The scent of the Caribbean

Palms, white sand, coconuts, tanned surfers on the beach, chilled dudes and reggae music. That's how the Caribbean always looked in my mind. Well... no matter how stupid you may think clichés are, that's exactly what it looks like in reality too. With sand between my toes, salt in my hair, and coral on my foot (ouch), I was able to cross 'Swimming in the Caribbean Sea' off my bucket list.

In the national park, I was now able to recognize some of the animals from the banknotes. If you can't see anything in the photos, read the image captions and adjust your lenses.

Fortunately, I also found sloths. Without having seen any, I definitely couldn't leave here. Unwritten rule.

After countless breakfasts, I have already gotten used to rice and beans. But how far does your trust go when Carlos, the tour guide, randomly presents leaves and fruits of the plants and trees for you to eat while passing by in the national park? It's amazing how many plants are used here for healing and building. Some leaves are so resistant that they were used in the past as roofs and walls for 'houses'. Others contain many antioxidants for fighting and preventing diseases or are given to children for stomach aches because of their sweet taste. Not to be confused with those that can kill you if you eat them. Without Carlos, you better not go snacking in the jungle.

As darkness falls, the colorful lights turn on, the music gets louder, rum bottles clink, and the true scent of the Caribbean reaches you from every corner... if you know what I mean. Yes, I mean the grass, and no, it's not just a cliché. People indulge themselves here and no one has a problem with it. It's simply part of the Caribbean vibe.

¡Pura Vida, chicas!