Paradise is what I experienced last week when I traveled down to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Jon came in to visit just around the time that I was overstaying my welcome in Costa Rica (my visa is only good for 90 days) so we headed down to Panama to renew my visa. Bocas del Toro is an archipelago of about 500 islands- only 2 have towns and only 1 has a road (road singular).
The long journey began last Saturday. Jon flew in late on Friday and we woke up early on Saturday to catch a bus from San Jose to Changuinola, Panama. The 6 hour bus ride was complete with a 1 1/2 hour border stop where everyone had to cross into Panama on foot- over a rusted out bridge with missing planks (slightly terrifying).
In Changuinola we switched buses to a small microbus loaded down with about 30 Panamaneans. After a 45 minute drive to Almirante we still weren't finished. From there we took a 30 minute water taxi ride to Isla Colon, the main island. With the green montains of mainland Panama on one side and the tropical islands on the other the ride was breathtaking. The last leg of the journey was a 30 minute drive over a 4 mile sand/dirt road which bordered the coast. We arrived much later than expected, but the next few days proved the trip worthwhile.Jon and I spent the first 3 days lounging on a beautiful private beach with crystal clear turquoise water and overhanging palms. We took long hikes down the beach, sunbathed to the fullest, and swam in the warm water.
On Wednesday we took a water taxi from Isla Colon to Isla Bastimentos, the second largest island. There are no roads or motorized vehicles on Bastimentos, just a cement boardwalk and jungle trails. After we settled into our place and enjoyed some Thai tea while chatting the owners on a balcony overlooking the sea (they also run a Thai restaurant), we set off for a hike across the island. We hiked through hills, jungle, and cow pastures to reach Wizard Beach, the main public beach on the island. We then continued walking down the beach to see what we could find. Along the way we met some friendly policia nacional who macheted open a coconut for us. :) 
Then we walked along to Red Frog Beach where we did actually see one strawberry dart frog. The hike was full of gorgeous views and all sorts of bird and butterfly sightings.
We even found some pineapple plants! (No, pineapples do not grow on trees.)
On Thursday we rented snorkel gear and took a water taxi to Polo Beach, a picture perfect and nearly deserted beach that has a large coral reef. We spent the day snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. I was a little scared at first, but with Jon's help I ventured into the sea and discovered the magical world under the water. It is truly incredible. We saw bright blue fish, purple and yellow fish, butterfly fish, and tons more. Jon had 2 big sightings- a large fish at least 2 feet in diameter and then a stingray as wide as an armswidth. I, fortunately, saw nothing as terrifying. :)
Our last day on the islands, Friday, was spent on the main beach on Isla Colon- Bocas del Drago. It, too, is beautiful, but was a little crowded.
The best part was the section called Starfish Beach. For some reason dozens of huge starfish live in the warm waters there. I loved them! Starfish are such odd creatures...so unique! 
We spent all day on the beach, watched the sunset from there, and then returned to town to finish off the week with fresh fruit smoothies.
On Saturday we waved goodbye and made the long trip back "home." Jon left early this morning and already made it home to Ohio. I returned to work today, though tired, and it already seems like paradise is a million miles away. Funny how that happens, isn't it? :)
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