Buenos Dias, Amigos!
Soooo...
I finally arrived in Boquete, after more than a day of travel, and checked into the tiny Spanish school I would be living at for most of my time in Panama.
The town, which is at high elevation, is located in the cloud forest, which means that there is almost always cloud vapour in the air. So it's never quite cold here but also never quite hot.
The surrounding mountains are beautiful, very green and misty. The town itself is built up around hundreds of tiny (and a few very large) coffee plantations. Orchids grow wild everywhere as well as any other kind of flower you can think of. There is also a beautiful river that runs directly through Boquete.
The town is a vibrant mix of Panamanian, Indigenous and Expat (foreigners who now live in Panama). Because of the variation in population, it is very easy to buy a variety of things at the super mercado (super market) as they cater to all tastes. Also, most locals know a few simple English phrases which helps when you're asking for directions.
Spanish by the River, the school I am staying at, is located about 5kms from town which means that to get there in any small amount of time, you need to take a collectivo.
The collectivos can be waved down at anytime anywhere and cost 50cents to ride in. It is a super efficient (and cheap) way to get around. I am not as sure about the safety-I was riding in a van built for 9 that had 15 people in it!
There are tons of little coffee houses and just as many cheap (but good restaurants) in town. A tiny market sets up most days in the plaza, a park in the centre of town that is basically the gathering point for all locals. You can buy Panamanian crafts and also fresh fruit and veggies there.
The most beautiful thing about the area is the constant sun vapour climate that gives way to rainbows all day long. It definitely makes up for the sometimes chilly weather!
hasta luego...
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