Using the information from the video, write a blog post (6–8 sentences) in Spanish, in which you describe your vacation you took to Panamá last week with your family!
video script is below.
ANDRÉS: Hello and welcome to Colón, Panamá, my home! My city is named after Cristóbal Colón, whom you probably know as Christopher Columbus. It is a common port of call for many cruise ships. That means we get to meet lots of tourists, just like you. Come on; let me show you around the shopping market. My friend Estefanía sells Molas—they are beautiful! You must see them in person.
(BEGIN CONVERSATION)
ANDRÉS: Hi Estafania! I am happy to see you in the market. When was the last time that I saw you? Last month?"
ESTEFANÍA: Hi Andrés! Here I am! I was busy. I was helping my family sew the molas for the tourists that are going to arrive to the port today."
ANDRÉS The work that your family does is beautiful as always- just look at the this mola on the left. Impressive."
ESTEFANÍA Thank you! But it's no as impressive as the traffic in your city! Everything here moves so quickly."
(END CONVERSATION)
ANDRÉS: It is true; Estefanía is not accustomed to the city life. She and her family are part of a tribal society known as the Kuna Indians who live a simple life on the San Blas chain of islands. Tourists can visit the islands, but many don’t, since there isn’t much electricity.
The Kuna speak both the traditional Kuna language and Spanish. They are a matriarchal society. Daughters are celebrated, since they will eventually bring life to their family and the community. In fact, when the Kuna marry, the man moves into the mother-in-law's home to work for several years!
(BEGIN CONVERSATION)
ESTEFANÍA "Andrés, I was helping a customer while you were talking. Did you tell our friend about our molas?"
ANDRÉS: "No, I always talk too much."
ESTEFANÍA: "Ha ha, yes that's true! Well, each blouse mola is a work of art and a part of the Kuna culture."
(END CONVERSATION)
ANDRÉS: The traditional dress of the Kuna women is incredible—a colorful mola blouse, beautiful beaded arm bands, and gold nose rings. The Kuna men, however, simply wear plain clothes similar to what other men in the western world wear, such as pants and T-shirts.
These molas remind me of a traditional costume we have in Panamá—las polleras. Panamanian women wear these elaborate dresses during the celebration of Carnaval. The origin of las polleras began with the servant women of Spanish colonial families. After Spain's conquest of Peru, these servant women brought these gypsy-style dresses to Panamá. They are made from fine linen, satin, and brocade and are decorated with lace, ribbons, appliqué, and embroidery. The costume includes a hair piece called a "tembleque," which resembles a crown. Las polleras are truly a work of art.
(BEGIN CONVERSATION)
ESTEFANÍA: "I wanted to come to the festival last year but I couldn't make it to the city."
ANDRÉS "It's true. The busiest season of the year is during Carnaval. Speaking of busy, did you see how much traffic was in the canal this morning?"
ESTEFAN¡A: "Yes! I was thinking about how there were boats everywhere! To the right, to the left, in front of and behind me!"
(END CONVERSATION)
ANDRÉS: The Panamá Canal is a busy waterway with more than 14 thousand ships passing through each year. It's also an important part of the history of Panamá. The French began construction of the canal in the 1880s, until the United States took over.
By the time the canal was completed in 1914, it cost 375 million dollars and connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, creating a shortcut. Before that, ships had to sail hundreds of miles around the southern tip of the South American continent to cross between oceans. While the canal plays an important role, it's important to remember the many lives lost during its construction—more 27,000.
