our Panama trip was to begin on the island group "Bocas del Toro," and continue in the capital, Panama City, should take place where the carnival. The last week I had to spend without Basti was hardly planned. With only backpack and bus ticket Sixaola direction, the border with Panama, in the luggage, could start the trip.
went Saturday morning at 6:30 then a bus to Sixaola, the bus ride took about 6 hours. Since Sixaola pretty close to the Caribbean Cahuita and Puerto Viejo sites is that I've visited many many times, the track was known and comfortable. Once there we found it not so welcoming, and therefore falls relatively quickly with our tourist-backpacks across the border. After crossing the border were one, as I was already known from Nicaragua, a few filthy children and poor people meet who wanted to carry one's luggage for a small Endgeld. Sometimes they have simply asked only for money.
expected arrived over there we have a nice black man with "Bocas del Toro" T-shirt, Anbat us to bring us to the water taxi station to the islands. Panama for the excessive price of $ 10 per person for a 20 minute drive tolerated, we threw everything into the van and drove off.
to Bocas we spent 3 days. There I saw the most beautiful beach and yet have absolutely can create unforgettable impressions. Something nice like these islands I have not seen in my life.
we lived in a Hostel on the main island "Isla Colon" in the typical Caribbean town "Bocas Town" for 12 dollars a night with air conditioning. The luxury was it worth to us, we were finally able to sleep. The first day we drove to the already announced most beautiful beach on the same island, known as "Bocas del Drago. After 30 minutes Walk to beach came to a cove where you could admire giant starfish. I will simply speak at the pictures.
Bocas was generally very expensive. Basti and I first got a price shock when we came into the yet so cheap Panama, and then pay for restaurant and hotel Costa Rica prices had, and repeatedly take water taxis that had to be seen in the totals but not as cheap goods. Everything just adapted to the tourism in the islands.
On the second day we treated ourselves to be a Day "tour". In the boat it went first to the "Dolphin Bay", where we saw some dolphins. First time in my life! Then we went snorkeling, then lunch in one enjoyed by all, cut restaurant on the water. The last stop was the "Red Frog Beach. It was only by short hiking trail through a forest there. On this track, I am first then stumbled over a root and I injured my right big toe. Arriving at the beach, we asked a gentleman who wore a T-shirt with large red cross, if he to disinfect something, or maybe a patch. Had not he. What was the red cross then, no idea. Was probably just a lifeguard, who has provided strong Waves could have saved, but other injuries were helpless. The beach is only recommended. Time and again people came with the little red frogs, which can be found all around the beach over, they have been located in the forest.
sloth!
Tuesday was our last day. In the evening we went on the night trip to Panama City, 10 hours. The day we have still used properly. followed the tip from the guide, we embark on the "Isla Bastimentos" where you could examine all of the truncated lives of local tourism and listen closer - it was described - you can hear the "Guari Guari, the local English of the black population (as in the Limon Patouar). It was true. Walking through the small island center and the only road that is there, we only have amazed how different people live here on their island. After our walk we took water taxi to the other end of the island with the "Wizard Beach, where we then enjoyed the rest of our time.
the park on the island ...
on fish. 2, he has caught. 
fell after arrival on the main island, I then "forgot opps, flip flops!" On Yes, I was so bad back, had to first barefoot to the hotel, we were too late. Thanks to scorching heat, I had blisters on his feet after arrival, accompanied me even as far away as Panama City. As you learn to appreciate it without having to run pain.
in Bocas Town always what was going on. The small supermarket stores in the Chinese were to expensive, even by the Rüber shoveling the goods. Daily from 6 clock went off the party, all you could see black people, the natives were so out of their holes. In a number of bars you could have fun then. Overall I got the drug for less than on the Caribbean coast in Costa Rica, only 2 times we were offered marijuana, which for Costa Rican Caribbean places very little for 3 days. On the last day we found a local "restaurant" where we ate for about $ 4 a good plate, which we have not discovered earlier!
