From Panama City we caught a night bus to Bocas del toro, an island group in the west of the country, close to the boarder of Costa Rica. We arrived there early in the morning where we took a boat to the island.

For some reason there are lots of places (land and hostels) for sale. I heard many explanarions for that, which none really satisfied my curiosity… one is that the tourism started here arround 15 years ago and that this ex-sailors who started it here are now going back home because of age or health issues. Another answer was: too much competition… anyways: also here a good moment to buy! But: hardly any beaches (the few beaches there are, are very flat so the waves flood the whole sand and it’s never dry), the waves are rough and there are rip tides, too many surfer dudes and for now too much rain, still the end of the rainy season? On the upside: not so many mosquitos, relaxed and friendly people, stores provide all the food products we need, panama seems stable, the climate is nice with arround 30 degrees and not too much moisture! It’s always hard in the moment to be objective, but this place is actually quite nice! We could only have our place till 27. december – then all was full and prices rises 300%. We will then head for the lush mountains arround Volcán Barú on 2200 meters and stay there over new years and wait till prices drop again to reasonable rates to catch a flight to somewhere – but where? Jamaica,Cuba, Dom.Rep.? Lot’s of time to decide still…

Nice scenery but often no beach between water and land…

playa bluff:

isla carenero: