WOW! Could all of that really be included in one reunion?!?!? |
Registration
Begins Wednesday, June 25th
Begins 12:00 noon
Country Inn and Suites, Panama
www.panamacanalcountry.com/amador/
Please stop by registration which will be located at the Reunion's Homebase, the Country Inn and Suites. We will be happy to provide you with reunion details and answer any questions about traveling about the country after the reunion. As your PCPF Directiva, it is our goal to make this the most memorable and enjoyable reunion in history!
Begins Wednesday, June 25th
Begins 12:00 noon
Country Inn and Suites, Panama
www.panamacanalcountry.com/amador/Please stop by registration which will be located at the Reunion's Homebase, the Country Inn and Suites. We will be happy to provide you with reunion details and answer any questions about traveling about the country after the reunion. As your PCPF Directiva, it is our goal to make this the most memorable and enjoyable reunion in history!
Cocktail Reception
Wednesday, June 25th
Museo del Canal Interoceánico
www.museodelcanal.com/
The reunion will kick off with a laid back cocktail reception featuring a photo exhibition from volunteers past and present.
Wednesday, June 25th
Museo del Canal Interoceánico
www.museodelcanal.com/The reunion will kick off with a laid back cocktail reception featuring a photo exhibition from volunteers past and present.
Bienvenida
Thursday, June 26th
9:00 am
Country Inn and Suites
Reunite with fellow RPCVs, get an overview of the reunion and some info about what PCPF is up to and how you can get involved.
Thursday, June 26th
9:00 am
Country Inn and Suites
Reunite with fellow RPCVs, get an overview of the reunion and some info about what PCPF is up to and how you can get involved.
Swearing In Ceremony for New Volunteers
Thursday, June 26th
1:30 pm
Possibly the US Ambassador's - TBA
This ceremony is one thing that every Peace Corps Volunteer has in common - when you've finally learned as much of the language as possible, gotten a feel of what it's like to live in the field, and you're ready to set off into the wilderness as a bonafide PCV.
An interesting event to bring back your own memories or give your family and friends a taste of Peace Corps tradition.
Thursday, June 26th
1:30 pm
Possibly the US Ambassador's - TBA
This ceremony is one thing that every Peace Corps Volunteer has in common - when you've finally learned as much of the language as possible, gotten a feel of what it's like to live in the field, and you're ready to set off into the wilderness as a bonafide PCV.
An interesting event to bring back your own memories or give your family and friends a taste of Peace Corps tradition.
U.S.-Panama Government Cocktail Celebration
Thursday, June 26th
7:00 pm
Ambassador's Residence
Bring your finest, whether it be guayabera or black tie! Volunteers, counterparts, and all of those who support Peace Corps in Panama will gather together to celebrate this momentous occaision!
Thursday, June 26th
7:00 pm
Ambassador's Residence
Bring your finest, whether it be guayabera or black tie! Volunteers, counterparts, and all of those who support Peace Corps in Panama will gather together to celebrate this momentous occaision!
Peace Corps Panama - IN THE FIELD REALITY
Friday, June 27th
9:00 am
Begins at the Peace Corps Office
Where did you serve and what projects did you work on? Where are volunteers currently serving and what are they doing in the field?
After a brief overview of Peace Corps Panama as it enters 2008, we will venture out into el campo to visit a current volunteers site, and (if you're adventurous enough) work on a project with them in their community!
(Volunteer sites TBA - as we cannot project where volunteers will be serving in June 2008. Sites will be within a two hour ride from Panama City, and many will be accessible to those with limited mobility. Reunion attendees will be able to choose the site they wish to visit at check-in.)
Friday, June 27th
9:00 am
Begins at the Peace Corps Office
Where did you serve and what projects did you work on? Where are volunteers currently serving and what are they doing in the field?
After a brief overview of Peace Corps Panama as it enters 2008, we will venture out into el campo to visit a current volunteers site, and (if you're adventurous enough) work on a project with them in their community!
(Volunteer sites TBA - as we cannot project where volunteers will be serving in June 2008. Sites will be within a two hour ride from Panama City, and many will be accessible to those with limited mobility. Reunion attendees will be able to choose the site they wish to visit at check-in.)
Noche Cultural
Friday, June 27th
TBA
Las Tinajas
www.panamainfo.com/en/listing/las-tinajas
After an invigorating day in the field, we'll relax with good Panamanian food (who can resist arroz con pollo con tajadas?) and great Panamanian entertainment. Las Tinajas showcases folcloric dances from throughout the country in a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere.
Friday, June 27th
TBA
Las Tinajas
www.panamainfo.com/en/listing/las-tinajasAfter an invigorating day in the field, we'll relax with good Panamanian food (who can resist arroz con pollo con tajadas?) and great Panamanian entertainment. Las Tinajas showcases folcloric dances from throughout the country in a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere.
TOUR OPTION #1 - Gatún-Lake/Monkey Island
Saturday, June 28th
9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
This tour takes you to Gamboa where you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Gatún to Monkey Island. While on the boat and the island you will see native flora and fauna and fantastic views of the Canal.
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9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
This tour takes you to Gamboa where you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Gatún to Monkey Island. While on the boat and the island you will see native flora and fauna and fantastic views of the Canal.
Trip Includes: Round trip transportation leaving from the hotel, bilingual guide. Does not include lunch - you will return to the hotel before lunch.
The price for this tour is $115 per person.
Please see Register Now if you would like to sign up for this tour.