As Basti and I were sitting in the evening in a bar, an old, gray-and long-haired man in a hat came by on his bicycle. Promt I said "Look, Basti, who looks like the Magician of Puerto Viejo, the time when we were in a large group in Puerto Viejo, he came to our table and introduced us all the tricks. "Hey Benita, that's! "came only. The man turned around and it was really the magician. He came to us at the table and we asked him what he would do for here. He lives here now, could no longer in Puerto Viejo stay, he was there a problem with an old black man, he is known only as "Shotgun Lee" because he tried to break into his house, then the mage has him ticked off with a machete thumb. Now wants the kill him, of course. Quite amused by this story, we could show us a few more tricks, a cube trick, he told us even then he moved on. The fact that this meeting would again bring us to the horror, we did not there.
When we in the water taxi to Panama City bus were then but it felt a little sorry that we had to leave the beautiful island group already. Our budget did it but very good. Went on the trip. After 10 hours
night drive we arrived at 4 clock morgends at Albrook Bus Terminal and adjacent to the huge shopping center at Albrook. How to read before, the taxi is driving here from other than in Costa Rica. Where to in CR with taximeter, the "Maria" continues, there is in Panama City zones, similar to Germany by bus or train. The locals know that is how much they have to pay when they board the taxi. Tourists are always advised to set the price beforehand, to avoid are subsequently taken to the cleaners to. The three of us were then for $ 5 total in the Guide before looking out Hostel "Luna's Castle" driven. How far away we knew this was not so, so we were able to estimate the price or not. Later we were out and took advantage of the cheap taxi ride and not at us in the sweltering humid heat that did not stop even at night, first set in a bus. According to the motto "We're Europeans," we have taken the easy road and paid on average for a 10-30 minute drive 2-5 dollars for both of us. Thus one can enjoy life. The trick as we had been fast-Centro Americans out, "Take us for $ 2 total to ____?" .... "No? Ok, thank you ".. next taxi ... or you is where even more deeply, she draws on the $ 1 more offer from the driver.
Our hostel was the nicest and most expensive part of Panama City, called" Casco Viejo "could. We had a great view of the center of the city, which is similar because of the high-rises and palm trees Miami. On the street next to our hostel were part of the latest James Bond filmed movie. Compared to look at the presidential house. why was the high security, police presence everywhere, to guard the house and to keep order. The hostel was in the same ownership as the hostel, where we have stayed at Bocas. found out later, 5 dollars for the taxi were of course too much, but was around the time that we will not care.
the hotel three hours to wait until the reception is opened, freshly made then, we will get straight into a taxi and let us go 5 € together at about 30 minutes from the Panama Canal. Since we are volunteers, let us then there is a nice clean finished work in the museum, for which one must actually pay. This used to be a nice gesture! The channel can be said probably not much, is holding a channel. The museum has shown very nicely how the channel is shared among all continents for transport.
went after our return in the afternoon then exploring in Casco Viejo. The district is very old, with beautiful buildings and churches, the people are very calm and friendly, especially if one speaks English. Which is always welcome.
presidential house around the corner.
Hostel view 
In the remaining days of the Basti and I spent in Panama City, we went to, inter alia, seven-hour shopping tour in which we have not even passed the first floor of the Albrook Mall. Huge. Overall we have stripped well every mall, nothing was safe from our shopping mania. Some good deals we could make.
also began Friday at the carnival. The whole "Via Espana" is not available, it was sold to food, were all different levels who have played their music for all tastes, there was something there. On a large stage, there were many live performances of salsa bands, dancehall or reggaeton artists or others. Cheerfully drank and celebrated, and especially with confetti thrown around. Especially the young people has given the so its fun. In the hostel you could look directly at each when he came from the carnival, filled with confetti. Saturday morning it was then the "Mojadoras" morgends is already there started to celebrate. In the sweltering heat are huge weighing on Via Espana and do the passing people with full water, yes, FULL. That is the attraction of the morning. Of course there was also a stage, music was played and organized a little program. The Parada was similar to that time in Limon. You had to enjoy the atmosphere easy. The People from the parades have danced merrily had, pretty, exotic costumes, and the drummer groups was lots of fun. The spectators were fewer viewers, the more they were part of the whole, have mitgetanzt, singing along and went along with the parade. Because you just felt, how different is their culture and what kind of mentality, a solemn man. Women and men between the ages of my Größeltern - as if they were 20 - danced omitted, they had it in the blood.
