Mum and Dad in Panama!

Having had the amazing pleasure of seeing Mum and Dad over the New Year period, I thought it was only fair that you can get a perspective of Panama from someone else. Plus I am relatively lazy so I asked Mum to send me what she had written up about her trip.

Before we get to that time, I will fill you in quickly on what has happened leading up to that point. I was surfing in Playa Venao and was running out of Visa. I managed to sell my surfboard to a French dude who was living on the beach. I got $10 more than I paid for it and a free palm leaf hat. I then had to head to Costa Rica and try to renew my Visa, a task that could have numerous different outcomes. If I was unable to return to Panama, I would be stuck in Costa Rica, which is ridiculously expensive for everything!

Fortunately, when I passed across the border to Costa Rica, without any problems, I had some friends who were house-sitting not too far from the border in Ojochal. Not only were they house-sitting, but they were house-sitting in a really nice cabin way up on the jungle mountainside. The wooden cabin built onto the hillside and has a delightful view down to the sea in the distance. The house had lots of space and lots of comforts that I had come unaccustomed to. It had hot water and a toilet you could put the used paper in. It also had a bathtub in my en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi buttons. On top of the cabin, it was good to see, and relax with Jaime and Cami too.

I stayed there for just over a week knowing that more time out of Panama would help my case when returning. When I got on the bus to return to the border, I bumped into a couple and their baby girl that I had spent some time with at Playa Venao. As nice as it was to see them, they soon got off the bus and I headed to the border. Having all my details, information and arguments ready, the migration guy just stamped my passport and sent me on my way. I was a little bit disappointed to be honest, I was ready with my new and improved Spanish to plead my case. But anyway, importantly I made it through without any problems.

I headed back to Panama City and then made my way to Hernan’s farm where I was due to be working for a few months before heading to Colombia. After 1 week of being there, I managed to cut my leg with a machete which involved a 1km walk back to the house and then a 2.5km walk to the Guna Yala Police control. Once I got there, I got the police to help me get a ride to the hospital. The guys actually dropped me off at the junction where I was able to get a bus to the nearest hospital. I got 2 stitches and it cost me a $1 tip for the service. Unfortunately, I had to wait too long and couldn’t return to the farm as the road was closed, so I headed to the city for the night.

With all this happening, I decided to leave the farm and head back to the city to look for other work. A few things were looking promising but nothing came from a month’s worth of searching so I contacted a volunteering gig I found online. It said it paid a little so I went to Jungle Land Panama and had a day tour to see what it was like and to speak to the boss Carl. It all seemed good so I returned there on 12^th December to start training and await Mum and Dads visit.

Over to you Mum………

Panama adventures – a holiday with a difference.

After a lovely Christmas hosted by Dean and Hollie (relaxing for us if not for them and hilarious watching Terry on Dean’s PS4 – virtual reality), on Boxing Day we turned our thoughts to packing for the trip to Panama – it’s now been over 14 months since Matthew left England on his travels. We were so excited but there was a short and very anxious time when we realised we needed an ESTA (electronic system for travel authorisation) for our connecting flights through Houston. How we missed this we do not know but fortunately the electronic system for checking worked and approximately 40 mins later, with authorisation received, our plans were back on track. By 5.30am on Wednesday 27 December we were leaving sleet and snow behind in Denmead and heading for warmer, if not drier, climes.

We arrived at Tocumen Airport Panama City just before 1am (local time). We eventually picked up the car (a Hyundai 4×4) and made our way to the Marriott Executive Apartments, Finisterre, our base for the next 15 days. Unfortunately, Calle Colombia seemed to extend across the whole of Panama City and despite using satnav, police assistance (I think we were in a less desirable area at one time) and further directions from another Marriott Hotel nearby, we got very lost. We eventually arrived at our destination at about 3.45am and settled into apartment 702 – this was lovely and spacious. We unpacked and collapsed in bed about 4.30am after over 28 hours travelling – tired but happy to have arrived.

Whilst the main purpose of our trip was to spend some time with Matt, we also hoped to learn more about Panama, its sights, people and culture. Panama is a deceptively large and diverse country so planning where to go in the time available (whilst building in some relaxing/recovery time for the old folks) was critical. Here is a flavour of our amazing adventure – in the city, the jungle and on the beach.

