Panama the country which would be the last country in South America. The journey to the Bocas and Panama was an interesting one that involved crossing a dis-used railways bridge that was falling to pieces in the rain. We then got stamped into the country at the other end in an old sports hall. From here it was shared van to the boat port. It was very busy here, mostly likely because we had unwittingly embarked on the journey to the bocas on Bocas Day.
The Bocas Del Toro. Bocas Day was being undertaken, this is a period where by the locals all parade around the island to celebrate their
independance from Columbia. This means the island comes alive with drums, xylophones, dancing and acrobatics. It was an amazing experience
and really gave us the absolute best welcome to Panama.
How could the rest of our time here live up to this, well how about throwing in a circuit of the main islands beaches by bicycle including
a stop at the end of the line local bar, a boat trip to a close island (Red Frog Beach) followed by negotiating with a local man to take us
over to the Cayos Zapatilla island. The latter made us avoid the tour and spend as long as we wanted at the island. The trip also allowed a
local panamanian guy from Panama City to join us and the drivers wife and young daughter. Everyone got the best deal and it meant we were
directly supporting local people. On route to the island we got a pleasant surprise by a pod of dolphins you enjoy the calm shallower waters
between the islands. We were the last boat to leave the island at the end of the day. Unfortunately the boat needed getting away from the
shore before it could be started this was harder than it sounds as the currents were pushing the boat into the island. In the end me and the
Panamanian guy had to push / swim the boat around to the side of the island so that we weren't being pushed against the shore. For about 30
minutes we were in the water supporting the boat while the driver tried to start the engine. Some people where worried but we weren't as it
all added to the experience. In fact even if we had been stuck on the island over night it wouldn't have been the end of the world. All in
we were glad to have taken the trip the local way.
Our next stop in Panama with Panama City. On route we transfered through Boquete and David. During our time in Panama city we did our own tour and discovered the Old town and waterfront along with seeing a different side of panama. It was a very nice trip. Especially seeing the old towns old buildings some of which were being reclaimed by nature. During our time here we enjoyed a meal in what has to be the most seedy Chinese restaurant we have seen. Dirt cheap booze, filled with local men and chinese food. Made for a good laugh.
Ah the San Blas Islands. The local Kuna Indians are the only ones allowed to provide transport to and from the islands.
Unfortunately no one taught them to drive so they take the windy country lanes at a very high speed and when there is 7
of you crammed into a 4x4 this can led to you being very car sick. Once you arrive you are met by a boat from the island
you are booked to stay at. We ended up being at one of the cheaper islands this meant we were on a boat on our own. On
the boat journey we had to weave past huge floating logs and cross the rough seas on a small boat designed more for
smoother waters.
It was all worth it when we arrived though, as it was paradise. All the accomodation on the islands are very basic huts
with ancient mattresses and no mosquito nets. This meant during the night huge spiders and cockroaches could fall onto you.
A fun experience especially on an island with no electricity. During our time here we got out and experienced several islands
and a sand bar. This included an island with loads of star fish living in the shallows. The San Blas islands are a truely
beautiful and quaint place. Inhabited souly by the Kuna Indians.
From here we headed back to Panama Citry and took a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. We were sad to be saying goodbye to Central America, but it had been so much more than we had expected. We had been here for almost 45 days in total and had seen every single country except El Salvador, not a bad attempt. Argentina would be country number 25.
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