Our last stop in the country of Panama provided us with a change of pace and environment. Located in the northwest corner, Bocas Del Toro is a chain of small islands with a srong afro-carribean influence. The rasta-dreadlock-Bob Marley listening-rum drinking-pot smoking- surfer vibe is made apparent in aesthetics and human spirit.Max and I arrived to our hostel via water taxi. Our unique accomodations were built over the water on a pier. The Aqua Lounge provided a water trampoline, diving board, and a non-stop DJ. The rooms were humid and shook as if hit with a low richter earthquake each time a wave broke beneath. definitely the best hostel in the area - at least for our preference of constant entertainment.
The first night was relaxed as we explored the main strip which is aligned with restaurants, vendors, and shirtless visitors. Bocas is a mix of backpackers, visiting surfers, and local island lifers. From the clear water, to the carribean accents, to the copious palm trees, the town is as authentic beach town as it gets. Hungry and against my stringent budget, we decided to splurge on a great seafood meal. A few drinks, some late night swimming, and flips off the water trampoline completed the evening.
On Sunday we filled our day by getting a feel for the carribean and its beauty. We embarked on a boat tour which maneuvered around the islands to show us what is special about this popular destination. Dolphins swam aside our boat, I snorkeled for the first time, and we layed out on a white sand beach. Viewing dolphins remains more exciting in theory than in practice, Snorkeling is a new life hobby, and white sand beaches remain a necessary characteristic of paradise. Over a period of 5 hours at a cost of 25 dollars we were give a proper introduction to the carribean. A product of the carribean would soon give me a proper salutation.I decided to pick a fight with a bottle of the local Abuelo rum while we mingled with new friends from Holland. I won the early rounds but eventually was worn down due to insufficient training. Needless to say I was TKO'ed at 2am.
The next morning, unfazed by the bout, we caught a water taxi away from the islands in route to Costa Rica.
1 comment:
Awesome! It reminds me of the maldives islands close to Sri Lanka. It is truly incredible what both are you are experiencing and sharing. The starfish reminded me of why you are there: Starfish
As the old man walked down a Spanish beach at dawn, he saw ahead of him what he thought to be a dancer. The young man was running across the sand, rhythmically bending down to pick up a stranded starfish and throw it far into the sea.
The old man gazed in wonder as the young soul again and again threw the small starfish from the sand into the water. The old man approached him and asked why he spent so much energy doing what seemed a waste of time. The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning sun.
"But there are thousands of miles of beach, and miles and miles of starfish. How can your effort make any difference?"
The young man looked down at the small starfish in his hand, and as he threw it to safety in the sea, said, "It makes a difference to this one!"
Anonymous
Keep it up and best wishes to both of you.
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