BOCAS DE TORO

So, here I am in BoCaS DeL ToRo ,  a group of islands in the Caribbean side of Panama.

 I arrived in Panama for the first time,14 years ago, during my family's circumnavigation on our catamaran Prrrfection. We however  did not go to  Bocas del Toro as we were on a tight schedule to transit the Panama Canal because my brother was visiting and only had time for the transit before having to go  back to South Africa. 
So, I was happy to explore these beautiful islands during this trip. 
We could speak fluently Spanish back then , even got our first pet here , a cocker spaniel Amigo ,  but alas, I now realise that I lost the habla espanol...

Being here in Panama again, hearing the Spanish and  exposed to the Spanish culture , reminds me so much of when I was younger and the happy times we had in Panama City and Las Perlas Islands.

So, whats Bocas like??

Bocas is a mix between developed and primitive.... It is still natural but the islands manage to supply modern conveniences...in a rural setting.  Off course I am on a luxury yacht with all the modern conveniences, but I think for a tourist Bocas is a 'must see'.

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago with mainly 6 islands - Colon, Bastimentos, Solarte,San Cristobal, Popa and Cavo Agua.  The main island is Colon and really a quaint place with colourful buildings and small restaurants and bars.  In the evenings the island become an eclectic mix of Spanish, afro-American, Caribbean melange . 
Bastimentos is more laid back and quiet, surrounded by mangroves and also the nesting place of tortoises with  excellent diving.

 

We all woke up early for an early morning surf...but when we got to the beach it was  super flat.  o well,  great way to start the morning, at least we got some exercise!

This lady makes really nice, fresh juice . If you're in town and super thirsty ....this is your place to go.

All the houses and shops are on the water...

There is something about this lighthouse and these small houses that fascinates me ...I guess its all the different colours.


and I was not here as a tourist on holiday...I found myself in this paradise as a working gal! Hereby a few of the dishes I made....

Once again I had to make do with what provisions I had....such fun to improvise and use what is available....always easy to blame a dish on the lack of ingredients....but Mom taught me during our cruising years to make do with what you can source....and I can tell you, sometimes the outcome is amazing!