Lost and Found in Panama!

Having only spent a fortnight in Panama, this country is starting to win me over, and Costa Rica has some serious competition!

After two attempts to leave Bocas, (the first boat ran out of petrol) I took the 2 1/2 bus trip to the mainland. The route was simple enough and flew by! Before I knew it I stepped off the bus to the Lost and Found entrance, the jungle hostel hidden up in the mountains! 

I read about it briefly in a Central America guide book but was convinced to go after meeting someone who had recently been and loved it! If you think it's something you would like, it's definitely worth a look: www.lostandfoundlodge.com.

The walk uphill to the hostel wasn't half as bad as what I had read and they even had signs encouraging you to keep going and a small bench to give yourself a 5mins rest. 

This place reminded me a lot of Merazonia, an animal refuge in Ecuador I volunteered at last year and brought back good memories. The jungle feel, feeling chilly at night, the trees, the greenery. I'm happy I chose to go here.  

Above: My bed was the top bunk for 3 nights! 

The views are phenomenal and that's really not exaggeration. There are mountains everywhere and the cloud are so white and clear and when the sun is setting you can't take your eyes of it.

I realise this sounds a bit like a piece from a guide book, but I can only explain it this way. A nice change from the business and beaches at Bocas!

 

On my second day, I went hiking (pic below) with a nice Belgian girl who had been hiking to every landmark surrounding the hostel and I was keen to see some myself.

We began early, but it didnt do much good as the sun was already out and after 10 minutes we were sweating! 

The hike took us past the 'on and off' lake that was dry when we looked, the little oven lookout gave us a little peek of the mountain views. We then came across the huge tree beard (below) that looked like lots of tall trees mounted together with swinging vines that we attempted to swing on!  The banana kingdom was not full of bananas as I'd hoped as I can't get enough of the fruit out here! 

After a tiring 3 hour hike we finally made it to Valley View the furthest point and it was so worth it! We must have stood there taking in the view for a while, admiring everything around us and to catch our breath of course!

On my second day I took a trip to the river canyon, which was great to jump in and swim in the cool river but the night time was really great when a campfire was lit and we all sat around roasting marshmallows and even bread on sticks! De-licious! After 3 nights in Lost & Found, the third being free, I caught the bus to a small town in Boquete, a place that everyone I had met in Bocas raved about! 

Now I am here I can see why people like it, it is surrounded by mountains and when the sun is out it is a pretty place. But it is another town,that reminded me a lot of Tamarindo ( a town I went to in my second week, which seems a life time ago now). It is packed full of tourists and tours offering days out for 'cheap' prices.

I was fortunate to meet up with my lovely French friend who I met in Isla Bastimentos, who I saw on the bus the day before! Of all the buses we could have taken and of all the hostels in Boquete we choose the same one! That worked out well really! 

We chose to take a trip to the hot springs (above) another cheap day like the snorkelling trip we took, so we are quite happy with our findings so far! And of course we got lost on our way and walked waaaay further than we should have, but hey it's all good excercise, right? That's what we were saying to ourselves anyway. 

So, we dipped our feet into the hot springs and were so suprised as to how hot it was. We were told it was around 35-40 degrees, hotter then the weather which seemed impossible! 

A few locals passed by and one woman told us that she suffered from arthritis in her hands for years but after regularly visiting and bathing in the springs she was healed! She told us to let the water soak into our skin that night and not shower until the morning. 

We said we would and are hoping to have smooth and healthy looking skin in the morning! If only we could visit these springs every week we'd be glowing!

Today is my last day in rainy/hot Boquete and also marks the beginning of my 7th week in Central America! I think a taste of the infamous local coffee is in order and a glass or two of this Argentinian white wine I have heard so much about... Who ever said coffee and wine don't mix?! 

Home time!

I'm baaaack! After 56 days of new experiences, new people and a few surprises here and there, I landed in London with a beautiful view of the sunrise from the plane! So nice to see the UK again.

Above: The clear blue sea when we went snorkelling. One of my favourite days spent in Isla Bastimentos, Panama. 

I cannot believe how fast my time here has gone. I remember thinking that this day was so far away when I first arrived in Costa Rica. Throughout my travels I made a list of what I have noticed/realised about myself and my surroundings. I actually wrote a lot more but cut it down as not to bore you! 

