bocas del toro: uno

Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and boating, it's no wonder Bocas del Toro is a backpackers destination as well as a resort seekers paradise. We arrived to the archipelago of 52 keys and about 200 islets late on Sunday evening. The next day, I awoke to bright sun and a free pancake breakfast.

It's been a while since I had pancakes so I was very pleased to find that this was common at many Panamanian hostels. After getting some work done on the computer, a few friends (from our previous hostel) and I headed to the beach. Round one: Red Frog.

Like most beaches in Bocas, we needed to take a water taxi to get there. Loved this fun fact, hated that I needed to integrate taxi fare into my tight budget. Oh sacrifices ;) for the record, I looked miserable on purpose.

It was at Red Frog that I first learned about pipa-smashing. Then I rode some waves, read my book, and drank a beer, or two.

This is the life, I thought, I could get used to this. And in my week there, I did... but for me, diversity is the spice of life so I enjoyed it while I could.

Back at the hostel, I broke into Matt's leftovers of shrimp, rice, and salad for dinner. Eaten quickly and cold, it was still quite good.

Next up? The happiest hour. Every day from 7-8 p.m. Mondo Taitu offers Panamanian beers for 50 cents each. That's a good deal, my friends.

And we took advantage all the way up to 80's night. This party was just one of many in the festivities that made the five nights in Bocas so fun. To be continued...