50th Anniversary Trip: Island hopping!

Over the next few days we stopped at several beautiful tropical islands..we hiked and snorkeled and enjoyed all kinds of fresh fruit, breads, vegs....all fresh and from the region.

Captain Cook invaded this Panama island and these are the cannons that were used in the old fort to protect against him and any other invaders

We walked through this ancient village and were amazed at how colorful the buildings were even though in various states of decay.

Garbage pickup - dogs are a real problem with garbage unfortunately but everyone is pretty laid back and just shrugg their shoulders!

These are individually owned buses called "Devil Bus" because so many people get killed in them. They are all over Panama and are part of the local customs. It cost $.25 to ride anywhere it goes and each owner/driver blares whatever music he likes and paints it with his own designs. A total riot!!

We are leaving the ship for a visit to the Darien Province where we spent time with the indigenous artisans of Panama called the Embera tribe. They were gentle, smiling, joyful people who greeted us at the shore. The children were beautiful and took hold of our hands to help off our life jackets and lead us to their ceremonial hut where they performed several dances and invited us to dance with them. The women are bare-chested, wearing only a skirt they call Uhua and they cover their chested with intricate plastic bead necklaces and ornamental collars made with dozens of coins

There are villagers who act as police to protect this part of the providence.

We are heading into the jungle to their ceremonial hut

Their hand made wood and basket items were beautiful. Each family places a piece of cloth on the ground with their hand made items and the whole family helps to show off everything. They do not pressure or call your attention to their wears but very patiently wait to see if you would like to buy anything. It was a really pleasant experience.

This is another island we visited the next day... They are all so beautiful! The ship crew is waiting on the island with drinks and snacks... Snorkeling was a must once again! Oh, and NO John didn't snorkel....!! But I did!!