Bastimentos, and a water taxi

Isla Colon, Bocas Town!

A bit of Puerto Viejo, and the border bridge at Sixaola

Bed Bugs & AC

So Isla Bastamentos was cool, but we are pretty sure we got bed bugs now. We are not sure if we got the from Heike Hostal or Isla Bastamentos or both. If its not bed bugs I dont know what else it would be. I've not seen any bugs, but I saw the matress we were sleeping on for the last two nights, and thats all the evidence I need. 

After Isla Bastamentos, we decided to take the ferry express to Colon. When we got on the boat we were so happy as it was nearly the first air conditioning we have had in almost 6 weeks. Joshua has been craving air conditioning. The only other AC we have experienced was a 5 min shopping experience in a small grocery store called super gourmet, in Bocas town. (None of the other grocery stores have AC). We have even made jokes about how we should go in the Super Gourmet to "shop"...haha. Its the small things. 

So, back to last night we stayed on this ferry. The other alternative to get to Panama City is a overnight bus. We chose the ferry because at least we can walk around. However we still only had a chair to "sleep in", but the bathrooms were near by, and we could stretch out a bit more than on the bus. The ferry is like a smaller, less fancy version of a cruise ship. The  boat was really rocking last night, as it seems there has been a storm and strong winds the last couple of days. My bag is only 30kilos big, and Joshuas is much smaller, so we did not pack a blanket. However, the lady at the front desk suprisingly gave me a blanket, and I used a tshirt and my jean shorts as my pillow. Joshua and I ended up sleeping on the floor, with our heads at opposite ends because we were sleeping in between the chairs. I laugh as I write this because the whole thing is just comical to me. 

I woke up this morning a little before 8, and it was like the ship was abandoned. Everyone was gone..wierd. We are both tired, itchy, and got a bit spoiled with our 1 night of AC. We walked off the boat into a hot-no mans land. We found a cafe with wifi, which was serving smoothies and waffles. They  had pictures even of their waffle specials. We went to order, and they had no waffles, smoothies or wifi. Something about the lady only serving 5 waffles a day, and they were out. So, we headed down to a subway we had seen. We ordered some sandwiches and cafe con leche (coffee with milk), and they lady insists on giving us a mocha cappuchino, and then a regular cappuchino. Even as she is pouring it, we are telling her "no quiero". Our spanish is bad, but not that bad. So finally we got only cafe, no leche...We haad run out of water, so we found a supermarket to restock. Gloriousness!! It had AC, and it was a actual store. They had fruits and veggies and alot of food. I thought I was dreaming. We checked out, and we got behind the guy buying literally like 100 mini water bottles, and of course the lady scanned each one!! haha. Ok so, we are tired and itching and decide we really dont want to take a bus to Panama City or Puerta Linda at this point. So, we found a Radisson Hotel near by. It is 11am. The receptionist says we cant check in until 3pm without a 25% charge--and here we are planning to negotiate and try to get a  really good deal. -She says we will have to wait {in the AC, in these comfy chairs with internet} to see if we can check in early. Joshua says to me, as if he is talking to the receptionist "Lady, I'm exhausted and we got bed bugs, and last night I slept on the floor, I don't need much, I'll just 'wait' here". 

I'm still giggling..So, here we are currently "waiting" in luxury. However, the rest of the day is still to be written...

Home

Home.  What is home.  Home feels good, that's for sure.  It's a very pleasant thought.  Where is home?  Home isn't a specific location always.  I believe it's more of an emotion to a location.  Today leaving la Ruka and puerto viejo I feel like I'm leaving home.  And then I had a sad.  I am excited to see Panama.  I am pumped to buy a motorcycle, but I left a piece of my heart there.  It's one of new homes.  And that makes me have a glad.  

I am in love with my life right now.  You just never know, what exactly is going to happen next, but I am confident it will all be ok, and that's nice.  

Heading into Panama is exciting.  I wonder how different it will be.  Heck maybe we will change our plans again, and head to ciudad de panama.  You just never know.  :-)

Do what you love.  Find your art-form.  Love others, and capture joy.  Stay true. 

Isla Bastamentos in Bocas

Yesterday, we went to a marina, and checked out a restaruant called aqua lounge on Isla Caranero, where supposedly there were a bunch of fish and swimming pools. (but we didnt see much fish, and their version of a swimming pool is a deck with a hole cut out in the middle, and you jump in the ocean haha). We went to the marina, and checked out some sailboats for sale. It is always fun to see whats possible. We also went on a long hike on the beach and in the jungle! It was beautiful. The water is so beautiful, and clear in these islands. 

It is interesting, if you want to go somewhere, even if to another part of the same island, you can just hail a taxi...a water taxi, and it usually costs about 1-2USD$ per ride.  So, today we are checking out yet another island called Isla Bastamento, and we are staying in Hostel Bastamento : ) As usual there are tons of hammocks, cool people. This hostel also has a pretty sweeeet view as well, and we have a private room with a bathroom for 20USD$

First time sailing!

We went sailing in a Catamaran along with snorkeling! It was awesome!! We snorkled and saw fish, coral reef, and a wreck. We also went to starfish beach!!