Caribbean Vibes

After leaving La Fortuna and the central part of Costa Rica, Dan and I continue on our way over to the Caribbean coast through the large and expansive banana fields that cover this part of the country. It is obvious that this is a major part of Costa Ricas economic make up. Not all that sure what this new coast has to offer, we have been told that it is very different from the rest of the country and to some degree may be seen as its own Caribbean colony. We drive through the dingy port town of Limon, and decide to continue on through as not much good has been about it. It is quite strange to go from the relative prosperity of the Pacific and Central part of the country, to the slummy and under developed country that has not been experienced yet in Costa Rica.
Making our way along the coast under the cover of gray and depressed sky's, we make our way to the small and well talked about backpacker hot spot of Puerto Viejo. We make our way down to Rockin' J`s hostel, which really could be described as a backpackers resort, because all that you need is there and there is no real need to leave the compound. When you do there are warnings about the danger of the town, and the need to move in groups. This seemed slightly unwarranted. This hostel is a large place with an interesting vibe. Impressively decorated with tile mosaics covering everything around and marge camping areas and hammock area. Here rooms are somewhat of a novelty with most choosing to camp or use a hammock.
The town itself doesn't seem to be much to write home about and I fail to see why it comes so highly recommended. Though interesting and obviously of the Caribbean nature it doesn't particularly excite me. Though I will say that part of this feeling could have been because of the poor weather that we have been having, some sun could easily change the feeling of the place.
We stay for the night but decide to stay a bit longer when we find out about the Canadian Gold medal game for hockey. Dan, though an Auzzie is quite into the sport, which is rather nice to see and someone to cheer along with.
in our days in between we decide to go to a sloth sanctuary, cause Dan is quite fond of them. As we drive back through the banana fields we see a long line up of cars, and are unsure of what to think. We are waved down and told that the road is out because of the rain and that we cant get through to our sloth centre. Disappointed we turn around and return to the resort to read and laze around in the hammocks.
The next day was the big day. Canada Gold medal Hockey. It was nearly missed too because we thought that it was a late starting game but when Dan was talking to his parents they inform him that its on right now. So thankfully we get the game streaming on his computer so that we can follow along with the action. Quite a thrilling win I must say and it is really nice to be able to be a part of the action even when your hundreds of kilometers away from it all.
The next day we leave for Panama, which is the 4th country of the trip. It was again another easy boarder crossing for us, and the only real his was that the Immigration officer wanted me to prove that I was leaving with an onward ticket, and the only thing I have is my online booking confirmation for my flight from Guatemala. At first she denies it and tells me I need to buy a bus ticket. I'm not really wanted to do that so I push the ticket back through the window and try to convince her that its ok and that I'm not planning on staying in Panama for long. After a bit of an enthused look she gives me my stamp and lets me pass.
We make our way to Almirante where we ditch the Jeep in safe storage to continue on by means of the backpack again. Taking a ferry to Bocas del Toro, which is a small community of islands that has some world renowned diving and the Caribbean culture in full bloom.
So that is where I find myself at the moment, Bocas del Toro. This place has a neat feel with the housing remaining from the days of the United Fruit Company and their development in the area. A much more relaxed vibe and nicer feel even though the weather still fails to cooperate.
Lets make the best of it.

Bye for now

Mike