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There was no better way to finish our 6 months in South America than a trip to the San Blas Islands. Not only were the white beaches and Carribean sea awaiting, it was also a way to get to Panama from Colombia. Many people choose to take sail boats from Cartagena, which can involve a rough sea crossing for a couple of days. However, whilst travelling we read about an alternative company San Blas Adventures. The perk of their route was no sea crossing and instead 4 days island hopping, sleeping on the islands.
The sea crossing was avoided by spending a day and a half travelling to the Colombian border, a town called Capurganá. We came as a convoy, a group of 15 who we'd get to know well over the next week. The group consisted of mostly Brits, a few Europeans, a Kiwi couple and headed up by our Aussie guide Liam with support from a Frenchie Matthias. One thing we all had in common straight off was a desire to load up on rum. Collectively, I think we had about 30 litres that we hoped wouldn't sink the boat.
Alcohol covered, the next day we set sail. I say sail but it was more of a fisherman's boat we embarked on. Not so glamorous but it was functional. The captain Rocky reved up the engine and we were flying across the waves. It was very bumpy, particularly at the front where your body had a smack down each time the boat hit the water. Impressively some of our group still managed to sleep through it.
We were all happy to reach our first island destination. An indigenous island where the Kuna community lived. Whilst most of the Kuna people were dressed in western clothes, the way they lived was the opposite. Beach huts for houses, electricity powered by solar panels and a local currency of coconuts. 1 coconut equaled $1. The people were warm and friendly, particularly the children who would smile and wave manically at you. On the odd occasion they just look scared.
We were given a tour by a local guide who helped us understand more about the community. This included the Kuna's being banned from drinking except for celebrations. One celebration of which was coming up... A period party! Yes if a young girl gets her period the town has a massive party and drinks Chi Cha (fruit based alcohol). Moving on from that, we also learnt there is a very high albino population because of their small tight knit communities.
A few interesting facts learnt, we were ready to settle in to our home for the night; a hammock in the town hall /big hut. We were then shown the bathroom, a toilet on the pier that dropped straight in to the crystal clear waters. Glad we weren't swimming round there... We also were welcomed to the world of bucket showers surprisingly refreshing.
Upon leaving the next day Rory, Aston and I realised we were a bottle of rum down. Apparently the locals may have wanted more than chi cha for their party. However, we soon forgot our lost goods when we reached our first private island. We rocked up, Liam made some calls and 10 minutes later a boat pulled up with beers and drinks to top off the day. It was leisurely to say the least as we snorkelled, sunbathed, chat and swam.
We then set off for our second accommodation for the night. A family run place where unlike the night before we were removed from the community. The food here at the time was particularly good but a few people's bodies didn't say the same the next day. Always a bit unnerving when you're about to jump on a boat sin bathroom. The result of which was unlucky for one... Midway through our two hour journey, one guy had to leap off the boat in to the deep sea. A red rubber ring around him, we all looked the other way as he did his business so to speak. The best bit was his girlfriend got a selfie with her boyfriend in the water behind. Now that's love.
We safely arrived at the next island without any further issues. Here we'd be staying all day and night. Just one family lived there so it really was a desert island. Postcard perfect, a slice of heaven and definitely unforgettable as we swam in the turquoise water. We used the time to play volleyball, float on lidos and snorkel. Whilst snorkeling we excitedly got to see a couple of stingrays. Rory also went out with the boat crew sea fishing, as in fishing with your hands. He managed to watch them hand catch an octopus as the ink sprayed in the water. This was then followed by a quick encounter of a reef shark, who rocky decided to prod.
The fishing was successful and that night their was fresh lobster to go around. You wouldn't think from the amount they caught we'd finish it but we managed. Dinner was accompanied by a strong punch and we all had to finish off our leftover rum. We all gladly did and the night was one of frivolities. A fire blazed and I don't think it could have been more perfect. My hammock was more than swinging when I got in to bed.
The next day all feeling slightly sorry for ourselves, we were on to our final island before making the journey to Panama City. Saving the best till last, this one was identical to the one the day before but smaller. You could walk around it in a minute. We took a few obligatory photos with starfish, fast shots as they can only be out the water 10 seconds. This was followed by an group family photo to remember the great trip.
This brought our South American adventure to a close and the start of Central America. It perhaps couldn't have been a better end and beginning.
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