We stayed the night in Otavalo as the town prepared for the large weekend Indian market and most of the town was blocked or filled with market stalls. Otovalo Indians are one of the most successfully economic indigenous groups in the world. They are seen with long braded hair selling their music, textiles, and cd’s from New York to Europe. They continue to hold it down, illustrating one of the most beautiful countryside’s artisans, markets and loving people Ecuador has to offer. Beauty was complementing beauty as the people reflected day dreamscapes – all played to their own native soundtrack.

Delegate Omyra Casama gave important insight to words: “With every activity they ask permission from the spiritual directions. The people have not lost the faith and hope with the beliefs in their ancestry. With the good and bad, they know there is one god and it is nature, representing “Pacha Mama”, mother earth. This gives them strength and this knowledge is passed down to the new generations.”

The Andean experience peeked in Otovalo. All our senses were satisfied and especially as some of us visited thermal pools and parks of immaculate perfection. All felt respected, as we soaked in the one love of Ecuador, being hosted on the Inca Trail of 2010.

We loved what we saw and learned a wealth of information on traditional foods, exotic fruits, geography and fine examples of hospitality and service. Support of living indigenous culture craftsmanship is vital to the integrity of tourism. The world appreciates high quality and fair prices - with a friendly, humble approach. Our Panamanian people represent similar origins as we come from the graces of our natural environment. How can we focus on developing our natural talents and resources? How can we promote an indigenous “cultural elegance” that flows through ancient blood lines? How to promote and distribute traditional ways of nutrition?

Some of the lessons we learned were to utilize a collaborative cross-section of Panamanian national agencies and private organizations to create and present eco, agro, and botanical health tourism solutions. At the core of national product is indigenous ingenuity and hospitality based on a humble and cultural approach. We may train a team of “in house” consultants to assist in establishing and setting a standard for tourism destinations within indigenous communities. Panama’s beautiful green natural environment must be complemented with a high level of hospitality and service, an example of tribal cultural elegance.

Gracias Ecuador for keeping it real and showing sustainable ways to promote culture and patria. Thanks to Copa Airlines for giving us the wings to soar high, a great collaborate example to support the future of Panama - health, culture and tourism.

Select youth are soon to begin the second travel of the “Earth School” series with a visit to one the continent’s most successful agriculture and tourism centers - California, USA. A select few from Panama will travel during North America’s spring and summer time. They will study and practice in some of the most renown and progressive universities, tourist zones and organic farms in Southern California. The practicum will then continue in Panama during August, as the “Earth School” students look to establish a model of pre-Colombian sustainable agriculture, health and tourism project.

* For more on the Intertribal Panama Program see our Youtube.com/intertribalyouth page or website: www.InterTribalYouth.org

Que Viva Panama! Que Viva Ecuador! Que viva Copa Airlines!

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Jovenes Intertribal Panama (JIP)

• Programa de Salud/ Health Program for Panama Youth

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