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My hotel, mine is the open window
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I
don't wanna go! I could stay here for a very long
time. I fact, I think I could live here. I've been
in Panama for three weeks now and still only visited
the northern-most one fifth of this very small country.
As my trip progresses, I seem to be travelling slower
and slower. At this rate of deceleration, by the
time I get to Peru, I will have come to a complete
stop! |
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I'm on an island now called Bocas in the Bocas Del Toro
region of Panama. It is a tropical archipelago. Many of
the islands are entirely blanketed with vegetation, with
dense mangrove extending into the water and thick rainforest
up into the hills. Fortunately there are a few clearings
in the jungle and some very nice beaches. A boat is the
preferred form of transport in the maze of waterways between
and around the various sized keys.
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The best way
to get around...
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Bocas is the main inhabited island with a healthy little
tourist economy. There is an eclectic mix of expatriates
from around the globe blended with Caribbean Blacks, Indigenous
Folk, and those of Latin blood. Most everyone understands
both English and Spanish.
Italians,
French Canadians, Germans and a few Americans are
running a number of the businesses competing for
the tourist dollar. Former travelers always seem
to have a better handle on serving the tourist than
the non-mobile locals. |
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Flirting with the bartender
at the 'Wreck Deck'
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In any case, the foreigners seem to have a sincere concern
for, as well as a vested interested in, the social health
of the community. They are out to make a profit, but more
here for the lifestyle, to be sure! And since everyone
knows everyone in this small island community, security
is not a big issue and children have relative freedom
to roam the streets and parks in safety.
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Barco Hundido, or the 'Wreck Deck' a waterfront
bar overlooking a sunken ship
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And an infrastructure! Yes, there is a government with
a manageable amount of corruption, utilities, a bank,
and even cable TV! Yet the place retains a thirld world,
laid back, tropcal island mentality. It may just be ripe
for a corporate tourist takeover, but for now itís a slice
of paradise.
Yes, I could stay for quite a while! But wait! (forgive
me if you've heard this line before) I'm on a mission!
Tierra Del Fuego or Bust! But I can stay for just a couple
more days, can't I?
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