ShipHappens

I snagged a cozy Airbnb near the airport. Let me tell you, folks, this place was cleaner than a whistle and perfectly situated. My host, a kind, helpful soul, made sure I felt right at home. Armed with his guidance, I set out to plan my journey to the other side of Panama – the Atlantic coast, specifically the San Blas Islands, where I hoped to meet Zenia again.

Now, let me tell you, arranging transportation in Panama proved to be a wild ride. Apparently, flights to San Blas are as rare as a mermaid sighting since they built that fancy new road. Luckily, my host hooked me up with a driver who whisked me away to San Blas Pty. From there, another arrangement awaited – a boat ride to El Porvenir, where my crew would be waiting to pick me up.

But hey, nothing worth doing is ever easy, right? Despite the logistical hurdles, I managed to spend a delightful day exploring Panama City. From the historic ruins to the bustling streets and, of course, the iconic Panama Canal, this city stole my heart with its charm and vibrancy.

The next day, my chauffeur drove me deep into the jungle to Guna Yala, where I now find myself surrounded by lush greenery. My hosts, descendants of the indigenous people who once inhabited this island, have welcomed me with open arms. Through broken English and spirited gestures, I've learned about their history and even embarked on a mini-hike with their grandfather, a font of knowledge about the Guna Yala Revolution.

Sunday, I'll journey onwards to the coast, hoping my boat transfer and rented bungalow plans fall into place. Finding accommodation on the islands proved to be a bit of a challenge, as most operators prefer to sell package tours rather than single-night stays. But hey, worst-case scenario, I'll be camping under the stars – not the end of the world, right?

Stay tuned for more adventures from the wilds of Panama! Smooth sailing (or jungle trekking), my friends!Read more