Well we are now safely back in Panama and enjoying the joys of the Caribbean on a little island called Bocas del Toro.

Unfortunately we had our first slip in luck in our last place (Cahuita in Costa Rica) as our backpacks were stolen from our room on the first night. It has left us with plenty of shopping to do but at least our important bits were safe thanks to Rhian's cautious approach to hiding things (previously, but never again, referred to as paranoia). This is inspite of the BIGGEST 'guard' dog we have ever seen (see pics). On a positive side it was a great chance to practice my formal Spanish with the police and we got a lift home with 2 heavily armed police who doubled as nature guides pointing out animals on the ride!

We were glad to get back to Panama (as is the wallet) and have really relaxed back into things. I got a little carrried away snorkelling yesterday and the tropical sun has finally broken the Hiles defences after nearly 2 months and my back is now a fairly crispy red colour... Of course, noone will be surprised to learn of the level of sympathy being lavished on me right now.

We are making lots of friends as we go and have already bumped into 3 of them at least a second time making us feel like more experienced travellers.

Went to 'Starfish beach' today (see pics) which was very cool and only our second attempt - attempt number one involved walking for an hour in the wrong direction before giving up. Our sense of direction hasn't improved hugely!

I have also had to give in and get my first overseas haircut. For a man who spent 7 years going to the same barber this was surprisingly 'extreme' for me. As i am currently in control of the pics i am avoiding one as i am pretty well shorn - turns out my spanish skills relating to beauty and hairstyles is not up to scratch - lesson learned :)

We are back to Panama City in a couple of days before flying to Peru on Thursday the 1st. How has this come round already? We are looking forward to Frankster joining us for a couple of weeks for the Inca Trail (nothing to do with the replacement goodies she is bringing with her - rummikubb being the main excitement as the score is 17-15 to Rhian and she is keen to extend her lead!) She is also having half her luggage taken up with someone's monster size 12 walking shoes....

Oh, and those looking for a new boat name could do worse than the one in the above photo ;)