Chillin' in Bocas

On our first night at Bambuda Lodge, on Isle Solarte, we met an investment banker/marathon runner from Denmark named Jochim. after one week of hiking the difficult trail through the island, playing in the water at starfish beach or visiting for hours over morning coffee or evening beers, we stood waving goodbye to our good friend as he left on the water taxi. We realized here that there is something about traveling that allows good friendships to form very quickly, even though your time together is short. There were many other great people we enjoyed spending time with as well, either around the communal supper table or working out on the deck (yes, working out). It rained every day except one but that didn't deter us from enjoying our time in Bocas. Each morning I enjoyed reading and listening to music while soaking in the ocean view while Travis attending Habla Ya Spanish School. I took one short lesson to say I tried, but I am grateful Travis is picking it up so quickly. Sleeping in a 10 person dorm on a bunk bed was a new experience with people coming to bed at all hours and waiting for the bathroom regularly, but the most difficult thing was the invisible, relentless sand flies which tormented our wrists and ankles each evening. Despite the bites, Bambuda Lodge was a lovely place with excellent food and it was nice to have a week off from cooking and cleaning dishes. Not to mention the delicious brownies we enjoyed each night with new friends from around the world. But, like our friends before us, it came our time to leave and head into Panamas Cloud Forest for a new experience and new friends.