the "del Abuelo gueto" ... "Grandpa out of the ghetto" dance on 
Mojadoras
stood with her infant in front of the speakers and danced. 
"Grandma and Grandpa out of the Ghetto" at the dance!
Well, the time in Panama City, went to the shopping and carnival election was over and now Basti already left. I decided to put myself in the Province of Chiriqui, part of which are the cities of David and Boquete. There should be cooler, which I needed. In the hostel I had found a flyer from an eco-hotel, 1,500 m, in the middle in the jungle. I was on my way and should be by the driver of the minibus from David to Changuinola let out on the road. After an hour ride, the bus overheated and we waited an hour in first still almost unausstehbarer heat on the replacement bus. Ultimately, I was then in the middle of a major road, surrounded by mountains only, with 3 yellow stones, beside which stood a sign with words to the hostel out "thrown". With my backpack I had to come up now, a 10-minute track, it should be. Before I was offered, that someone is sent down, carrying my backpack, but thought the inviolable Benita is "10 minutes, but nothing that I can do." Done I have it, but I will do a devil to do that again. Next time I let carry my luggage! I sweated like never arrived and then spent another day before it was to return to Costa Rica.
This Eco-Farm was something completely different. In the midst of the jungle, there are some complexes, toilets, showers, body, bedroom, which were each connected with stone paths and have been open, so just open, even the kitchen in the main part. Had to be at night on the toilet, so you had to first pass a small way with a torch until it was finally here. From up there you had a great view of the landscape and on a clear day you could see the neighboring volcano Baru. To has been the hotel forest paths, through which you walk. There were various tours, lasting up to 4 hours and led to the ups and downs, through water, waterfalls and other interesting things. I myself have not hiked there, I had a whole day there, where I wanted to take a coffee tour. Unfortunately this was not concluded, I will have to do in Costa Rica or Guatemala. Instead, I drove into the village to a kind of mountain column. It is, therefore, at the heart of the stone water flows. You could jump down from there and relax just a bit. One could see quite well, even if not a substitute for the coffee tour.
lived on the farm, also a "Kinkajou" she called him honey bear. It was a small bear, the attention of people enjoyed to the utmost. He was there in a cage because he was probably at that time held by a boy in a cat cage, and therefore can not live in the wild. But in a larger cage, could be every night when he woke up to play him in the cage with him. The time was an experience!
up there on the farm could be seen a few different bird and insect species. Regular flights over small hummingbirds that are hanging around in water dispensers served.
Since the farm was rather high up, you could not just down, because it was always quite stressful. Upstairs there was plenty to eat, from bread, fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs to yogurt, snacks and soft drinks could make his meals as desired and has been painted with a Abstreichliste its use. There were some volunteers who have helped there. Every evening, two people have cooked a meal. If you wanted, you could eat with for $ 6. The food was delicious and we have enjoyed peaceful sit together with all others.
This amount was also really cold. You had to sleep with 2 blankets and went without a coat anything. That was a great change the hot Panama City. But if you into the village is 30 minutes away down seems to reflect the sun.
