I've spent 4 weeks in Bocas del Toro and it's really starting to feel like home. I moved into Hostel Hansi for the last 2 weeks and had my own little, private room. There is nothing better than a private room for $13 a night. I now know my way around this island and have a great, little group of friends. That's the biggest thing that makes leaving any place hard, the amazing people you meet along the way.
One of my favourite people back home asked for a list of the top ten things I've done/seen/experienced so far. So, here's my top 10 for Bocas. In no particular order..
• Learning to scuba dive. SUCH an amazing experience and one of the most incredible feelings! I am now certified with the PADI Advanced Open Water and hope to continue diving during this trip.
** If you're ever in Bocas and want to dive, Bocas Water Sports on the Main Street (trecera) is awesome. Excellent price, safe, clean and the guys who work there are so fun!
my scuba instructor, Hector
• Surfing! Actually catching a wave after many failed attempts is such an accomplishment. Also, watching the guys here surf. They are so very impressive.
surfing at Black Rock with Jenny
• Waking up everyday and putting a bathing suit on. Glorious.
• Sun & 30 degrees almost everyday! Makes you want to spend every minute outside exploring.
• Meeting different people from all over the world and hearing their stories. Really reinforces that there are a million opportunities in the world.
my Bocas family
Jennifer & Tabea
• The colours. Everything here is so colourful! Green trees, turquoise water, bright blue sky, white sand beaches, purple, yellow, blue, green, pink, orange houses & buildings! If I ever buy a house I'm painting it purple. Or maybe blue.
• The fruit! Readily available everywhere and so delicious. Also, the food in general. I've discovered some amazing restaurants. My favourite restaurant in Bocas is El Ultimo Refugio. It's a little bit pricey compared to the usual $5-$10 meals we go for, but SO worth it. Best mashed potatoes I've ever eaten (sorry, dad!)
• Seeing dolphins for the first time! And seeing a bunch of other underwater creatures I've never seen before. Stingrays, eels, lobsters, lots of different kinds of fish.
• The dancing! Holy man the people here know how to dance! We've had many nights dancing till 4am to the best reggaeton & merengue music then needing to jump into the ocean to cool down.
• Being in a culture where they want you to be a part of it. Everyone wants to help with my Spanish and is so encouraging. The people here are living on $200 to $500 a month and yet they are some of the happiest people I've ever met.
I recommend everyone takes a trip to Bocas del Toro! It's the perfect island getaway. Here are some pictures from around town.
Trecera (3rd Street)
cat naps
Best lunch in Bocas! Healthy too
playa bluff
lots of naps
and lots of bike rides
sometimes the bikes break.. Wun to the rescue!
playa estrella
my favourite hostel
Aqua Lounge
Spanish school graduation with my teacher Gilberto
Valentine's Day festivities at school