LOCAL COLOR 7: Panama - Bocas del Toro

Nov 12, 2009 Boquete to Bocas del Toro

Today, we take bus, taxi, and boat to the northern Caribbean coast of Panama. Climbing over the pass in a Toyota Coaster, we see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as Panama is only 40 to 110 miles wide.

In Bocas, we stay at the Calipso Hostel, in the middle of town. It’s a great deal; $25 per night with AC in an attractive wood building with kitchen access. The owner from Barcelona is very friendly, and keeps her place clean. The four markets in town are run by Chinese immigrants; very convenient as our Mandarin is better than our Spanish.

Nov 13-17, 2009 Bocas del Toro

We spend three days diving with La Buga Dive, including our first night dive. The visibility is not very good because of all the rain runoff. But, our divemaster, Jose, is a super cool local who stops by our hotel to say hello and have a drink. Thanks to Jose for not losing us in the dark!

Monday, Nov 16, is Bocas foundation day. We are treated to four hours of parades, and several days of thumping music and drunkenness directly in front of our hotel.

One day, we take a pretty lousy tour of the local islands, although a break in the rain makes the boat ride very enjoyable.

We stay an additional day because it’s pouring rain till 2PM the day we plan to leave.

For tropical places, Bocas is not particularly special, but it is cheap and relaxing. We enjoy our stay, but are sorry to notify the owner of the Hotel Calipso when we catch a hotel employee in our room, who stole $20. She is crushed.