About Me

Ever since I was little, my mom and dad have told me stories about the time they spent in Panama in the early 1970's. It is the country where I was conceived, born, and spent my first 9 months of life. Until 2001, I had never had the chance to return. My parents have told me tons of stories that I have heard so many times I feel like I have lived them. My mom tells one of my favorites...

One day, I looked out the window of the house and a 3-toed sloth had come out of the jungle and was playing on the swingset. I couldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it myself...

I grew up in California and have spent the past 15 years in the Northwest. Right after college, I spent 6 months building houses for hurricane victims in Jamaica. Although Jamaica has troubles with violence and social stability, I still had an amazing time there, met amazing people, and emerged from the experience with the sense that it is a huge world out there and I haven't really seen any of it.

This site tracks my progress in 2000-2001 on a trip from Mexico to Panama. In July 2004, I will go on another journey down there and will report about it here.