Oh how nice is Panama

The shuttle to Panama arrived at 7:50 a.m. According to the schedule, it took 3 hours (in reality, it took about 5 1/2 hours. Yippeeee)

We drove relatively quickly to Sixaola. When we arrived at the border, we had to present our passports (see photo) in a cheap cell phone shop in order to be allowed to enter Panama. There we got the stamp 😂 Then we had to take the backpacks out of the car, it was time for the driver to go home

Then we continued on foot: Off to a lonely bridge, where we had to walk to Panama 😂 on the other side we were welcomed warmly and got into a rickety minibus and had to drive for an hour on potholed roads to the "harbor". That was a very strange border experience, as the controls resemble a children's bouncy castle where you have to take your shoes off before entering. Anyway...

After a 10 minute wait, the ferry to Bocas del Toro left a dubious mini boathouse right by the sea. We slowly puttered off, fully loaded (around 15 people). Suddenly the captain was in an abnormally hurry, so we were easily flying over the waves at over 70 km/h. I was really surprised that the boat didn't fly into pieces. It was really unsafe, we were going way too fast for the size of the boat and the waves 😂 At one point the roof flew off the guide and I had to keep repairing it. 😂 no matter, we arrived.

Our accommodation is actually very nice. We have an Airbnb place right above the water, the view is magnificent. In the afternoon I was able to persuade Lina to go on a quick 20 km bike ride. Of course her bike chain came loose, so her mood changed for a moment. I think she still loves me though 😂 When we arrived at Bluff Beach, we had a beer. On the way back we took a short swim break by the sea. At home I cooked to make up for it. Panama is poorer but really beautiful