Panama was unbelievable! We went to a set of islands called Bocas del Toro and it was actually one of those places you see in magazines with boat huts on the water for honeymoons. We took a bus to the border between Costa Rica and Panama. Let me tell you, its an adventure to get to Bocas del Toro. To enter into Panama we had to cross over an old wooden train bridge that had holes in it and creaky, loose boards...while carrying our luggage. Then we took a smaller bus to the ocean where we boated on over to the main island. The main island has a small downtown lined with bars, hotels, adventure companies, shops, and restaurants. We immediately changed into bathing suits and took a boat taxi to an island with a red frog beach, yet I didn't see any poisonous red frogs. I was happy enough with the gorgeous beach though! The waves were very rough and the current strong. Red flags were out but regardless people had to be helped by lifeguards to get back to shore safely. One of my friends even had two lifeguards out there to get her back in. We relaxed until it was time to leave for dinner. I had a delicious filet of fish for dinner and we went to a bar that had a dock lit up at night. Of course people were jumping into the water between dancing and socializing and the night got later.
Sunday is possibly my most favorite day I've been abroad so far. We got up early and went for a ride to see dolphins in the Dolphin Bay and then snorkeling nearby. The water was so clear and starfish were gigantic. They were much bigger than the ones on the east coast in the states I've held before. Following snorkeling we went to Playa Estrella, which means starfish beach. It had soft, white sand and had lunch there with our toes in the water. Some people who ordered fish were a little surprised when they got the whole fish...eyes, fins, bones and all. Although I wouldn't have minded, I was pretty content with my chicken. We relaxed the whole day in the sun and water. It was funny how much more sunscreen everyone put on this time compared to when we were at Manuel Antonio...we learned our lesson. There was even banana boating and tubing that you could do for just $5! Also there were underwater sea tours which is when a boat tows you behind, holding onto a rope while you are snorkeling so you can see everything below. Jet skiing was another option so you can bet all of us were trying everything out. I did tubing with two of my friends and I don't know if it's because I'm older now or what, but that was not as easy as I had remembered it! Overall, the day was a blast. We went back to the main island, shopped, ate dinner on a dock, and spent the rest of the night dancing away. This will not be the last time I go to Bocas del Toro for sure. The only thing is maybe I'd fly just so I can avoid walking over that bridge again.
This is a video I made from our weekend in Panama, check it out!
Sunday is possibly my most favorite day I've been abroad so far. We got up early and went for a ride to see dolphins in the Dolphin Bay and then snorkeling nearby. The water was so clear and starfish were gigantic. They were much bigger than the ones on the east coast in the states I've held before. Following snorkeling we went to Playa Estrella, which means starfish beach. It had soft, white sand and had lunch there with our toes in the water. Some people who ordered fish were a little surprised when they got the whole fish...eyes, fins, bones and all. Although I wouldn't have minded, I was pretty content with my chicken. We relaxed the whole day in the sun and water. It was funny how much more sunscreen everyone put on this time compared to when we were at Manuel Antonio...we learned our lesson. There was even banana boating and tubing that you could do for just $5! Also there were underwater sea tours which is when a boat tows you behind, holding onto a rope while you are snorkeling so you can see everything below. Jet skiing was another option so you can bet all of us were trying everything out. I did tubing with two of my friends and I don't know if it's because I'm older now or what, but that was not as easy as I had remembered it! Overall, the day was a blast. We went back to the main island, shopped, ate dinner on a dock, and spent the rest of the night dancing away. This will not be the last time I go to Bocas del Toro for sure. The only thing is maybe I'd fly just so I can avoid walking over that bridge again.
This is a video I made from our weekend in Panama, check it out!