What's the first thing...(Days 1,2,and 3)

The first thing you think of when you hear 'Panama'?
Possibly the popular spring break location in the South Atlantic (Florida), the brand Panama Jack, or, YES...the country!! 
I've been in the southernmost Central American country for about three days and have already decided that it is arguably better than either Panama, Florida or the brand.
Where am I? At the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (http://www.stri.org/index.php) We made it after nearly missing the second leg of our flight, and eventually arrived in Gamboa, a small town in the historical Canal Zone of Panama. It lies on the Pacific Coast of Panama and the population is just 300 of what used to be 6,000.

My first impression? My words cannot paint the greens of the lush forest bright enough nor emphasize the friendliness with which we were greeted in this beautiful country.
Three weeks is not enough time to understand the complexities of this region, much less the entire nation, but it's the time we have allotted to hiking in the forests, learning more of the natural world through the lens of biology, and for getting to know the others on this adventure. So far, we've heard the cries of howler monkeys, seen parrots from afar, been close to the fascinating leaf-cutter ant, and seen magnificent views above the rainforest canopy.
What am I looking forward to? The unexpected :)...but other than this, hikes in the forest, learning about the research done on ecological degradation, and perhaps exploring Panama City.
Fears? Doing work for next semester and life after college while here.

If you read this, and have questions, feel free to ask away about things you want to know...