What I have learnt from this trip: 

1. The sunrise and sunsets here are both worth waitin for. 

2. Playa Grande beach (below) could be my favourite place in Costa Rica, and yet it was unknown by many travellers I spoke to. It is beautiful. 

3.  People are kind

4. You can never put on enough mosquito spray. Those demons are everywhere.

5. Howler monkeys/roosters/Tucans will wake you up most mornings and not stop until they know you can't go back to sleep. 

6. Other Solo travellers will be happy you started talking to them first.

7. Unlike the UK everyone says hello to you here. Everyone. 

8. Couples are just as easy to talk to as solo travellers. And just as nice

 

9. I have missed people back home more than I thought I would

10. Ecuador coffee tasted a little better but I am still taking some home with me.

11. So much can be done by 10am 

12. I prefer the bottom bunk (unless I go back to Lost and Found lodge, I will cross my fingers for the highest bed!)

13. Some people will steal your stuff, even where you think it's safe :( 

14. Cold showers are so good.

15. You never know what the day will throw at you. Expect suprises 

16. Being ill abroad sucks, but it's made so much better when strangers you met the same day stay by your side to help. 

Above: Panamas pacific coast. 

I love seeing different parts of the world, and will definitely return to Panama and explore more of it and the other beautiful  countries surrounding it. Costa Rica was fantastic and I will always remember by time there fondly buy there are too many other countries in this world to see!

I'm glad I did this trip and I'm happy that I did it alone, I feel proud almost. A few years back I would not have even considered going to a foreign country on my own. It's not half as scary/dangerous/lonely as people think. I'm already planning where to go next, so many places to see out there... No idea where to go next, but I can't wait! 

Bocas del toro, you beauty!

I'm in Panamaaa!! 

Since I began planning my trip to Costa Rica way back in 2013 (all those years ago), I read so much about these small islands off of Panama, each with a different name but known collectively as Bocas del toro. Every blog and guide book raved about these islands so I was determined to check it out and now I'm here I can finally see what all the fuss is about! 

My week began in Cahuita, a small town North of Puerto Viejo, boasting a beatiful national park full of wildlife and amazing views. And it es exactly that. I walked the 8km trail and was thankful it was all flat and partly along the beach, given the hills I dreaded back and forth to the farm the  previous week! 

Below: Cahuita National park. 8km trek in the sun wasnt easy but the views made it worthwhile

And on Tuesday morning I took the 8am bus to the border. I got talking to a friendly Canadian couple who were headed the same way, so it was nice to be with others who were new to the process!

Having read so many tips and hints on where to go and what to do while crossing the border, I was weary as to how it would go, but it took only half hour to get an exit stamp cross the bridge and get an entry stamp to Panama! Not bad at all. 

Don't look down: the old railroad bridge is now the crossing to Panama!

The one thing bloggers were spot on about was the old wooden railroad bridge (pic above) I kept to one side as so many slats in the middle had disappeared and even the sturdier looking ones I walked on were creaking! I still managed to take some pics, but the Canadian woman I was walking with was so suprised to see me snapping away, she gasped "Oh! Don't show those pictures to your mom!" 

Left to right: A little windswept on the boat, the view from my hostel on isla bastimentos, bocas town dock and the bridge picture I was told not to share! 

My hostel 'Yemanja' was on Isla Bastimentos, about 10 mins and $3 dollars away from the mainland. This place has been described as anotherworld compared to Bocas town, and they got that spot on! There are only a handful of hostels dotted around this island, and the rest of the colourful buildings are houses of locals who have lived here for years.

One path leads through Bastimentos, with a few mini supermarkets and the odd bar. That's about it. It's so anti Bocas, it was great to be living in amongst the locals and really getting a feel of how they live. Everyone smiled at you and the kids said hello as you passed, I can't say I felt out of place here at all.

Stunning: our view after snorkelling, the $0.50 delcious coconut water and some of the fish we passed. 

Woke up to a beautiful day, and after meeting two other travellers ( and rench lady and an American guy at the hostel) we all decided to take a snorkling trip together. We tracked down a local and after some negotiating, he took us to Coral Cay reef almost an hour away by boat. Our trip to the reef was bumpy as the waves were choppy that morning, and the views of the other islands and the Panama mountains were amazing! 