Thursday 28 December – our first day in Panama and a taste of city life. The views of Panama City from the apartment are brilliant. Panama City is a very modern city with many skyscrapers, particularly in the business and financial area around our apartment, but look in the other direction and properties are less attractive and in poor condition. After a cup of tea and coffee, our first priority was a shopping trip to the local supermarket to get some milk for a ‘proper’ cup of tea (made with Tetley T bags brought for Matt). We decided to walk as the store was only 6 mins away. Matthew did warn us to be careful as paths are very uneven and hazardous, much like those in the Caribbean where steep cambers and drainage ditches at the kerb await unsuspecting tourists looking at the sights. You also need to watch the low hanging electric cabling – clearly H&S regulations are more “relaxed” here.

As always we ended up buying a few more essential items – champagne, white wine, G&T with nibbles and lunch. We purchased a variety of empanadas (the local ‘pasties’) to try with bread and cheese. It was at this point we remembered that we were walking but at least the carrier bags are still free. A kettle for the apartment was requested as although we got the milk in anticipation of a lovely cuppa, we hadn’t spotted that there was only a coffee filter machine. Unfortunately, this is not a tea drinking nation so kettles are not provided but the gas was turned on so that we could use a saucepan to boil some water. Lazy afternoon reading up on Panama (must buy Terry a new hat!) and awaiting Matt’s arrival after work – Matt currently works at Jungle Land, a floating lodge from which you can enjoy activities in the jungle and on the canal.

Matt surprised us by arriving early – it was so lovely to see him and give him hugs from everyone. Matt looks really well and is enjoying his new job. We returned to the apartment to hear all the news and to see what Santa had brought – Matt loved his presents and we were pleased everything fitted. The jars of Marmite soon disappeared, safely stowed in his rucksack for his return to Jungle Land. We received some lovely locally made presents from Matthew as well as some mosquito repelling items for our trip to Jungle Land – we hope we won’t need them but shall certainly be prepared! We had a lovely evening whilst enjoying a celebratory bottle of fizz and G&Ts before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Great news – Matt has given up smoking. Well done Matt.

Our first breakfast at the hotel – there was a wide buffet selection to choose from, with eggs, omelettes and waffles being cooked to order. I always like to try the local fare so chicken fajitas with sautéed vegetables and a corn tortilla/cake for me – so good I had to have seconds! Despite this I’d finished before Terry got his breakfast – with the help of the translation app and hand signals, Terry had requested 2 softly poached eggs.  Over 10 mins later Terry received two boiled eggs (peeled), fortunately with slightly soft yolks. We really should have learnt some Spanish.

We took the City Sightseeing (hop-on/hop-off) tour to see the main sights and get our bearings of the city, sitting at the back on the top deck to get the best views and for Terry to use his new camera. Any thoughts about getting off along the way were scuppered by torrential rain and we got drenched when the rain came through the canopy roof and the open sides of the bus. We’ve both realised our waterproof rain jackets are not waterproof! We completed the city tour and after two cups of coffee braved the walk home, trying to avoid flooded roads and hidden potholes. We arrived back at the apartment absolutely drenched. We packed for our overnight trip to Jungle Land – we were not too sure what to expect except that it would be very active and out of my comfort zone. We did know that rain was expected and activities would go ahead regardless – I guess we’ll be getting wet again!

Eduardo, our driver arrived at 8.15am on Saturday 30 December for our journey to Jungle Land, where we will spend two days at the lodge. Following a couple of more pickups from other hotels (generally much younger and fitter guests), we arrived at Gamboa dock at about 9.30am. Matt and other colleagues were there to greet us and so our adventure on the Panama Canal began.

We had an excellent tour guide – very welcoming, informative, confident and witty. I may be a little biased but no one would have guessed it was Matt’s first tour. The tour lasted about 2 hours along the canal and waterways through the jungle. We saw a variety of birds (particularly snail kites), fed capuchin monkeys with peanuts and heard the howler monkeys – these are not aggressive animals but make this loud noise to deter any predators. We travelled onto Lake Gatun, learning a lot about the local trees and plants as we made our way to the Floating Lodge. The sounds and sights of the jungle are amazing and it is incredible how our guides spot the range of creatures camouflaged in the trees.

