Arriving into Bocas was a bit more anti climactic than expected due to the ridiculous amounts of rain. But hey, nothing a little (or a lot) of flor de Cana couldn’t solve. After a bumpy and wet ride we were greeted by the “leprechaun”, Miguel. Miguel was an interesting fellow with a finely tailored double chin strap that continued past his ears and around his head creating quite possibly the most awesome facial/hairdo ever. After eventually breaking through his hustlers ambition, Miguel finally broke down and showed us the ropes of the island. Our favorite (an old love) was the “menu del dia” at the local “tropical bird”. Menu del dia was the same deliciousness everyday consisting of pollo, gallo pinto, ensalada y una balboa of course for a whopping 4 buckaroonies. Que Rico!
After checking into the famous, ocean front casa verde and making some amigos, we explored the island a bit getting ready for the infamous ladies night at aqua lounge where we put our aqua-acrobatics on display. Our talents consisted of backflip dismounts off the water swing and sculpted swan dives from the balcony that Greg Louganis himself would have been proud of!
Awoken by a past amigo Eduardo, we were convinced to join him and a few other ex-pats and locals to take a sandy adventure out to one of the most well kept secrets in Bocas, the beautiful polo beach! The day consisted of spear fishing, muchas cervezas, a lot of vitamin D, some fresh coconut water, new friends, and an overall unforgettable experience!
The third day, Hannah lead us to an amazing spot on caranero island called the pickled parrot. We had a wonderful lunch and walked around the island for a bit interacting with locals. This was followed by an amazing day of scuba steve-in with our wonderful guide, Leandro Mora , from Bocas Water Sports. We did two dives that consisted of beautiful coral reefs, moray eels, crabs, lotsa lobsta, lion fish, and lots of life in depths up to 45 feet. It was an overall great experience despite the freezing boat ride back due to another unforgiving downpour.
After diving, we decided to head out to Red Frog beach to stay at the notorious Eco-tent lodge, Hannah used to call home, Palmar. Palmar was absolutely perfect. The rooms at Palmar consisted of yurts that put us to sleep to the crashing of the waves and were awoken through out the night by pounding falling coconuts. We met some very cool people at palmar and it was exactly what the doctor ordered after a few long days of traveling and partying.
The second day at Palmar we made the 1.5 hour hike to Bastimentos which was half beach and half a trek through the jungle to a little paradise called up in the hill before finally reaching the actual town. At up in the hill, we were pleasantly greeted by an interesting German girl by the name of Isabel. After chatting a bit, Isabel finally told us she really enjoyed singing and wanted to sing for us. Turns out she REALLY loved singing and after about 5 songs, which were all actually really good by the way, we made our way into town for a very nice lunch on the water.
By far the best part of our trip to Palmar was meeting Hannah’s old friend Sara. Sara is an older and beautiful local indigenous Panamanian working at palmar with her husband Jeff, and two daughters. After Hannah timidly reintroduced herself not knowing if she would remember, Sara balled her eyes out with joy holding hannah’s hands. Hannah’s brother, Michael and his girl friend Hanna, had worked at palmar the year before and made a huge impression on the locals. It was extremely touching to see how much Hannah and her family meant to Sara and her family. Hannah left a note and her bracelet for Sara to give to her daughter.
The last day at Palmar we were able to attend the opening of a school provided by the non-profit, give and surf. Michael played baseball with some of the local children while I participated in a little futbol and balloon volleyball! Watching these children play was beyond incredible, but at the same time, quite a bit nerve racking. We saw a 6 year old boy punt a soccer ball directly into his face, all while sucking on a lollipop. (Thanks parents for not allowing us to play with suckers in our mouths!) Needless to say, it was an amazing experience that made us appreciate the pesky rules throughout grade school.
After leaving the school fiesta we headed back to the main island (isla colon) where we thought we would be catching an overnight bus to Panama City, but unfortunately all the spots on the bus were booked. No biggie, right? Just another night in paradise.
The next day we finally made it to the bus stop where we caught our 10 hour over night bus to panama city!
The bus went as most overnight buses do in central America. Surprisingly freezing, stiff necks, friendly neighbors, and many zz’s. Well, that is until we were abruptly awoken by armed government officials randomly waking and checking everyone’s passports at 3 am. Not too big of a deal as everyone quietly Cooperated until BAAMMM! All eyes quickly glaring (glaring js an understatement) at michael’s shocked and hopeless face as he opened his Gatorade which he had totally forgotten was filled with flor de Cana and coke before violently shaking the bottle and blasting off the cap. I mean BLASTING. No idea it was possible. Put the diet coke and mentos YouTube guys to shame. Even the new years champagne send off…
Well after an eventful bus ride (forgot to mention the Panamanian dude that kept trying to snug up to Michael) we finally rolled into “the miami that speaks more English” otherwise known at, Panama City!
Items lost:
iPhone 5 – 1
Sweet Ray Ban Glasses – 1
Nalgenes – 2
Con Amor!
Hannah y Michael
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