I would have much more to do there, to walk, the weather was not able to and had time I do not, as I slowly but longed to Costa Rica. I wanted to stop on my way back to Puerto Viejo, so I do not have a long way to San Jose. There, I still had my bet - a luncheon - with Jason, out now from the center is cash. I won a bet that I would not let me then of course take. The way back was easy, this time I had my first carry down my luggage from the farm. Crossed the line I felt right back at home. Usual accent, familiar currency. Once in Puerto Viejo Jason has already picked me from the bus. Again, I let myself in Rockin J's, the hammock hotel down. The evening I ate at the restaurant where Jason works in the evening. Caribbean chicken salad and patacones (fried banana fruit, salty, sweet, not). That was not the stake, but it was SUPER yummy. I believe I have not had better chicken eaten.
told me take this opportunity of Jason the Magician, whom we had met in Bocas. Amused, I began that he no longer lives in Puerto Viejo because he had problems. Jason stopped and started, "Yes, Lee has checked off his thumb" ... with open mouth, I looked at him naked, "That's right!" I just asked ... "Of course we do, this Lee is totally crazy, the magician lives 200 meters away from me, that was 2 months or so, there was still large police presence outside his home .".... "And now that Lee has no more thumbs?" ... "No, he no longer has. He can hardly get out of his house, the choice was not better to .".... I could really only laugh about this denudation, but probably true story from Limon. Believe me no, I thought only. I called directly to Basti and told him about it. "How?" Nee! As if! " and a loud laugh .. I just got the answer. That's what I thought too!
Friday I went to get up walk on the beach. When I was at my locker in order to get my shower stuff was James, another volunteer from England 3 hammocks next to me. "What are you doing here?" we exclaimed in us only. Well, was probably nothing with quiet weekend, as we both of us had wanted. We would eat together later. now I earned my bet was served: was Langoste this time. It was worth it, the first time in my life, and then I do not even pay it. Flaire Caribbean pure!
So the days passed, there were still some other known volunteers who probably really wanted to Cahuita, have changed her mind but then when they learned that James and I were in nearby Puerto Viejo. Now it was party weekend rather than relaxing. It was great!
Sunday but - I must say - I've got to be right at home. So from out of the backpack are present and sleep in different beds then you have enough at some point.
Monday we went back to Alajuelita, all have missed me. One was happy to see me again. Many gave it new. The "Angeles de la noche "had some new ones at the weekend in Los Cuadros in Guadalupe to be related to the center. Jimmy is now gone. Anthony was still there. Thanks to God first. Carlitos still there ......
As the new had been 2-4 days since I could not even begin to teach. It is always better to give the New at least one week to somewhat "normal" are the first days are always very difficult and many also go to a few days withdrawal again. Only Anthony informed I could. David and Yeison are both very unreliable when it comes to learn lost, quite typical drug addicts. you always behind running is tiring. Anyway, I'm so the first few days helped a lot in the kitchen. When Vegetable whittle I talked to Luis, a relatively new, it is now there for a month. He is left of me before my trip to Panama known that he admired in his own words, Hitler, Napoleon and Benito Mussolini for their leadership qualities. We talked about the trip and came to how easy it here in Central America, to smuggle drugs across borders. "In Europe people are not that simple," said I only. In response I got "I am to come to Spain ... with drugs." .. As he has done for me, I asked, unimaginable for me. "In the stomach," he told me. Then I remembered a documentary I saw it once in Germany had. However, since from a different perspective. He told me more about it ... Small bags of heroin he had swallowed and smuggled into Madrid. He could then 4 days eating nothing, then they came in a natural way out again. For the whole trip was paid him $ 7,000. Plus the ticket of course. A good salary, he found. Almost at first hand I get to how the drug game is running. It is the easiest way to smuggle drugs, but also the most dangerous. If any punches one in the stomach, you can be killed instantly when a bag burst! What there still may be a way, I asked, for that you can smuggle drugs to the body through so many countries, seems impossible! However, it is probably not impossible. The trick is that there are two accomplices, which do not use drugs with him at the airport and a stupid mistake, which then diverted the police and dealt with this person. Meanwhile, the smugglers can with less risk through controls. Hard to believe that I now do even more with these. Although I am already aware that many of my friends have done certain things there which I do not know about that are much worse. Indeed, quite good that I do not know of anything. You can tell that behind every face is a mile long history.
following update.
