Book Worm in a Boat

Havana loves to read. Who can blame her? There is nothing quite like getting lost into a story that takes you to a different place, invokes your imagination, touches your mind and heart and leaves you wishing the last page would never come.

Here is Havana, on a speed boat in the middle of a remote area in the Caribbean Sea, surrounding the Bocas Islands.  She went for a swim, snorkeled a bit, saw some amazing sea life and then decided her book was much more appealing. I totally relate. I hope that her love of books is a life long relationship.

 

Full Moon Over Panama

 

Bocas del Toro

                                                                                                        

When planning our time to Panama, it took a long time to decide just where in the Caribbean we would visit (the Pacific side is nice but not the same by a long shot). Visiting the Caribbean was an absolute must but the question was where? There are several  coastal options in Panama. We had visited the San Blas Islands in 2018 so I was more inclined to go to a different location of the coast line. Colon and the islands off the coast there were an option but lodging was scarce. Bocas del Toro had been long on my wish list but it would entail a flight because the twelve hour drive (o/w) was not feasible for our limited time frame. In the end, the allure of Bocas, with it's countless islands, remote location and affordable accommodations won out.

Because the Caribbean Sea is the place I most associate with my earthly home (Hawaii is a close second), I was counting the days until our family would be baptized by her warm, healing, turquoise waters. I was eagerly anticipating us going snorkeling as a family, playing on the beach and reading a good book by the pool. Our room would be steps from the water. I could not wait. 

And, it was all those things and more but...on the first day there I had an injury when I smashed my face  by  an underwater rock wall that I had no idea was there. It was scary, shocking and symbolic. I had to take stock in the meaning of it all (which unfolded on it's own over the next days and weeks) and I had to be quite cautious with my face so that it would heal without much scarring. It was frightening for the girls and of course, myself. But I did not let that stop our sacred time on the coast of my beloved Carib Sea. 

We headed out the very next day on a full day snorkel trip including a trip to a remote island, lunch on another remote island and a visit to Hollywood Island, that was abundant with star fish. We were also graced with the sighting of two pods of spinner dolphins. The snorkeling was superb. What made it even more memorable was that both girls took delight in seeing the wide array of sea life, just below the surface. We don't always have to enjoy the same things but I do appreciate when they take pleasure and joy in some of my most favorite activities. 

We did end up on our screens too much (the girls on the internet, me on my Kindle reader- does that count?!) and Don listening to podcasts when back at our lodging. I tried to let that go. I mean, we had several days to just unwind, relax and have no schedule to adhere to. I also had to tend my facial injuries throughout the day and used the traumatizing event as a reason to book a much needed and relaxing massage, while the Don & girls did their own thing. Bocas town itself did not boast much. A few shops and many supermarkets were about it. We did meet an indigenous arctician from Mexico, from whom the girls bought themselves two rings. It was nice to walk the mostly quiet streets and have lunch over looking the sea. We did our laundry in town and bought pastries and snacks for our room at the hotel. Simple and at times not that quiet. The girls fussed at times. Sometimes too much. I had to use a lot of verbal manipulation to get the girls out of the rooms at times. That was disheartening at times. I truly hate the phones and the addiction that it has on not just mine but all kids who use them. But when I did pry them away (at times kicking and screaming), we found ourselves on new adventures, exploring new things and making some new memories.

This was from our hotel room. Just steps from the water.

Dominoes. A game taken most serious, no matter what country/culture you are in!

This angelic gentleman was selling herbs for health (not the smoking kind!()

El Valle de Anton (2022)

El Valle de Anton Panama is a sweet little town, high up in the hills, far enough from both coasts so that it can be quite warm during the day but cool at night, with fog and wind. Thus, making the climate not so different from the Bay Area. What does make a stark contrast are the lush green hills, foliage, rivers and animals and birds that are only found closer to the equator.

When we last visited in 2018, we did not explore too much of the surrounding area as we were on foot (and bicycle). This time, due to Covid, we felt it would be better to have a rental car versus taking taxis and/or public transportation. Although, I will say, that the entire country was very cautious with their safety. Masks were worn inside and out and almost everyone had their second or third vaccine. Missing were the crazy conspiracy theories and paranoia, which was a not only a breath of fresh air, it was good for our mental health. We all felt we could move around mentally freer knowing there was care and consideration for all.

Because we did have a car, we were able to get out and about the surrounding area. We visited a panoramic view of the entire valley (complete with some strong winds), we had a short but invigorating hike in the jungle (complete with Amara ziplining), and a visit to a river, where we waded in the cool waters, under some shaded trees (complete with a tiny frog sitting). 

Amara and I had our  daily hour long daybreak hikes to collect sloth food with Harry and Snoopy dog. We also walked the short distance to town to visit the local market, get haircuts ($5.00 for the gals and $4.50 for Don! Wow!), and to grab some dinner and ice cream  when we did want to cook back at the guest house. The supermarket was also within walking distance. To not have to drive for supplies was most welcomed.

El Valle is a town that is full of locals and expats alike. It is small and quaint, picturesque  and inviting. It is close enough (2 hours by car) to the big city (that would be Panama City) if you need an airport or supplies but we passed may shopping malls and big box stores along the way, making a trek to the Big City, not even that necessary if you call El Valle home.  And, even better, is that the Pacific Coast is only an hours drive by car. When thinking of retirement El Valle is one place that keeps calling me back. I may have to return for a much longer visit sometime and see how it feels to be there long term. In the meantime, here are some photos of our short but wonderful time in the valley.

Cooking pumpkin, yucca, greens, etc and having fresh tropical fruits was heavenly.