At this rate of deceleration, by the time I get to Peru, I will have come to a complete stop altogether! I’m in the town of Bocas  on the Island of Colon. 

Boca Del Toro is the region in the northwest corner of Panama, on the Caribbean coast, just across the border from Costa Rica. This tropical archipelago consists of many of the islands that are entirely blanketed with vegetation.

Fortunately there are a few clearings in the jungle and some very nice beaches. A boat is the preferred form of transport in the maze of waterways between and around the various sized keys. Colon is the main inhabited island with a healthy little tourist economy.

The region is fairly isolated from the rest of the country geographically, but there is an airport with several daily flights from Panama City for about $50 one way. 

There is an eclectic mix of expatriates from around the globe blended with Caribbean Blacks, Indigenous Folk, and those of Latin blood. Most everyone understands both English and Spanish. 

The calm waters south of the hurricane belt, the beaches, the reefs, and the rainforest provide plenty of outdoor recreation. 

There are good restaurants and just a bit of nightlife.

They are out to make a profit, but more here for the lifestyle, to be sure! And since everyone knows everyone in this small island community, security is not a big issue and children have relative freedom to roam the streets and parks in safety. 

And an infrastructure! Yes, there is a government with a manageable amount of corruption, utilities, a bank, and even cable TV!  Yet the place retains a third world, laid back, Tropical Island mentality.

Panama in general has been the most appealing to me of all of the Central American countries. 

Panama has the natural beauty of Costa Rica with less attitude and for less money! American influence was instantly obvious upon crossing the border. 

The roads and traffic control are superb by Central American standards.

Gas is sold by the gallon AND by the dollar for a nice change back to the familiar. 

Still gotta buy it, whatever the currency or quantity. The Balboa of Panama is interchangeable with the dollar and their coins are different but the sizes are identical to ours.

Flag Day wherein alcohol sales and public consumption are strictly prohibited. And Independence Day, where they make up for the previous days abstinence. And they don’t wait!

At the stroke of midnight the night before,  alcohol becomes legal again and the bars open so that you can party through the night to be ready for the parade in the morning!

Members of the marching band practice/party in streets all night long!
I plan to spend another four weeks in some other parts of the country, but so far Panama gets a great big thumbs up from me!