Monday morning was touch-and-go. We checked out of the Lost and Found on the early side because we had to make it down the mountain and you can never tell when a bus will come by and stop for you. The rain had stopped and it was lovely outside and we were able to enjoy the short hike down from the hostel to the road. It was not at all creepy in the sunlight-- charming, actually.
We caught a bus within twenty minutes but it was already full, so we got to stand in the aisle. I will remind you that these are van buses and when one stands in the aisle, your butt ends up right near someone´s face. I was leaning over to steady myself on the seat backs and view the incredible vistas as we descended the mountain. We passed several waterfalls and a huge dam. There was a really cute boy wearing shorts overalls who kept exclaiming, "Mira! Mira!" everytime we passed one. It was precious. Nadiv was not as enthralled because he was getting quite carsick. The road was twisty and the ride lasted for three hours. He took some Dramamine to minimal effect.
After the bus ride to Almirante, we had to take a water taxi to Isla Colon, which is the main island in Bocas del Toro. We met an Israeli guy in line named Yehuda. He told us that we had to relax in Central America, which is ironic coming from an Israeli. (Have you ever seen anyone calm who has lived in Israel?) We also met this very happy Brittish guy, whom we will call Mr. Jolly. We´re lucky that he was so nice because I squeezed his shoulder and buried my head in his arm for the majority of the bumpy boat ride. It was scary and a bit nauseating.
Upon our arrival to Bocas Town on Isla Colon, we experienced what I would like to call The Dramamine Episode. I had taken a Dramamine on the mainland in anticipation of the boat ride. The drowsy side effect started to kick in a few minutes after we stepped off the boat. Nadiv describes the Episode thusly: "You were essentially retarded for two hours." I could not finish my sentences and moved in a more sloth-like fashion than usual. All I wanted to do was lay down on the street and go to sleep.
Here is where Marcus the tout started following us around and blabbing about everything on the island. It was really unclear what he was trying to get us to buy. He followed us up and down the streets of the town even after we told him that we were doing some errands before taking a boat. He followed us to the bank where both ATMs (the only ones in the whole archipelago) were broken. He was following us to the pay phone when I blurted out, "Stop talking!!!!!" because his constant babble (in broken English) was annoying me through my drugged state. At this, his whole body became rigid and his face got mad and he lashed out at me for being rude. Thankfully we were almost at the payphone and could escape him.
A one dollar water taxi ride later, and we were at our hotel Los Balcones on Carinero Island. Surprise! They gave away our room! So we were granted an "upgrade." In end, we got a really big room that was not all that great and didn´t have a nice view.
We walked to get dinner at Bibi´s restaurant. I was still in a stupor but managed to beat Nadiv at cards several times. We experienced the wonderful waiter/guide Fabien and I tasted the vegetable cheyote for the first time. (Almost like a cucumber-jicama hybrid, but cooked.) Along with the rest of my dish came a side of patacones, which were gross. No surprise there.
Eventually I woke up just in time to walk back after dinner. We hung out a bit and then went to sleep to the sound of water lapping.
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