Disclaimer: If you’ve read my Latin America itinerary post, you’ll know I initially planned to interview someone from each country during my travels. I had a list of five standard questions prepared, but I realized that tailoring my questions to each individual would make the experience much more comfortable for them. After all, interviews can feel daunting—especially given how journalists are often perceived these days. Some of the people I hope to speak with may have never imagined themselves answering questions into a recording device, so I decided to make the process as approachable as possible.
Background: After exploring the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, we arrived in Boquete—a striking change of scenery. Engulfed by mountains at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level, this charming town is home to Volcán Barú, some of the worlds most expensive and best coffee, and breathtaking hikes. Boquete offered us a more authentic glimpse into Panamanian culture. As luck would have it, we arrived just in time for a lively Christmas parade that lasted an nearly five hours. It was clearly an event for the locals rather than tourists, which added to the region’s warm atmosphere.
While staying at our hostel, La Casa De Doña Casa, we noticed that the staff stood out from those at other hostels we’d visited, both in Latin America and Asia. They had created a warm, home-like atmosphere that perfectly matched the charm of Boquete, all while thoughtfully catering to travelers. One staff member in particular caught my attention—Reynin Quintero, who worked at reception. She had lived in Boquete her entire life and, fortunately for me, spoke English. Reynin seemed like the perfect first guest for my TREK TALKS series. Below is our interview, along with a full transcript.
Reynin Quintero Transcript
Zach: What was it like growing up here in Boquete?
Reynin: Like growing up?Yea. I remember when I was young, when I was like in my high school years, this wasn’t as tourist as it is now. It was mainly locals living, you know, from activites like agriculture, and it was way simpler and quiet. It was more like the country life. I feel like now it’s way different. It’s like tourism is our main activity but I feel like since I got to experience it, I could say it’s fun and I like the change, I like it, I love it here. It’s nice all year long and the people are nice.Â
Zach: What’s your favourite part about the city, like what do you like the most?Â
Reynin: I think what I like the most about Boquete is that. Well, two things but I kind there kind of the same. For example, it’s almost the same temperature all year long, it doesn’t change much. I think I wouldn’t get to used to living in a place where they have like 4 seasons. It rains all year. Therefore it’s always green and it’s always like colorful because the flowers and it’s beautiful. Lik you could have a bad day and then you look around and I mean your mood (gets better).Â
Zach: For people, you said tourism is big here, what would you recommend they go see the most?
Reynin: Definitely what they do is go see nature. I always say to go the places people always go to because of course they always go because they are nice, like it and recommend it. If you have time and if you have a bit of experience in hiking, there are other hikes that are not that famous and they have good views, they have more wildlife. That’s something I recommend other people to do.Â
Zach: About your current job right now (hostel staff worker) what’s your favourite thing about coming in her everyday or not every day but when you do?
Reynin: Getting to meet people from all around the world. I always say that when you work in this type of job, it’s like the world comes to you. Like sometimes, for example. it’s hard to travel to different parts of the world for us because of course salaries here are not that good and vacation time is also limited. It’s like even if I can’t travel much, I meet from people from all around the world and learn from their cultures, learn from you.Â
Zach: So this is a little bit hard, but what is the biggest issue you see in the world today? It could be anything that’s small or big, doesn’t matter.
Reynin: The biggest issue I see in the world. How we, I mean, humans have become or are becoming less empathetic. Like the lack… Lack of Empathy. You know, it’s like we are very selfish sometimes. We always, of course, we want to do better, we want the best for us but we sometimes forget to look around and you know, see that other are sometimes in less goods. We forget to help others and that’s why that many problems happen because everyone wants more for themselves, including like us as individuals but also governments, powerful people.Â
Zach: Thank you so much, I appreciate this so much.Â