Boca Chica

I went snorkeling off of a beach island near Boca Chica with Paul and Isabel. It was fun, but I got fried. I'm religious about sunscreen, but I have no base tan, and I was in the water for over 2 hours...should have worn a shirt. Ouch! The entire trip to Boca Chica cost me much more than I anticipated, so in the future a trip like that should be done with other people, and for several nights. Transportation alone (including water taxis and the snorkel boat, land taxi, four buses) was $70. That could have easily been $20 with three other people.

The reef and beach were pretty nice. Honestly, I have to say though that Key West has this area beat as far as quantity and color of flora and fauna. I did see two Dog-faced Puffer Fish though, and a couple schools of Barracuda. Isabel was cool, she is studying Ecology in Panama City. The hotel owners were nice too, and I'll probably see them again.

While heading back to Boquete, I got a call from the partner of my original contact. We met at the bus station and talked for awhile. It was a great conversation because he did exactly the same thing I am doing a few years ago. He sold everything and moved blindly to Panama. He had a lot of great advice for how to get established in Panama. I feel pretty good after talking to him about everything. My biggest worry now is the initial outlay of cash (for a car, agent fees, etc.)

I relocated to a great little hostel. They quoted me $16.50 last week. Last night it was $14. Today, it's $10. I have no idea why this is. If it keeps going this way, they'll be paying me to stay here.

Last night, I went to a local bar and ran into some locals that I met recently and a few of their friends. They were so hilarious I was crying laughing. I also bought rounds of beer, ate dinner, etc. The bill at the end was like $12. Insanely cheap.

My friend Joy just got into town, so I'm meeting her tonight, and climbing with her and a couple of her friends tomorrow. Yeah!