San Blas Islands, Panama
After leaving the protected shelter of the port of Cristobal, Panama and traveling for most of the night in choppy seas of the Caribbean, we entered the calm waters of the group of islands called the San Blas Archipelago or Kuna Yala. Our destination – Callos Holandases. Everyone seemed in very high spirits and anxious to go ashore. After a satisfying breakfast, we set ashore to explore the beautiful sandy beaches. A gentle swell set our Zodiac gently onto the shore and we headed off into different directions. The snorkelers explored the fringing reef located just off the beach and found to their delight, reef squid, schools of white grunts and colorful parrotfish with their large pronounced scales and parrot like beaks. Some of the passengers found that the hammocks situated between the tall willowy coconut trees suited them best.
The kids had a great time trying to paddle their kayaks but seemed to have the most fun frolicking on the steep beach in the great waves that washed in.
A family of Kuna Indians has made their home here and they displayed their molas for us. What incredible pieces of fabric with rich colorful reversed appliqués depicting fish, turtles and birds. After Panama declared its independence from Colombia, the new government attempted to force the Kuna to give up their traditional dress and religious customs. These programs were met with resistance and resulted in periodic skirmishes throughout the early 1900s. Finally in 1925, the Porvenir Treaty was signed between the national government and the Kunas were granted relative autonomy and a measure of self-determination regarding their own affairs.
Before we knew it the day had ended and we were headed back to our ship for cocktails and recap and with a little color on our faces. Tomorrow, we head to Dog Island, another tropical island within the Kuna Yala region.
After leaving the protected shelter of the port of Cristobal, Panama and traveling for most of the night in choppy seas of the Caribbean, we entered the calm waters of the group of islands called the San Blas Archipelago or Kuna Yala. Our destination – Callos Holandases. Everyone seemed in very high spirits and anxious to go ashore. After a satisfying breakfast, we set ashore to explore the beautiful sandy beaches. A gentle swell set our Zodiac gently onto the shore and we headed off into different directions. The snorkelers explored the fringing reef located just off the beach and found to their delight, reef squid, schools of white grunts and colorful parrotfish with their large pronounced scales and parrot like beaks. Some of the passengers found that the hammocks situated between the tall willowy coconut trees suited them best.
The kids had a great time trying to paddle their kayaks but seemed to have the most fun frolicking on the steep beach in the great waves that washed in.
A family of Kuna Indians has made their home here and they displayed their molas for us. What incredible pieces of fabric with rich colorful reversed appliqués depicting fish, turtles and birds. After Panama declared its independence from Colombia, the new government attempted to force the Kuna to give up their traditional dress and religious customs. These programs were met with resistance and resulted in periodic skirmishes throughout the early 1900s. Finally in 1925, the Porvenir Treaty was signed between the national government and the Kunas were granted relative autonomy and a measure of self-determination regarding their own affairs.
Before we knew it the day had ended and we were headed back to our ship for cocktails and recap and with a little color on our faces. Tomorrow, we head to Dog Island, another tropical island within the Kuna Yala region.