To reach the Floating Lodge, you sail through a low, narrow tunnel of trees and vines and then across an open expanse of lake, thickly covered with vegetation on which many jacana birds walk. After feeding a family of tamarin monkeys who live on the island just behind the lodge, we moored at the lodge, an extended barge, our home for the next two days. Our room was spacious, with a large double bed and 4 hanging beds which can be lowered on chains if required, and en-suite facilities. A delicious traditional Panamanian lunch followed – a selection of dishes of beef, chicken, vegetable rice, coleslaw and chicken tamale (cooked and served on the bijao leaf).
After lunch we were introduced to Fluffy, not as cuddly as you might think. With a fixed smile on my face we had our picture taken with Fluffy – a python. I’m not sure who was more shocked, Terry or me. Then it was activity time – fishing for Terry whilst I enjoyed the ride in some lovely sunshine initially, before thunder and torrential rain arrived. Drenched again but at least Terry did catch one fish – an Oscar (a local fish, not an award!). Kayaking next – a daunting prospect as the last time for me was on the Dordogne and over 20 years ago! We had a private tour along a narrow, reed-lined waterway to the waterfall with Matt leading the way as our guide and Terry and I following in another kayak. We did surprisingly well – it must be like riding a bike.

The waterfall was beautiful, really gushing but muddy from the significant rainfall –  thankfully too much water to climb and jump off for a swim as would usually be suggested to guests! However we did walk from the kayaks to the waterfall – I’m so glad we invested in our water shoes and don’t know how Matt goes barefoot. On our return further guests had arrived. After some time relaxing, dinner followed and then we were off on the night tour led by James and Emily, two British biologists carrying out a 6 month research project. We looked for crocodiles, the torch reflecting on their eyes on the surface of the water but sadly no close encounters for us this time. We sailed onto the Panama Canal in darkness (lights are not allowed for navigational reasons), and something that very few people do. We then returned to the lodge for a night-cap (help yourself!) and to meet Mia, a night monkey, that lives on the lodge. We retired to bed about 11pm after a busy day, tired but not aching yet!

The next morning I decided to join other guests on the hike in the jungle before breakfast so up at 6am (even forgot the make-up!) to set sail to another island. We hiked for just over an hour, most of it fine though I nearly slipped and twisted my knee going across a stream. Fortunately with help I managed to stay on my feet with no lasting injuries or hurt pride. Apart from the terrain, we had to keep an eye out for venomous snakes and ensure not to hold onto the trunks of the Black Palm tree which has long spikes on it to stop any creatures climbing and destroying it. We saw lots of flora and fauna, including an endangered flower which traps and kills creatures, then benefitting from the nutrients. Following a very welcome breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs and pancakes we went on the monkey tour, seeing a range of animals, including Pablo (an old and lonely capuchin monkey who had been exiled because of aggressive behaviour), a sloth and many birds. We returned to the lodge for another delicious Panamanian lunch – they certainly feed you well and all drinks, including alcohol, are free for resident guests.

Carl, the owner arrived with another group of day guests. Carl is an interesting and out-going character – a self-confessed “red neck from Missouri” although thought to be originally from Canada. He’s had a variety of careers, including working on ships and scuba diving before setting up the lodge approximately 16 years ago, following a heavy session one weekend and watching a programme on TV (Carl’s words). The business started as a barge offering day tours on the canal and once established, Carl moored the barge in its current location, clearing some of the jungle and gradually extending its facilities. Still further developments are planned to enable 80⁺ day guests at a time. Our 3.15pm departure soon came round and we set sail for Gamboa docks and our return to the city. Matt had the rest of the holiday with us to explore Panama – brilliant.

1 January 2018 – happy new year to all family and friends. After robust negotiations from $18 down to $8, we jumped into a taxi to take us to Casco Viejo – the old town. To our surprise and amusement the taxi driver then got out to jump start the car! We arrived safely at Casco Viejo and enjoyed meandering through the narrow, quiet streets of the old town – quite a mixture of affluence and poverty, typical of an up-and-coming tourist area with some very elegant houses/apartments and others in a state of disrepair and no roofs. Inside the Iglesia de San Jose (Church of St Joseph) is the famous Golden Altar, which is made of carved wood and covered in gold flake. When English pirate Henry Morgan attacked the city, the Jesuits painted the altar black to hide the gold. The pirates left it alone, thinking it was worthless. In addition we were delighted to see a huge and amazing model depicting the different events of the nativity story – a hidden gem in a side area.

Given Matt’s hunger pangs, Terry researched somewhere that was open for a late breakfast/lunch – as with any city there is a wide range of food to choose from but surprisingly few traditional Panamanian restaurants. During our stay we have enjoyed a variety of food including fajitas and ribs, ceviche corvina (raw bass cured with lime juice), sancocho (a Panamanian chicken based soup with coriander and yuca), Italian food and of course, a curry at Sabor de la India (Flavour of India) just 400 metres up the road.

