Blogs from Kuna Yala, Panama, Central America Caribbean - page 8

Ah, the Kuna people of Panama. Sit down and let me tell you more. The Kuna people are indigenous to the Darien highlands of Panama, but moved to the coastal islands around the time the Spanish arrived, and made a living trading with English buccaneers and other visitors. They live in closely packed communities and are fierce guardians of their main income source, the coconut (they even post couples to live on isolated islands just to protect the precious nuts). More recently, with increased exposure to cruise ships and private yachts, they are finding a new way to make money; the Mola! Kuna women are mad about molas. The moment you drop anchor, they paddle out in their dugout canoes and push molas like theres no tomorrow! Dont dare say "No Thank You"; Kuna women are ... read more

Hello from the Kuna Yala territory in Panama! I have finished cruising through the San Blas Islands/Panamian coast and am headed to the Panama Canal shortly. Here are some snorkeling photos to wet your whistles. More updates coming soon about the San Blas Islands and the amazing Kuna civilization in this remote corner of the world. But in the meantime, strap on some fins, spit in your mask and coming "snizzlin".... ready? Lets go! PHOTO CREDIT: ZACH WOOD AND CODY REED! Mucho Gracias!!... read more

Wow!!! That's all I can say about San Blas Islands in Panama!!!! But first I have to tell you about Panama City! We arrived in Panama City about midday Sunday a week ago. We had a bit of delay in leaving as one of the girls in our group was bitten by a scorpian that had hidden out in her pack and she was rushed to the medical centre! She was fine in the end, but a pretty big scare! The offending scorpian was captured and the owner of the hotel where we were staying was having a wonderful time showing it off to passerbys as we drove off in our minivan. The ride to Panama City took about 1 1/2, though I think it would usually be about 2, but as usual we had a ... read more

As promised...... read more

We all made it to Cartagena last night, and it´s safe to say that this is my favorite city I´ve ever been to. But about the journey here... Linsey and I took a 4 hour taxi ride in a Land Cruiser on one of the roughest mountain roads imaginable across the isthmus of Panama to get to the San Blas islands. It was an interesting drive through thick jungle and huge mud holes. We defenitely were banged around a bit. We stayed for two nights on a Kuna island in a bamboo hut with nothing in it but hammocks. The 10 acre island was completely packed with huts. It was strange to lay around and hear nothing but chickens and babies and drums and chatter. The smoke from nearby cookfires would always drift into our hut. ... read more