The snorkelling was so much fun,the waters were so clear and with the sun shining on us we could have swam all day! We saw lots of small and big fish full of colours and coral reef that simply swayed in the ocean. We ended the day on Island Solarte, 5 mins from Bastimentos, taking in the views and relaxing after a great but tiring day! And it cost us $15! 

 

And so it's now Sunday night, I ventured to the main land two days ago and have already met some great people! I like that wherever you go, there's always someone to talk and hang out with. 

I have one more day to take in this beatiful place and the I'm off to explore more of what Panama has to offer! I cannot wait.

Bye bye Bocas! 

Viruses and volunteering

And breathe.....

It's Sunday afternoon and I can finally relax after a week of very early mornings and very dirty fingernails! 

I was unlucky enough to catch the virus that was floating around the Carribean coast before my farm week, and so I was happy to move on with the hope that a bit of work would make me feel better! 

Below: Cool sign at Outback Jack's place, view from the volunteer house, our cheese, vagos place sign and our kombucha! 

And for 6 days and 7 nights I volunteered at an organic farm called 'Vago's place' about 10mins away from Puerto Viejo, and seen as I was in town already I avoided another crowded (and dreaded) bus journey! And now my whole body is aching! No exaggeration. 

3 of us volunteered last week, myself, an American girl and an Australian girl so we had a nice mix and were able to swap and share travel experiences! 

We did so much from milking goats to making cheese, to improving pathways, and feeding the chickens to planting herbs and even making our own pesto and kombucha! 

The days were hot and we were so thankful when it rained at night as it  drowned out the goats moaning and the world's most annoying rooster who seemed to think it was ok to cock-a-doodle-doo at 2am! 

Spotted: 2 teeny tiny hummingbird eggs in the garden. 

The farm grows a lot of its own food and it we used most if not all of the vegetables and herbs for our meals each day. We made pesto from the leaves, kombucha from the juices and tea from the herbs. A very healthy and nutritious  week I must say. 

Saturday was market day, which meant half a day of selling our homemade products.

 It was packed full of locals and tourists looking to get some bargains and had so much on sale from fruits to meats and cakes! I tried a slice of homemade carrot cake which was delicious! The best $2 I have spent since I got here!

And for our last dinner we made our own pizzas with their massive pizza oven, leaving us feeling full and happy having craved pizza all week!

Below : Our stall selling kombucha, tea, taco chips, creams, bug repellent, mouthwash and cheese!

The week was hard and I am physically tired from the work and walking quite a way back and forth to town every afternoon, but I really enjoyed myself. 

I have learnt how to cook healthier foods, have jotted down recipes for foods and juices I didn't even know you could make(!) and have really learnt another way of living out here! 

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to do so and would encourage others to try it, even of you're not sure it would be your thing! I think it would surprise you.

This week's been different...

Well, this week was certainly different.

Iv come to the decision that I prefer the coast to inland towns, though I'm glad I saw a few places. And homesickness started to sink in too..

My trip to La Fortuna wasnt what I thought it would be. I arrived in the rain bit was told to expect that, however I wasn't expecting to leave the very next day!

Below: Arenal volcano from the boat 

La Fortuna wasnt unlike Tamarindo, with its tourist/souvenir shops and every other shop was offering tours to the volcano/waterfall, all starting at around $45! I did think about it but having met some people, they said they liked a few of the tours buy it wasn't worth the money. I was fortunate to meet two great girls and find a great little coffee place called Down to earth coffee: http://bit.ly/1nOL5Vb. (Shameless plug) 

I tried a banana iced coffee here which tasted surprisingly good, and I wish I could have had another! If you ever visit La Fortuna this place is a must!

The next day I had lunch with a great girl and then we parted ways and I took a taxi-boat-taxi to Monteverde (pic above).

I decided against a public bus, as it would have cost me half the price, but also double the time! So I'm glad I did it.

The views were amazing, and it's only when you see he volcano from afar you realise how big it is! 

Monteverde is another town offering plenty of tours, it wasn't a big town but it was of hills, so even a walk to the supermarket felt like good excercise! 

I passed this awesome looking tree house restaurant (pic above) where this place had been built around this huge tree that stuck out of the building! 

Spent the day hiking with guys I met in the hostel, we walked up very steep hills to a Ficus tree which took us longer then we thought because, silly us we went at midday! And my arms were a lovely shade of red that night! 