Having sailed on the Panama Canal and surrounding waterways in the small Jungle Land boat, our next trip was to the Miraflores Lock and Panama Canal Museum. This tour with introductory film and exhibition was excellent and the transit of two ships through the canal was fascinating to watch – a must for any tourist. Unfortunately each afternoon it seems to rain in Panama City flooding the roads again, but it is really warm and everyone wears shorts and T shirts. I decided to try and find a waterproof jacket that I could pack into my bag. Unbelievably, and despite the torrential rain experienced, there were none to be found except in a specialist outdoor store. However I was not prepared to pay £80⁺ even if this was with 50% off. So another holiday umbrella was purchased, useful as it was raining again!

Up at 6.30 for an early breakfast before a day trip to Isla Taboga on the 9.30am Taboga Express ferry. The fast ferry across was really comfortable, with beer and soft drinks available. As it was low tide on arrival the ramp from the dock to the pier was very steep and a daunting prospect but fortunately quite easy to climb.

Taboga is a laid back, unspoilt island. Taxis to hotels are 4×4 trucks eg Mitsubishi camionetas with kids and luggage loaded into the back, or golf carts. We wandered down to the next beach and then made our way into the town in search of a coffee whilst Matt negotiated a tour of the island. The taxi, a Toyota truck, picked us up for a trip to the top of the island (about 5km each way). We now understand why the taxis are all 4×4 trucks as the road was just a very rugged track – Matt standing in the back held on tight! The view was brilliant and it was certainly worth the money. Our visit ended with a meal at Calaloo, a local cafe before returning on the 5pm ferry.

The next day we enjoyed a hearty breakfast (omelettes really good with extras from the hot selection) before leaving via the ‘post office’ for El Valle de Anton, a town nestled in the crater of a volcano. There are no post boxes in Panama and any letters/parcels are ‘posted’ at an office where stamps and delivery can be purchased.

We arrived at El Valle, a busy and deceptively large town around the main ‘high street’. We stayed for two nights at Villa Sarahlouna in a very cosy ‘bungalow’ (one room) with private bathroom across the path! Matt stayed at the Bodhi hostel, only 50 metres away and next door to the pizzeria also owned by Villa Sarahlouna. Once settled into our accommodation we wandered into town, checked out the market and enjoyed a few beers whilst watching local life and taking bets when a power-cut might end. Although expected at 4pm, Panama time can be very different – it was eventually nearer 6 pm and Matt won the bet. It was interesting to see the Police presence which we understand from Matt is usual in tourist areas to give reassurance rather than because of any problems. However the officers on motorbikes, in their black gear and carrying guns, did look very sinister. Supper followed – pizza of course cooked by Ricci, our French landlord!

Following an interesting night with unwanted ‘guests’ in our room and trips to the bathroom, we woke to a grey, misty but dry morning. After a cup of questionable tea and coffee in a local cafe, we drove up to see Chorro El Macho. To reach this waterfall we walked across suspension bridges through the rainforest. This was a beautiful walk and the waterfall was full given the torrential rain overnight. We travelled on to the viewpoint but unfortunately there was no prospect of any view. On the way back Matt and I did walk (despite the rain) to see the Piedra Pintada (painted rock). This meaning of the pre-Columbian petroglyph (more a rock face) can’t be decoded yet – some locals say it is a map for traders, other say it is a map of caves connecting the mountain range.

Such tourist sights appear family-run (possibly by the families who live in the dwellings nearby), although formal hand-written records are kept with your name and nationality, and as noted at the information centre. After chatting in Spanish to a young boy for a few minutes Matt was asked for a tip – that cut the conversation short. Then as we returned to the car another older lad (possibly the boy’s brother) asked for a tip for watching the car for us. He didn’t know which was our car or that Terry was in it – no tip for him today!

Following lunch in Bruschetta restaurant (the majority of restaurants in El Valle are Italian or Chinese but serve a variety of food) we visited the butterfly haven – there were over 200⁺ butterflies in the enclosure, many different species, colours and sizes which often alighted on you and certainly seemed to like Matt. All really fascinating, informative and enjoyable. Next a trip to the Orchid centre – this is run by a non-profit organisation which dedicates itself to the task of cultivating and conserving endangered local and regional orchids. Our guide showed us a few miniature orchids and then we explored the gardens. Although according to their information 147 different kinds of orchids can be seen, it must be the wrong time of year to visit as unfortunately we saw only a few in bloom.

