Today we cruised to the San Blas Archipelago and anchored off Acuatupo. It is a chain of approximately 400 islands stretching along the Caribbean coast of Panama. The weather was warm and sunny and tropical! At 9:15 we launched to the island to visit a small village of Guna People. Guna territory runs the length of the archipelago, ending at the Columbia border. The people wear colorful cloths called "Molas" which are sewn with geometrical designs using a reverse appliqué technique, and the full costume traditionally includes a patterned wrapped skirt (saburet), a red and yellow headscarf (museum), arm and leg beads (wini), a gold nose ring(Olasu), and earrings. They are small people in size and were gracious about us visiting their little village
Beautiful hand painted feathers!!
Notice the solar panel on top of the hut! These people truly live in very primitive homes and villages, but the Panamanian government supplies them with a few modern amenities.
Back on ship we were treated to fresh fruit everyday and incredible food and drinks!
Following lunch we launched again to anchor off Holandes Cayes to snorkel the beautiful green and blue waters and to take a coconut walk with our naturalist. One native man runs this little coconut "business" . He has three people working with him to gather the coconuts off the ground and get them ready to sell to the mostly Columbian buyers who pick them up in small ships. This man lives on this small island with his wife and two kids and 11 other natives who help him when needed.
Fresh water well which serves as a place to bath and brush teeth
We went snorkeling and then were served rum and coconut juice by the ship staff....the two women and their husbands have become our "partners in crime!" We are having a great time withe these new friendships!
Our zodiacs!
Cocktail hour before dinner
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