Archiv
CW 27 2003
30.06. - 06.07.2003
We're in Porvenir, "the" main city on the St. Blas Islands. Which
means that there is a police post, an administrative boss of the Kuna community
(that's the name of the local people), two phone booths from Cable & Wireless,
a landing strip and a few houses, a hotel and a souvenir shop. That's all,
but apparently one can sign in here, meaning that we can get a permit allowing
us to sail in Panamas waters and an immigration stamp into our passports here.
But not today, says the top Kuna, since the person who does that isn't in
today. Maybe tomorrow, but definitely the day after, then he'll be back. Can
we take care of all the formalities then? Yes, says the top Kuna and politely
asks me for US $ 7.00 as a contribution towards the Kuna community.
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It is also customary to pay a contribution of about US $ 5.00 towards the community - with receipt - on all other inhabited islands. It's usually valid for 3 months and, as far as I'm concerned, that is a good idea. By the way, other Kunas also have to pay when they visit an island outside of their community. Since we have plenty of time now, we visit the neighboring island Wichikuala with the dinghy. |
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They're supposed to bake yummy, fresh bread here. And really, three
of the huts have an oven and call themselves bakery. But the bread they
bake, each for 10 Cent, is absolutely delicious. The guy responsible for the signing in didn't show up on Tuesday either, so SILVER BLUE keeps lying peacefully off the Porvenirs beach. Now and again a few Kunas come by in a canoe, to sell a little of this and that or just to chat for a while. Amongst others a couple with child stop by and he nosily pops his head into the engine room, just as I'm busy making water. The fact that this machine turns salt water into drinking water only lets him shake his head in awe. But, as I give him 5 freshly drafted liters he smiles and gives me 4 mangos in exchange. Which makes both of us happy. |
| First thing on Monday morning: we have to drop anchor again. Those strong
bursts of rain let the anchor slip a little. After that is done, a man comes paddling over from the neighboring island in a canoe, telling us that he is the guy we were looking for and that we can take care of all the paper business now. So, after breakfast, we visit the picturesque offices. We soon find out, that for almost US $ 70.00 we do get lots of papers, but we don't get that extremely important immigration stamp for our passports. We can't get that one in Porvenir right now since something went wrong somehow with the official responsible for that. |
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So we can either sail 60 miles to Colon for it or fly to Panama City. We
chose the second option and on Thursday morning at 7am we're flying to Panamas
capital with the "Island Hopper" for US $ 30.
The formalities are quickly taken care of at the airport and that leaves us
with plenty of time until our return flight goes in the afternoon. So we grab
a taxi and do some shopping. And we did find out, that you really can get
absolutely anything in Panama City. There's also a Sony center with very friendly
employees, and they're selling that new digital camera I've wanted to buy
for a long time - considering that the old one always gave hassles. And this
one comes with some special add-ons and an underwater case - and is cheaper
than in Europe.
The taxi driver charges US $ 6.00 for an hour, so we treat ourselves to a
city tour and a stopover at the Panama Canal. Soon SILVER BLUE will also pass
through it, and it's really amazing what giants they squeeze through here:
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Now all formalities are taken care of, so off we go into the beautiful
island world. First we're going to visit the enchanting Chichime-Cays.
We've now got two cute little geckos on board with us (they must have
hired on in Cartagena, without me knowing). … until then, take care! TOM |
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