Bocas Del Toro

Everyone I've talked to on the road told me Bocas is the place to be. Big town surrounded by islands. Friday morning I grabbed a taxi to Albrook mall, got lost a few times in there and finally found the bus terminal. $27.00 for a bus that left at 2100. Needless to say, I had a lot of time to kill. So I walked for miles all across the mall, never knowing where I am. I finally figure out if you're at the smoothie shop you turn left (it's up against a wall so you can't turn right), walk till you find Audio, hang a left, find the down escalator, go until you see Surf, turn left. By this point you have walked about a mile. Keep going till you find Cinnabon, than you realize you should have made a right, so you turn around and finally find the door outside. Cross four lanes of non-stop taxis and busses and you have arrived at the bus terminal.

I met a couple from Amsterdam there who I hung out with till the bus came along. At this point we couldn't get through the gate. They told us we needed a card. We had no idea what they were talking about. So we go find the information booth and they told us we need to trade our tickets for boarding cards. Too bad we had to pay another buck for that AFTER we bought our tickets. So we get our cards, get pass the gate and hop on the coldest bus you will ever find. The bus ride was 11 hours, so we had plenty of time to sleep.

I arrive in  Bocas and hop on a boat going to the main land. From there I grab another boat taxi to the hostel I am currently staying in. The owner is a French guy who opened it up about ten years ago. This place is paradise. It sits right over the water! It has a water-trampoline, water-swings and a swimming area. Words can not describe the view. Every night is party night here. So be prepared if you stay in this hostel. Thankfully everyone is very respectful of each other. Going to bed before midnight is not the norm. Too bad for them, I do. I want to relax, not go crazy.


There are two American ex-pats that live here, and they loved me from the moment I arrived. Cameron is a retired engineer and Kirsten works from her laptop. They have been filling me with information about life here. Cameron showed me around the mainland where everyone knows who he is. Crazy old guy who loves to have fun. His two rules in life are 1) be nice and 2) don't do anything stupid. Words of wisdom. The town is very nice. I met a few more ex-pats from the States that gave me advise about moving here, and who to talk to. That was a hug help.

After a couple free drinks we head back to the hostel for Open Mic Night. This is Cameron's big night. He came up with the idea to bring local business in. I'll tell you what, he certainly has done a great job with it.

One of the guys that works at the hostel gave me a surf lesson. I'll tell you right now, it's a lot harder than it looks! After about four waves, I was beat. I rode a few waves, but was never able to stand. Hey, it was my first day and I had fun. That's all I was looking for.

I'll leave this hostel Thursday and head to one that's about a five minute lark down the beach.

This place could very easily be my new home. Life in paradise my friends.

Cosco Viejo

Venturing out by myself for the first time today was an exciting experience. Getting a taxi for the first time in my life was a little nerve racking, but I was confident in my haggling skills. I still got "Gringo-ed" as it was put to me. Knowing basically no Spanish, and being American, I pay higher prices than the locals. A local lady payed $1.50, I payed double. The driver asked for $7, and there was no way I was going to pay that! Tip: if they don't like your price, walk away.

Me: "Cuáto?"
Taxi: "Siete."
Me: "tres."
Taxi: "No, cico."
I start to walk away.
Taxi: :whistles: "Tres,"
Me: "gracias."

So I hop in the taxi and head to Cosco Viejo, enjoying myself the whole time. I get to the central part of the city, he parks, I pay and off I go on foot. I ran into a guy named Conrad. A older guy who moved here when he was ten years old. He knew everything about the The Old City. He showed me a shop where Americas get 15% off all items. Oh, side note, Cuban cigars are amazing!! The shop was very neat, but all I got was a cigar. More than enough for me at the time. I then ventured off to French area where I found the old dungeon, and a few vendors who had some very nice hand made times. Of courses didn't buy anything, that's not in my budget, and I don't have room in my backpack...

They are currently fixing this place up. A lot of nice buildings where people live, a bank, and restaurants are right next to abandoned buildings that look like they could fall any moment. The day they will have everything refurbished (no tearing down and rebuilding allowed) in the next ten years.

I then headed off to the local markets. Those were a site to see. Vendors EVERYWHERE! I found out the majority of the vendors are Jews, with just a small part Panamanian. A block from the local vendors is the butcher and fish markets. Didn't smell so good, but was fun to see.


After Cosco Viejo, I headed for the Canal. What to say about the canal? Amazing! Ten years to build, finished in 1913, and still going strong! A tourist trap though... While all the tourist headed upstairs for the "best view". I stayed down where you get to look up to the ships coming in just 20 yards out. Something I will never forget!

I am now back the the hostel relaxing for now. I might head off to a more Americanized area to see what's there. Who knows?...

Day before the take off

Beaches, coffee, cigars, fresh fruit and mojitos. Sounds nice, right? It does to me, and that's what I'm looking forward to in Panama.

Tomorrow I start my "walkabout" as it was put to me, and was the inspiration for the name of this blog, "Mason's Walkabout". I should be packing, and finalizing everything I need before I leave. Instead I started this blog to keep track of my adventures abroad.

The bank, Academy, Wal-Mart, TAFB and everywhere in between is on the list of places to go today. Yet I'm sitting on my couch (I think I took after my blogging-sibling). "Who needs groceries when you have Facebook?" Right? Right.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, I haven't seen a whole lot outside of my home state. I have some very fond memories of states and friends I have visited. Yet nothing can compare to the next chapter in life. Oklahoma is one of the greatest places in the US to live. I very fine mix of all walks of life gather here. Want a small town? You're there. Want a big city? Look no further. Football? Only the best play here.
 Boomer! The don't call it "The Great State of Oklahoma" for nothing. My home church, Saint Damian's will be truly missed. What a giant family there! Where else can you find a party centered around Doritos?

Alas! I am taking my leave, and shipping out. I bid you all a farewell, only the best and ill be thinking of all my family and friends while I'm away.

Cheers to one and all!