As a high school boy, it thrilled me when they announced that Panama was going to be my destination, home for a year as exchange student. As I didn't know anything about the country, it dismayed me. It shook me harder, when I found out that they communicate only in Spanish, but all I know were 'Hola' and 'Gracias'. Meanwhile, I learnt their rich, glamorous attractions such as beaches, islands, and of course, the world’s prominent and unique, Panama Canal. Suddenly, I burst out all worries, as I knew something extraordinary is awaited me, and no difficulties could stop me. The moment I arrived, I realized the environment wasn’t different from my home, hot and humid climate, soothed me comfortably. The rest was totally worrisome, cultural differences, lack of ability to communicate, not knowing anything surrounding. It took months to readjust myself, thanks to all my gracious people. My first trip began with exchange-student friends. We went to San Blas, located in the Atlantic. To get there, we dropped off in Colon, took a 4x4 jeep through mountains for 2 hours, an hour on boat off to the islands. It’s crazy as it seemed, but it worth the adventure. There were the most beautiful islands I've seen. Pure white sands, crystal-clear seawater, enough to see the bottom while paddling. The gigantic ravishing starfishes, with the sizes bigger than two hands, in various shades of color they decorated the beach. On the island we accommodated was quite a deserted island. No electricity, no tap water, yet such conditions didn't bother us. Instead, it allowed us to socialize one another when the sun goes down, we went to have fun on the pier together having beers, singing songs. After the trip, I went to Santa Catalina, world’s famous surfboarding destination for its strong and frequent waves, making this beach perfect for it. This was my first time to actually try the surfboard, and opposite to San Blas, this beach filled entirely with black sands, I hadn't known before that black sands existed, so, I learnt various things visiting Santa Catalina. My weariest trip was to Bocas Del Toro. Due to roughly 12 hours of travelling via bus and boat. Despite exhausted travelling, Bocas del Toro gives the feeling of Phuket which freshened me up. Still, journey along the way taught me lessons and cautions for travelling alone in foreign country. Lovely memories with my family during our trip to Chiriqui, province rich in natures, cool weather. We visited several towns. Begin with Boquete, small town famous for vivid flowers and berries. Then, Cerro Punta, village where mountains surrounded, fog covered the sky all day. Driving throughout there gave me the 'Country Road, Take Me Home' vibes. Finally, Volcan Baru, the only volcano in Panama. Its size and calmness amazed me. Sadly we couldn’t reach the top, still, it's amazing enough to see its iconic crucifix at the peak. These place made me realized how peaceful life without pollutions could be. Crossing border to Costa Rica was the highlight. I recall when my brother asked me if I wanted get there that I immediately shouted 'Si!'. Visiting Costa Rica was cool that I collected some bank notes and souvenir back home. Sadly, we could only wander around borderline town. Anyhow, I’m satisfied that I've been to Costa Rica, even unofficially. My solo trip in Panama City was the most memorable one. As I visited Panama Canal, a larger than life experience, to see how it operates. Cerro Ancon, a city hill, where its top uncover entire city’s costal view. Amador Causeway, the boulevard that stretched into sea connecting three islands caused stunning view alongside when sunset. The atmosphere is too romantic to be missed. Lastly, I spent the night walking around Casco Viejo, the old Spanish-building town, elegant with nightlights connected to Cinta Costera, the walkway alongside coastal area of the city, windy and exotic emotion to cherish Panama City. These incredible experiences in Panama changed my perspective of them, from unknown land to what I call ‘second home’ intimately. It’s no doubt in my mind that I wish to go back there anytime possible because of nothing, but because it's my home.