9. Tag Bocas del Toro - 02.06.2023

After a noisy night caused by the strong surf, we woke up around 8:00 am. I immediately went to the terrace to enjoy the wonderful view. I got a coffee from the bar and sat on the terrace couch. Apart from the sea and the birds, it was very quiet. I watched the parrots and stray dogs on the way. Then we got ready and went to the restaurant for breakfast around 9:00 am. There was fresh fruit, squeezed fruit juice, coffee, yogurt, cheese, ham, fresh bread, jam, and egg dishes. The service was incredibly friendly and they were happy that Pauline could speak Spanish. We enjoyed the breakfast thoroughly. We decided to take a 90-minute hike to a bathing bay - La Piscina - on this day. It was supposed to go through the jungle. After a short break on the terrace, we packed our backpacks with swimwear, water, and snacks. Then we took a picture of the map displayed and set off. It was a beautiful day with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius. However, it was very humid and we quickly started sweating. We walked through the village on the clay path and encountered friendly residents, tourists, and many friendly stray dogs. It quickly became more deserted at the end of the village. We searched the trees for animals but could only find parrots. After a short time, we came across a small river that was impassable. Anne and I walked back and saw a sign to the right, through thickets, which was supposed to be an alternative route, and indeed, there were loose planks to cross the river. However, Pauline didn't want to go that way and suddenly disappeared. We went back again and called her several times, but there was no reaction. Then we told ourselves that she is old enough and continued. After about 30 minutes, we saw her again at a fork in the road, with two other tourist women and a local "guide". He also approached us and wanted to show us monkeys in the jungle. But we didn't feel like it and didn't have the right clothes for it either. Then we walked together for a while, but then separated because I thought we had taken a wrong path at a fork. Meanwhile, it had become very hot and oppressive. We had now found a path right by the beach, through beautiful palm and plant worlds. We were completely alone there. After a total of about 2 hours of hiking, we finally reached the bay. The water was very calm and inviting for swimming. We changed into our swimwear and enjoyed the Caribbean Sea. After about 1 hour, we changed back and walked back along the beautiful beach path. The return journey was shorter as we now knew the way. When we arrived in the village, we turned off at an inviting beach bar and treated ourselves to a cold drink on the beach. Then we went back to the hotel. Dinner was again in the beautiful restaurant. The kitchen even made a vegetarian menu for Pauline. I had a delicious fish dish. Then in the evening, it was cocktail time on our terrace.