Bocas del Toro - "the mouth of the bull" - was the name of my first stop in Panama. This is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean near the border to Costa Rica.
Surrounded by Panamanian school kids
From Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica I first went by bus to the border to Panama. After paying the departure fee in Costa Rica and getting my passport stamped, I walked over the bridge and queued for the Panamanian immigration. For a small fee you also get the necessary stamp in your passport for the entry. So far, the Panamanian immigration authorities were also the only ones who actually wanted to see an exit ticket from the country. Fortunately I had already booked my flight from Panama to Colombia. In total I should now stay 10 days in this small Central American country, which is mainly known for the Panama Canal.
Now I went by local bus to Almirante, from where my ferry to Bocas del Toro should leave. In the village where I boarded the bus, the bell of the local school just rang. The children poured into the bus and all looked at me with disbelieving eyes as I was half pushed against the front door because the bus was so full. A gringo, a western tourist, they probably haven't seen so often here. Most backpackers prefer the more comfortable option by private shuttle, but they pay at least three times what I paid for it.
a luxurious hostel on a small island
After arriving by ferry in Bocas del Toro, I checked in at my hostel, the Selina Hostel, near the boat pier. The hostel targets the typical western party people and has its own bar. Already the next day I drove to another small island where there are no supermarkets but only a hostel and some other small houses.
The hostel was called Bambuda Lodge and was one of the most luxurious hostels I ever visited. It has a nice pool, a bar and a giant slide. Directly behind it is the rainforest, with which I made a little hike with 2 Swiss women. Soon it got too muddy and we returned to the relaxed hostel atmosphere and enjoyed a beer. But the price was quite high. One is practically forced to eat in the hostel's own restaurant, as there is no kitchen or supermarket anywhere. But the food was good and one gets in contact with the other hostel guests. The hostel is quickly booked out, I could only stay 1 night.
seeing starfish up close
I returned to the main island and to my first hostel. Together with a french couple I went to a beach area which is famous for its many starfish. It is wonderful to see these animals up close. In the evening we went to a party in another hostel.
The next morning I was bored and thought if I should stay another night or not. I was not really thrilled by staying longer in Bocas del Toro. I decided to leave and followed the advice of a German travel companion to visit the Lost & Found hostel in the middle of the Panamanian jungle.
