Canals and machetes

So far, Panama has been a very pleasant surprise. From amazing landscapes, incredible beaches, long busrides, packed party-hostels to the impressive panama canal, we have had fantastic experiences.

Admittedly, our four day stay in Bocas Del Toro in the North-West of Panama might not be classified by all as a high-class distinguished experience. Our island was packed with backpackers and was permeated by a vibe of cheap beer and parties. Even though we might have succumbed to these local temptations from time to time, we managed to visit the beautiful red frog beach, known for it's poisonous - wait for it - red frogs (which we couldn't find though) and witnessed the amazing annual drum parade celebrating the founding of the city with hundreds of marching bands. It started in the early morning and didn't stop until late at night - not really the perfect cure for a hangover...

Bocas marching band

Next stop Panama City caught us off-guard, in a good way. The city, embraced by a green, hilly and quiet undeveloped country, announced itself with the Bridge of the Americas. The capital of the country seems to be the place where the canal toll is being converted in big cars, tall skyscrapers push away the slums and thirtiers go to expensive parties. Wandering through this infrastructure paradise, Dimitri pointed out the architectural highlights as we noticed we were being tailed by enormous birds gliding in the sun-blue sky. Finally, a visit to the Panama canal visitor center and a talk to a senior tourist guide revealed the secrets of this engineering wonder.

Panama City skyscrapers | Technical discussion with senior canal engineer

The scenery on the busrides were truly fantastic. Jungles on hills and valleys containing palm trees with coconuts, gorgeous rivers running through them. Dimitri managed to purchase a machete in Bocas which will hopefully come in handy at some point when we want to slice open a fresh coconut, slice a piece of pizza or try to make our way through a jungle. Or if we encounter the many rumoured drug trafficers in the jungle between Panama and Colombia for that matter.

We are somewhat prepared to meet this guy

It seems unlikely that we will encounter those chicos however because tomorrow we are heading to the paradise of the San Blas islands by sailboat. Three days of (hopefully) sun and fun later, we will continue on from there to Colombia. The sailboat that will take us there is in hands of the Delfin Solo crew. All hands on deck!