We were picked up at 5 AM in a little SUV and had to travel quite a distance to the other send of Panama.
We we were warned by numerous people how scary this drive over was. Really, compared to the 4 wheel drive trails we take in utah it was nothing! But to them, i can see how it's intimidating
Entering the Guna Yala land. We had to have our passports to get in and out!
Holy cow big bug
I'm thinking we could see all the way to Costa Rica
Once we dropped down off the mountain we went to the beach drop off.... and the world's GROSSEST bathroom, which we had to pay to use.
Then we loaded our catermaran to the first island
I kinda thought we were gonna die... choppy waves, long, narrow boat speeding along. I was certain it was gonna flip backwards and drown us all. But.......... we survived it
So... i'm not sure WHAT they said this was, but both Elise and I heard it was a PIRATE SHIP and completely believed it. Luke and David assurred us they said something else but I'm still not certain it wasn't a band of pirates
Our first Island
This island was like a postcard!!!
Luke loved snorkeling... I really am not a big fan but I tried very hard to enjoy it. We snorkeled out to a sunken boat. It was really cool to see... i just can't get over having my face in the water. I struggle...
But Luke snorkeled for a long time and saw all sorts of cool fish and things. I make a better land creature
My view as I basked in the sunlight
Elise and David
Our meal. Elise and I ordered chicken and Luke and David got lobster
I cannot get over how beautiful this place was
After we left this island we went to a sand bar in the middle of the deep water. Perfect place for snorkling.. especially where I could look wearing the googles and the come up for air. I like snorkeling where I can touch.
We saw live starfish and sand dollars, crabs, and all sorts of neat things
We dont have any pictures there... we were too busy in the water looking for sea life at our feet
Next we went to another island... it's so interesting. There are over 300 islands like these in this area, each home to a separate family. So this picturesque white sand beach with a few palm trees and a small hut is like their home and yard.
There is a bigger island, which we visit later in the day, but outside of the few little village islands the people, all related I think, live on these tiny picture perfect islands
This is basically all that is on this island. A few huts and palm trees
We basically circled the island, picking up the most amazing shells. The kind you buy in gift shops! And when we had walked around it at least once we stopped to make a message in the white sand for our girls whom we were really starting to miss
Before we were allowed to come to the island, all women were asked to cover up their swimsuits and dress more modestly. Very interesting!
Then we walked the tiny streets with the shabbiest huts and shacks I've ever seen in person.
We were asked not to take pictures of the women unless we wanted to pay them. I am showing a picture from the internet to share how their native women dress
They all have a nose ring, a symbol of the sun which they worship, i think.
Our guide permitted us to see their sacred building.... he told us the most unusual story of how this leader brought them the hammocks. As far as I could tell their entire religion focuses on the hammocks and he explained how they are born in them, get married in them, consumate their marriage in them, and eventually die in them. (I was suddenly very grateful I didn't lounge in any of the hammocks hanging on the palm trees on the other islands. Ewwww)
I didn't understand all that he was talking about, but he sure mentioned the hammocks a LOT. There is a picture of the man who brought them such knowledge.
We then met the religious leader who was hanging out in.. you guessed it, a hammock. He said a prayer of blessing on us.
Later our guide mentioned their women and the nose rings and honoring the sunlight and the ring for eternity. He also spoke of their flag and how each color was symbolic and told the story of their liberation.
It was a very culture rich, and very relaxing day. It was by far our favorite part of the trip. All of it was incredible but going to these islands and meeting these people is a memory I will always cherish.
We were also told of their tradition of having a 3 day celebration whenever a girl on the island becomes a woman (gets her period) Poor thing gets to sit on a mat for the whole time she menstrates while the rest of the village has a huge drunken party. Sounds... awesome.
Our guide
Very sweet man.
It was a great day and we returned back late, just after the closing dinner and party for the trip
The next morning the fun had to come to an end..... but first, we had a pretty view of the city on our way back to the airport
READY TO SEE MY BABIES! and sad there is a full day of travel between us
And... back to reality
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