In an attempt to get up this morning I realise we are on the move again, relocating to another section of the San Blas Islands. It looks the same as the first. Two hours of jolting and jostling and we’re there. It’s lucky I’m already lying down for the most part, otherwise I’d expect the situation to be similar to our first day at sea. I don’t think I have anything left to give.
At some point, the other half of the Aussie contingent, Bree, has unfortunately managed to break a rib. Apparently in stepping back aboard, she has slipped and smashed into the side of the boat. This puts my complaining to shame. As much as my shattered laptop, sniveling nose and sun burnt calf clings to some serious air time, Bree clearly upts the ante. I do my best to keep the whining to a minimal and acceptable level.
I surprise myself today by actually making it onto one of the islands. It’s a pleasant enough stroll, made even more so as the sun isn’t baking down, and has decided to hide itself behind some clouds. This of course doesn’t make for the picture perfect postcard shot, but I’m grateful my leg isn’t on fire. The cool sea breeze does wonders for the melancholy.
The islands are home to the native Kuna’s; a tribe of Indians indigenous to Panama and Colombia. They live a very simple life, and we remark at one young boy wearing a Batman T-shirt. We’re warned not to touch any coconuts, as they hold them as sacred, and pictures are not allowed without permission, as they see it as ‘stealing their souls.’ Their dwellings are simple but effective, and they are perfectly at peace with their lot. I find it hard to imagine a world without computers, televisions and Ipods, but if that is all you’ve ever known, then that’s all you could ever wish for. If I hadn’t seen such riches, I could live with being poor…
The girls purchase ankle bracelet’s from the friendly islanders, friendly to the point that they still want the dollars. It’s a nice exchange though, and I shoot some photo’s from the hip. I feel a little ashamed that I’ve sneakily taken their souls, but they’ll be alright. What they don’t know surely can’t hurt them?
We scoot over the water back to base for some much needed food. Once again either the sea air, motion sickness or general tiredness gets the better of me and I spend little time socialising. I feel I’ve done myself an injustice to my companions, and have not been in one of my better moods, but such is life and I’m sure things will improve. I long for dry land, and that is now only a couple of tantalising days away.
Kuna matata
In an attempt to get up this morning I realise we are on the move again, relocating to another section of the San Blas Islands. It looks the same as the first. Two hours of jolting and jostling and we’re there. It’s lucky I’m already lying down for the most part, otherwise I’d expect the situation to be similar to our first day at sea. I don’t think I have anything left to give.
At some point, the other half of the Aussie contingent, Bree, has unfortunately managed to break a rib. Apparently in stepping back aboard, she has slipped and smashed into the side of the boat. This puts my complaining to shame. As much as my shattered laptop, sniveling nose and sun burnt calf clings to some serious air time, Bree clearly upts the ante. I do my best to keep the whining to a minimal and acceptable level.
I surprise myself today by actually making it onto one of the islands. It’s a pleasant enough stroll, made even more so as the sun isn’t baking down, and has decided to hide itself behind some clouds. This of course doesn’t make for the picture perfect postcard shot, but I’m grateful my leg isn’t on fire. The cool sea breeze does wonders for the melancholy.
The islands are home to the native Kuna’s; a tribe of Indians indigenous to Panama and Colombia. They live a very simple life, and we remark at one young boy wearing a Batman T-shirt. We’re warned not to touch any coconuts, as they hold them as sacred, and pictures are not allowed without permission, as they see it as ‘stealing their souls.’ Their dwellings are simple but effective, and they are perfectly at peace with their lot. I find it hard to imagine a world without computers, televisions and Ipods, but if that is all you’ve ever known, then that’s all you could ever wish for. If I hadn’t seen such riches, I could live with being poor…
The girls purchase ankle bracelet’s from the friendly islanders, friendly to the point that they still want the dollars. It’s a nice exchange though, and I shoot some photo’s from the hip. I feel a little ashamed that I’ve sneakily taken their souls, but they’ll be alright. What they don’t know surely can’t hurt them?
We scoot over the water back to base for some much needed food. Once again either the sea air, motion sickness or general tiredness gets the better of me and I spend little time socialising. I feel I’ve done myself an injustice to my companions, and have not been in one of my better moods, but such is life and I’m sure things will improve. I long for dry land, and that is now only a couple of tantalising days away.