Next morning all showered, packed and ready to go by 9am but first stop, Bruschetta for coffee – a lovely cappuccino for me and café negra (our Spanish is improving) for Terry and Matt. Matt and I then visited the museum – very interesting history of the area with many ceramic, religious and cooking artefacts as well as mineral stones and fossils. The adjacent Church of San Jose had another beautiful altar and nativity scene though much smaller than the one seen previously. We wandered through the town to meet Terry at the market. After making a few purchases we decided to have breakfast at Dona Nella, a Peruvian and Panamanian restaurant – this turned out to be more like lunch with a selection of rice, lentils and meats. This was such good value – $4.50 for mine and Matt’s, and Terry’s a little more! We then walked on via more local shops – all prices are the same which in some ways is good but no bartering for Terry even though he tried.

Now 7^th January and back in the city, our time in Panama is going so quickly. Following breakfast for Matt and I (beef fajitas with tortilla asado (small maize pancakes) and sautéed vegetables), and just coffee for Terry, we drove along the Amador Causeway to Isla Flamenco resort and marina. This is still under development and very much for tourists with overpriced gift shops and a duty-free shop for cruise passengers. We returned to the apartment via the supermarket with supplies to make sandwiches for our trip to Sans Blas islands – no breakfast as another early start.

Our transport arrived at 5.40am for the day trip to Sans Blas islands. After the driver’s initial shock at the size of Terry, Matt and I got right into the back of the 4×4 and Terry squeezed in with 2 girls, the front seat was already taken by another tourist. We made good time to Carti, travelling past Pachamama Gypsy Lodge and the farm where Matt worked – both these are remote places on a very poor road. Terry was really glad not to be driving – he could take pictures of the amazing scenery whilst also ‘enjoying’ the bumpy ride! We arrived at the port of Carti, having passed through the police control where passports had to be shown into Guna Yala. At the port we had to pay ‘the Boss’ in cash for the trip and then the Port tax ($2 each). Once paid we went through the gate where passport details were noted down and embarked on Kuna Sea Xpress, an open sided motor launch to the islands.

There are over 365 islands, varying in sizes and facilities, and many not developed at all. Following a brief stop at an island to pick up supplies of ice and coke, we moored at Isla Pelicano, a small, beautiful island with white sand, palm trees and wooden shacks – a stereotypical paradise island.  The water was not as warm as I expected and the waves were surprisingly strong. So having declined Matt’s help, I was knocked over by the waves and made a dramatic entrance into the water on my bum. After our swim, there was free rum and coke available with tortillas and salsa dip. We stayed there for approx. 2 hours before going to a natural lake – standing in this shallow pool in the middle of the sea is just such a bizarre, but lovely experience. However as I’m not a water baby it was not easy for me to get into the lake from the boat, and even harder (and totally inelegant) trying to get back into the boat – Matt swam under me so I was sitting on his shoulders and then able to clamber into the boat. Whilst in the natural lake Terry and Matt held a starfish, such a beautiful sight and a vivid orange in colour in the water.

Once all guests had returned to the boat, we moved onto Isla Diablo for lunch – a whole fish with rice and salad. I managed to eat this, although not as much of it as Matt, who even tried the head and eyes. This was followed by coco loco – a fresh coconut with rum added through a hole in the top. Fun to try and the fresh coconut was delicious. Last stop Isla Wailidup where Terry and Matt went swimming again and saw another starfish, the suckers sticking to Matt’s hand. We finally set sail for Carti and then homeward bound, Terry in the front seat this time. Although very briefly and at a distance, it was so good to see some of the places where Matt has worked on his journey through Central America. This was a brilliant day – beautiful scenery, lots of warm sunshine and rounded off with a curry. Happy days.

Martyrs’ Day, a Panamanian Day of national mourning, is on 9 January and commemorates the 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The riot started after a Panamanian flag was torn and led to 22 Panamanian students and four U.S. soldiers being killed during a conflict with Canal Zone Police officers and Canal Zone residents. The incident is thought to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, and finally completed in 1999.

