We met a fun couple from Canada here at the Mandala and after spending the day sharing travel stories, they decided they'd join us on our boat ride to Isla Salango for a swim and some snorkeling.Our day started with a 25 cent bus ride south to a neighboring fishing village called Salango, a place Bob and I had been with Ligia and Sook our first week here. But this time we found a fisherman eager to take tourists out to the island and what a trip.It's quit...

I was sick today--here's the view from my window.

Early on our trip we've found a gem on the ocean, due to Kathleen's recommendation. If you've dreamed of warm tropic breezes, beautiful beaches, lush gardens, wonderful service and a comfortable bed, this is the place for you.Although the Hawaiian beaches we know are gorgeous, this is easily as beautiful as any of them, minus the people and for a tenth the cost. Of course the one big drawback, or positive (depending on who's looking) is that there...

If you're into miracles, try the one unfolding in Puerto Lopez. In a fishing village far from the drugs and violence of the big cities, lie the drugs and violence of the small cities. Here you find the culture of 13 year old mothers and 12 year old dropouts. And poverty. Strangling poverty.An then comes an idea. Fredy, our teacher here at La Lengua language school, came to Puerto Lopez 10 years ago looking for a new life and instead gave life to an idea that...

And more. Some sell for up to a million. But when you consider a really good weaver can only make 4 or 5 hats a year, you can see why the softest, finest Panama hats can sell for so much.I came away with one tho--didn't quite pay that much, but it's a cutie. Bob tried one on just long enough for a picture then wouldn't buy it. Says he wouldn't wear it. But I think it makes him one cute Chicago boy, don't you?