The tree was huge and easy to climb though I couldn't reach a higher branch or find some place to set my foot! Damn my short legs. One guy took some pics and promised to send me some when he's home, the views from the tree were amazing! 

 

And after 9 hours and 2 bus journeys later, I arrived at the Caribbean coast on Wednesday evening! My hostel is just by Punta Uva and has a rustic and a real jungle feel to it! Plan to spend a few days on the beach, start a good book, do the laundry and see what this coast of Costa Rica has to offer!

 

Above: Beautfiul Punta Uva beach 

Surfing is such a workout!

WOW surfing is hard work! My arms are still aching! 

Playa Grande attracts surfers form all over and it's easy to see why, I had to give it a go! 

I rented a board that was twice the size of me but apparantley it was the best for a beginner! I didn't manage to stand up but I was thrown around enough by the waves I didn't realise how forceful they could be! I'm definitely renting another board at the next beach I go to, so determined to stand up even if it is for a few seconds! 

Don't get me wrong, Tamarindo beach was very nice and I met some great people at the hostel. We spent a few days or evenings together, getting food, going to the beach, it was so nice to meet like minded people from all over the world. After 4 nights, I walked the short hike to where the river separates two beautiful but very different beaches.

Pic: Tamarindo to my left and Playa Grande to my right! 

 

When I got to the river (above pic) I thought it was so narrow, surely I could cross that? Turns out the boat was needed as the driver pointed out two crocodiles, and I could just see their head floating around! Definitely a good call on taking the boat!

 

After a long, somewhat difficult walk along Playa grande beach, luckily I had been given directions from friends at Tamarindo, I was greeted to an open friendly hostel where Pura vida, (meaning pure life, live life to the full) was definitely the way of life here! 

 

Mi Casa hostel was home for longer than expected, as Playa Grande was awesome! The were no tourists, no offers of drugs(!) just people relaxing, having fun and the sunset was beautfiul! 

I ate breakfast twice at a nice bar/restaurant which had the world flags on show including the Welsh one, which made me smile!  

I spent my days snorkeling, cycling around the island which was great excercise but pretty hard in the heat!

Below: Me looking attractive in my surfing gear! 

The most memorable night was when a group of volunteers stayed the night, a mix of people from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Panama, and we all sat around a table playing Drunk jenga, where the one who broke the tower had to take shots of barcadi, rum and whiskey!   

And now after 2 days and 4 bus journeys later I have arrived at La Fortuna! And I have to say, I already miss the beach...

Day 16: Oh What a week!

Wow, I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks! Though I will probably be saying this at week 3,4,5...

Having spent a week at a small rather secluded town called Hojancha, I took a bus to enjoy life at the beach a little further North this time, called Playa Tamarindo! It's a nice place, the beach stretches for a while as is divided by rocks which is unlike a beach I have seen here yet, but it's still a great one. Unlike other places I have been this one is very tourist-y! Lots of souvenir shops with overpriced shorts and tacky gifts, and the same people pass you on the beach trying to sell you necklaces and these small plastic birds which make an awful high pitched sound! And I have been asked if I want drugs more times than I care to remember! 

Right now, I'm at Playa Grande, but more of that in my next post...

Above : Tamarindo beach 

Below: Cocktail bar in Tamarindo that made me chuckle :) 

So, on my second week I began volunteering with tropical adventures. 

I worked at the botanical gardens every morning and then spent some of the afternoon in a summer school with around 9 children.

It was fun and I feel like I have helped out as there were activities to think of and plan but it wasn't really organised, and most days I finished at 2! 

Hojancha is such a small town there isn't much to do, so by Wednesday evening I wa craving to be by the beach! 

However, I did stay with a lovely host family, a mother and son who were so friendly and welcoming, I felt so safe living with them. I think living with a family  helps you understand the way of life here a lot better than staying in a hostel would. 

Front doors were left open, neighbours and friends were always coming and going and everyone knew everyone in this town. The children walked to and from school and their homes feeling happy that they would be safe. 

It's such a different world here, everyone is relaxed and laid back, and everyone says hello to you. Might try that in london sometime.. 

Below: a dancing horse that passed by my host family house for the week, just like the horse I had seen at the Festival!