“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”

At times when I get home sick (very rare), I like to read these quotes,it reminds me that I am right where I'm supposed to be..

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

 “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

A few new friends from around the world!

PURA VIDA!

Sorry for the delay folks. Internet access is hard to come by when your in the jungle! 


NO phones or internet- This is one of the things I love about The Lost & Found. It is a unique experience! Located in the mountains of the Chiriqui province, it is truly one of the best places in Panama to experience total immersion in the cloud forest. This is a true backpackers' paradise--it is worth the 15-20 minute hike up from the road, with the most stunning views that include Volcan Baru.

The common areas and communal kitchen are open air, allowing you to truly feel immersed in the jungle around you. Animal lovers rejoice--Rocky, our resident rescued kinkajou, loves to play with guests after sunset each night!

Boquete: cool green and best coffee in the world!

I arrived to this cute little mountain town lastnight. I am in love with this cute, charming town already. Bouquet is well known for two things, retirement and COFFEE. Boquete has been listed as one of the top ten places to retire. Although it is a top spot for ex-pats to retire, it is not quite awash with gringos, but the effect of their presence has definitely had an influence on real estate prices.

I'm staying at Mamallena's, a charming house in the centre of Boquete. The staff are all so welcoming and friendly. Lastnight Andrew (staff) made a delicious curry and was nice enough to include me in their staff dinner :).

Waiting for the bus to Boquete

Waiting for a bus usually means waiting in the middle of the road and hoping you don't have to wait too long!

A few of my surroundings

Treasurehunt in the Fortuna Forest Reserve

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing

A few days ago I was beginning to think that this statement could be true. I was very ill for the past few days, with a 105 fever, headache, muscle aches. My fever was up and down but after a few days of it not going away, I was really beginning to worry! I was thinking of the worst- could this be yellow fever? Malaria? Surly it's not common here in the Chiriqui province, but I would be that exception, that rare case, it would happen to ME! Feeling helpless while in another country is terrible. I was fortunate to have such lovely caring people looking after me. People who I had met a few days prior! It really opens my eyes a bit more when things like this happen to me. Acts of kindness- reminds me that there are still caring hearts out there. I can not thank you enough Lars and Maria!

After to giving it another day, It's safe to say that I feel human once again. I think my body was in shock- going from the big apple to the rainforest where the air is clean- everything so fresh and green.. Well I hope that was the end of my sick streak. Losing my voice in Panama City my first week, CHECK! Getting a fever in Chiriqui my second week, CHECK!

Remember: simple acts of kindness go a long way :).

Hitchiking my first lift!

Today I hitchhiked for the first time. Like I mentioned before the closest village for groceries, internet, phones, etc.. is a 20 minute hike and a 30 minute bus ride. I wouldn't say that the buses are very reliable, sooo my fellow travelers proposed we hitchhiked. This is not on my normal list of things to do while in another country, but I thought what the heck it will be an experience! We ended up getting a ride very quickly, by an american guy and his dad who was visiting from the states. They were both from Phoenix, AZ. While it had been raining the past few days, the roads were extra slippery. Garret lost control on a tricky turn and we got into a minor accident. Everyone was fine which is all that matters. I felt bad for the guy- i hope he had renters insurance! We then hitched another lift with a nice Panamanian man, it turned out to be a pretty neat experience! Lol

Lost and Found Eco Lodge

I left Panama City a few days ago, I left with two Canadian girls that I met at Luna's Castle, they were super friendly and it was nice to have some company on my road trip to David. We took a $15 bus, which was very nice and clean, 7 hours later I arrived in David, where I took another bus towards Bocas Del Toro. Half way to Bocas I was dropped off in the middle of the highway, where I then had to hike up 20 minutes with my huge backpack! I was then greeted by all the warm friendly people at the lodge, who are either guest, staff or volunteers. Let me begin by saying that the Lost and Found feels like home and that's a gross understatement. I consider the definition of home to be a place where you feel most at ease, and already this is the only thing in my life that truly provides that kind of catharsis. I love the location, the atmosphere and the people involved in it. There are so many people involved- foreigners and Panamanians. It is truly magical. I am falling in love with it as each day goes by, the views are amazing, I feel like I can stay here forever!

Friends, It´s hard to get to a computer or phone. It is a 20 minute hike then a 30 minute bus ride to the closest village. I will do my best to keep this updated as much as I can. Today I wasn´t able to upload my photos but will try my best to do so this week! There are many great photos I want to share, so keep a lookout!

Bridge of the Americas

The only link left that connects North and South America. Kind of signifacant!

Biking the Amador Causeway

I missed the boat to isla Taboga yesterday morning, I blame it on the 50 cent beer and cuba libre.. It was such a fun night with friends and well worth my hangover! I ended up sitting at the dock for an hour, rented a bike and rode along the beautiful and picturesque causeway, lined with tropical palm trees, and with magnificent views of the Canal and the Panama City skyline.