiful people. Each time I look at them, it takes me back to their wonderful village and their simple, but fulfilling life. They will never know the gracious gift they gave to me and the other travelers with me, the gift of lifetime memories.

If you are ever in Central America, it is a must see!