It has been a pretty big day today. When I went to Bocas they charged me $6 for the boat and said it was return. When I went back to leave this morning they wanted another $4 so I told them to shove it and went to Taxi 25 and came back to the mainland with them.
I have been trying to google a map of Almirinti to see the bus station but couldn't find one. So when we arrived at the dock the touts were all over us. One said he would take me to the bus station for $1. That is a good deal, they usually start at $5. I went with him but we didnt go to the bus station. We went to a bus on the street, that was going to David. The Pommy couple with me declined but I said OK. The only seat on the bus was a dickie seat above the motor. It was a bit cramped and I should have thought about it but I wanted to keep moving.
About an hour in the trip I was getting hot so I reached over and opened the window. Well, the driver wasn't impressed. He said, in Spanish, to close the window cos the A/C is on. I told him I don't understand. He threatened to stop the bus and put me off so I looked him in the face and said "I don't understand" works both was ********! The girl next to me closed the window then the driver opened his window and turned off the A/C so everyone had to open the windows. Then he floored it. Like he wanted to get this over and done with. I thought I was going to die? I have ridden some crazy chicken busses but this ******** was over the top. The first chance I got, when he stopped to pick someone up, I got off the bus.
After standing on the side of the road, I have no idea where I was, for about 1/2hr I was starting to think I might have made a mistake? But I am still alive, and that is a good thing. I was starting to worry that I made a questionable decision and another bus came long. I got a great double seat all to myself and the driver didn't have a death wish. I even had a nana nap.
This bus stopped for a comfort break and to pick up more passengers. They know the drum, they are locals. While we are getting food and drink and stretching our legs they are taking all our seats. I realised a fat Sheila was in my seat so I jumped in and got the front seat so I still had a good seat.
At David we arrived at a proper bus terminal with busses going everywhere. I found my bus and it is a proper chicken bus and leaving soon. This one went really well and I arrived in Boquete just as the rain was starting. Lucky my poncho covers me and my pack so I legged it to the hotel I was planning on staying at. They only had room with share bathroom and it was I hike to the bath room so I declined and went looking. I am right in town and got room and bath room so ok for the night. Back to David tomorrow then on to Panama City.
I have posted a couple of pics at night? Most of the lights are cars? There is not much here at night. I also posted a couple of pics of why I don't stay in hostels if I can help it. No dunny paper and some ******** has put his washing over EVERY chair?
I'm on the bus to Panama City today. I just checked the weather forecast and it said thunderstorms every day. Hope they are only at night.
Now I can't post comments? WTF?