After breakfast we visited the artisans market where Matt bought Terry a Panama hat that fits him! Also after much searching and negotiating I have a woven bag for the beach – a good price in the end but hard work for Matt. Refreshments needed so mojitos and a pina colada bought from a stall outside the market – certainly beats our burger vans. On return to the apartment, my bag was christened when we took supplies with us to relax by the pool and watch the sunset. We took our first drinks with us in the lift and were advised by other guests that no alcohol is on sale today, not even in restaurants – we are allowed to drink though! It was lovely sitting there in the fresh air with a very different view of residential buildings (though some derelict) rather than city skyscrapers, and looking west towards Ancon Hill where the Panamanian flag flew at half-mast. Following dinner in the restaurant we enjoyed our last evening together with Matt – bubbles and gin all gone by the end of the evening.

10 January – our last day with Matt. After another trip to the Artisans market to purchase a ‘supplies’ bag for Terry, we took the scenic route back along the causeway for the last time. There were 3 more cruise ships, Azamara and 2 other smaller ships, anchored in the bay, with tenders back and forth from the ships. It is such a lovely view across the bay to see the skyline of Panama City and it was certainly busy in the restaurants and bars. On our return to the apartment we decided to walk to two nearby restaurants for lunch, both of which had excellent reviews. Tinajas restaurant, a Panamanian restaurant was surprisingly large and plush inside and as the menu looked good we decided to go for it. It was a lovely meal and a fitting end to our time with Matt.

Sadly it was time to pack, particularly the case with Matt’s present for Dean which was secured with luggage belts and cling film on the outside. Matt completed his packing – it’s amazing how much can be squeezed into a rucksack, albeit a large one, and his hammock bag. Matt’s hammock (made to order in Rastafarian colours in Mexico) is absolutely beautiful. However his new mosquito net with 5 ft poles proved a little tricky to pack, but I’m sure Matt will work something out for the future.

Time to say goodbye – this was so hard. Matt will return to Jungle Land and plans to stay there probably until April, at which time he hopes to get his transport by boat to Colombia, as agreed whilst working at Pachamama. Then Matt will make his way through Ecuador to Chile (where he hopes to work and snowboard), and on to Patagonia (this bridges Chile and Argentina). A long way to go and who knows where next……..

Following our 4.30am alarm, our journey to the airport took less than 30 mins, even with one detour. However check-in for our 7.40am flight to Houston was not so straightforward as our clever wrapping of Dean’s present was not acceptable for hold luggage and had to be removed. Fortunately there were no problems through security and it was allowed as additional hand luggage. On arrival at Houston, we revisited Ruby’s Diner for a burger and chilli cheese fries. Sadly that’s when our difficulties began leading to long delays due to thunderstorms affecting the incoming flights. Having eventually boarded our plane, we left Houston nearly 8 hours later, facing a 9 hour flight but pleased to be on our way at last.

Our thanks to Matt for an amazing adventure and for his patience with the old folks when the spirit was willing but the body struggled – I still can’t believe what we have done and seen in this short holiday with him. Panama is a beautiful and diverse country with much to offer as a holiday destination. It has been really special to share this time with Matt with many memories to cherish until we meet again.

Matt, we are so proud of you and love you so very much. Farewell intrepid explorer – stay safe, follow your dreams and be happy.

 

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Thanks Mum for saving me lots of writing. Now the olds have gone, I have returned to Jungle Land to continue working. My day, if fully booked and busy can consist of this:

Up at 6am to organise guests for a hike through the jungle from one side of an island to the other. Then the day tour begins which involves a boat journey along the Panama Canal and past all the dredging machinery and boats. Then the boat heads to lots of small islands that inhabit 3 different types of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodile, lots of birds of many forms and many other animals on top of that. These are just the ones you can almost guarantee seeing on a daily basis. After Lunch, I can go kayaking and jump of a small water into normally crystal clean spring water. In the afternoon I may have to SUP around some of the islands or could go fishing with guests. After dinner, we go on the night surfari and try to spot animals at night, including caiman and crocodiles. The other day I caught my first one and brought it onto the boat for the customers to see before throwing it back. To catch them you have to be quick and don’t hesitate otherwise it could take off a finger with one bite. It was about 80cm long so only a baby, but even at that size, it still has a lot of strength throughout its body.

If we do not have any customers then it is a pretty nice place to relax. We are fed very well and the rooms are nice too. On top of that, it is a free bar every day for staff and Carl has no qualms about you indulging in a few too many every now and then. So this is where I will be for the rest of the busy season or until the end of April. That is unless I get eaten by a croc or get fired, but hopefully neither of them happen.

Thank you once again Mum for writing your piece and thank you Dad for the photo accompanying it. Miss you guys already, as well as everyone else back home. Hope all is well and I will speak to you again soon. Hasta luego