Global Crossroad Panama: Bridge of the World, Heart of the Universe

Panama is most famous for its canal, a 51 mile stretch of water way linking the Caribbean with the Pacific and cutting the Central and South American landmasses in half. The Panama Canal revolutionized the shipping industry by allowing ships to pass through the country of Panama rather than traveling all the way around South America, saving precious time and money. But the Canal is not the only thing Panama has to offer. With Costa Rica to the north and Colombia to the south, Panama is often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, with its wealth of biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and growing cities, Panama is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Bocas Island, Isla Grande and San Blas have long been known for their spectacular snorkeling opportunities. The warm, turquoise water on the Caribbean coast is home to a myriad of sea life, not to mention sunken Spanish ships, making it any scuba divers dream. The Pacific coast affords tourists with the opportunity to see the nesting sites of sea turtles, including green sea turtles and leatherbacks. Coiba Island is a popular destination for wildlife lovers. A former penal colony, Coiba is home to several endemic species, such as the Coiba Island Howler Monkey. Boquete, located in the province of Chiriqu, is every coffee connoisseurs paradise. Tourists can enjoy a cooler climate, hike the beautiful trails surrounding the nowdormant volcano, and enjoy some of the worlds best coffee. Growing in popularity as a place to retire, it is quickly becoming a mini-Europe. From jazz festivals to coffee tasting to bird watching, Boquete is a tourist friendly town. Panama City is a growing metropolis, great for those who love the city life. Tourists can visit the Mira Flores Locks, the Pacific entrance to The Canal. The Canal offers a museum and a viewing deck where visitors can watch the ships come and go. The watershed and jungle surrounding the Canal is great for spotting exotic birds and wildlife. Day trips to the Island of Flowers are also available for anyone wanting to spend a relaxing day on a beautiful tropical island. Panama also provides a variety of volunteer opportunities. Global Crossroad now offers five projects in the fields of medicine, youth advocacy, and environmental conservation. Teaching English and helping at-risk children are two options offered at an orphanage near the capital city. Those interested in animal and environmental conservation have their choice of two projects located on the coast of the Azuero Peninsula. Spend your time on a black sand beach helping with sea turtle protection and awareness and maybe even learning how to surf. Or head to an island to fish with the locals, reforest the coastal mangroves, and set up a protected sea turtle nesting

area. For those interested in the medical field, Global Crossroad also offers a project in family health. Volunteers will help run the youth group focused on advocating HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention for young people. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help in the health clinic and with teen counseling. Panama is known for its canal, but offers much, much more. With beaches, mountains, large cities, and quaint towns, there is something for everyone. Panama is an ideal country for volunteer tourism. Volunteers can give back while enjoying the splendors of their surroundings. Panama: Puente del mundo, Corazon del universebridge of the world, heart of the universe!