TOUR OPTION #2 - Historic Portabelo Tour
Saturday, June 28th
9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
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9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
During the 17th and 19th centuries, the Port of Portobelo served as a Spanish Fortress and Caribbean terminal. Products such as spices, gold and silver coming from Peru and other Spanish Colonies passed through to the Pacific side by way of a trail called the Royal Path across the isthmus, to await ships to transport them to Spain. Portobelo was the victim of various pirate attacks, the most well known being the attack by Henry Morgan. The small island of Drake, where his remains are located, is another attraction. We will visit all the ruins of the colonial port, the customhouse where the treasures and gold were stored and the Portobelo church, where the famous Black Christ statue rests. A celebration to commemorate the Black Christ, which is venerated throughout the country, is held every 21 of October.
Trip Includes: Round trip transportation leaving from the hotel, bilingual guide, lunch (not including drinks).
The price for this tour is $118 per person.
Please see Register Now if you would like to sign up for this tour.
Trip Includes: Round trip transportation leaving from the hotel, bilingual guide, lunch (not including drinks).
The price for this tour is $118 per person.
Please see Register Now if you would like to sign up for this tour.
TOUR OPTION #3 - Trip to El Valle de Anton
Saturday, June 28th
9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
This excursion begins early with a two-hour drive along the Pan-
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9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
This excursion begins early with a two-hour drive along the Pan-
American Highway to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton in the province of Cocle. According to geologists, El Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, probably the largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant climate, this picturesque valley rises 600 meters above sea level. This small town has a great variety of attractions such as petroglyphs, hot springs, waterfalls, rock climbing and a variety of hikes for all abilities. Upon arrival, you will visit the ancient petroglyphs of the El Chorro Macho Waterfall followed by a trip to the Nispero Gardens and Zoo where you can observe the rare “golden frogs” found only in this area. You will enjoy lunch at the cozy Rincon Vallero Mountain Lodge and Restaurant.
Trip Includes: Roundtrip transportation from the hotel, bilingual guide, entrance fees and lunch (not drinks).
Trip Includes: Roundtrip transportation from the hotel, bilingual guide, entrance fees and lunch (not drinks).
TOUR OPTION #4 - Panama City Tour
Saturday, June 28th
9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
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9:00 am
Departs Country Inn and Suites
You will tour this fascinating city which was built in 1519. The gorgeous view of skyscrapers, noble mansions and green hills will inspire you for more. First you will see Panama Viejo from the 16th Century. Afterwards you will have time to experience a small marketplace and see the hand-made art of the thriving indigenous cultures. Then you will go along the shore into the old part of the town called Casco Antiguo. By foot you will see the palace of the president, built during 17th and 18th Century, the remarkable
cathedral and the San José church with a splendorous altar. The
trip leads afterwards to the Causeway, from which you will have a
wonderful view of the skyline of Panama City, to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.
Trip Includes: Round trip transportation leaving from the hotel, bilingual guide. Does not include lunch - you will return to the hotel before lunch.
Trip Includes: Round trip transportation leaving from the hotel, bilingual guide. Does not include lunch - you will return to the hotel before lunch.
Farewell Dinner
Saturday, June 28th
TBA
Miraflores Restaurant
www.pancanal.com/eng/anuncios/cvm/index.html
After a day touring the sites of Panama, we'll all come together for a memorable night to share dinner overlooking the Panama Canal.
Saturday, June 28th
TBA
Miraflores Restaurant
www.pancanal.com/eng/anuncios/cvm/index.htmlAfter a day touring the sites of Panama, we'll all come together for a memorable night to share dinner overlooking the Panama Canal.
OPTIONAL POST-REUNION Azuero Tour
June 29th - July 3rd
Begins in Guarare
www.panamacasadelpuerto.com
Bonnie Birker
011-507-994-4982
bonnie.birker[at]gmail.com
A special tour of the Azuero for RPCVs, as arranged by Bonnie Birker of Group 14, Kimberly Marine of Group 59 and Megan Donegan of Group 57.The tour will take you through the Azuero, exploring local artisans, folklore, costume dresses, dances, foods, agriculture, ecotourism, and iguana husbandry.
Tour includes lodging, breakfasts, fees to artisans and guides and transportation to and from Panama City and all events. Arrangements may be made for additional meals and day trips to volunteers' original sites in the Azuero. Cost: $300/person.
Arrangements must be made directly with Casa del Puerto and Bonnie Birker. Please contact her either at bonnie.birker[at]gmail.com, or 011-507-994-4982. PCPF is not the official organizer of this trip, so please make sure to contact Bonnie with inquiries.
June 29th - July 3rd
Begins in Guarare
www.panamacasadelpuerto.comBonnie Birker
011-507-994-4982
bonnie.birker[at]gmail.com
A special tour of the Azuero for RPCVs, as arranged by Bonnie Birker of Group 14, Kimberly Marine of Group 59 and Megan Donegan of Group 57.The tour will take you through the Azuero, exploring local artisans, folklore, costume dresses, dances, foods, agriculture, ecotourism, and iguana husbandry.
Tour includes lodging, breakfasts, fees to artisans and guides and transportation to and from Panama City and all events. Arrangements may be made for additional meals and day trips to volunteers' original sites in the Azuero. Cost: $300/person.
Arrangements must be made directly with Casa del Puerto and Bonnie Birker. Please contact her either at bonnie.birker[at]gmail.com, or 011-507-994-4982. PCPF is not the official organizer of this trip, so please make sure to contact Bonnie with inquiries.