Brooklyn, New York-based photographer Levi Walton (previously featured here) made his latest series while on a recent trip to his home country of Panama. Although he’s used to visiting often, this trip felt different—”The consequences of the pandemic forced me to slow down and realize the things that really matter—and how family is everything,” he explains.

“I miss my mother’s frituras, my father’s farm, and my older brother blasting his music every morning before leaving for work. I never thought so much of a culture shock until this time around – things that to me seemed normal growing up, might be weird to the average American – my mom putting out guineos for the iguanas that live on our roof, or the chirping of little geckos all night long (we have those everywhere). Most would be concerned at how my neighborhood streets flood every time there’s a heavy rain, but for us that’s just normal.

Every time I go back my appreciation for my home grows more. No matter how much time has passed, I’ll never forget where I come from – the place where all my dreams were born. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.”

See more from “Panama” below!