SAILING TRIP TO PANAMA

Sorry for the late post, but believe me, I’m not just lying around lazy =) Doesn´t matter, I will continue with the posts of my trip around the world.
The next big goal was just in front of me. A ten day sailing tour, from Colombia / Cartagena to Panama / Colón.
Short information: There are many travel offers for this sailingtourn. Too many actually =) But, as so often, I did not take the main tourist route. I just walked to the main port in Cartagena and talked to the staff there. Had two major advantages. Firstly, I was able to brush up on my Spanish and secondly, I got in touch with an Italian captain. So I got my sailing ticket to Panama. The best thing was, we did not sail for four or five days, we were 10 days at the sea, Caribbean Sea =) and it was cheaper =) nice deal =) The great sailing adventure could begin !!!!

The first few days I was alone on the boat. We still had to get the boat ready. Drinking water, shower water, food, drink, gas, gas mixture, other common things =). At the beginning it looked like a solo sailing tour with Franco. Fortunately, two couples came on board spontaneously. Pablo and Elisa from Spain and Rafael and Mileide from Brazil. Both were traveling by car. The Van and the Land Rover came to Panama with a container ship. After the initial difficulties, (getting the boat ready for use, groceries. bad weather conditions and waiting for passengers) the day has came. We sailed towards Panama on a sunny Sunday morning. It started. Nothing could stop us =)

Our perfect sailing holiday did not take long time, unfortunately. After a few hours we had to turn back. When we set the main sail, the bracket for the main sail deflection broke. After that, the main sail deflected fully and broke the main joint. Luckily, at this moment, nobody was in the death zone. So we had to sail back again. off to Cartagena =(. We repaired what we could fix, we disassembled the rest and had to wait for the spare parts because it was sunday.

We also use the waiting time for a small afternoon tour in Cartagena. Walk a bit, loosen up our feets. away from the crazy captain and some normal food =) not always just PASTA (that’s the disadvantage when the captain comes from Italy. There is always pasta, always).

I also learned to sew my patches on my backpack and to patch my pants. Unfortunately my sewing skills were not good enough =) After all repairs, we took the second try. Off to Panama =) and who would have thought, this time it worked =)

I had to get used to the ocean =) My cabin was in the bow of the ship, more adventure =) and before we left I had a important decision: How should I invest my last money?? For beer or for seasick tablets? Correct……for beers….. good decision =)
But I did well, I never vomited. Until I went to Iceland, I believed that I am not seasick =) =)

The daily routine was very often the same. The first challenge was to set up coffee. not so easy when everything is moving =) sunbathe in the afternoon, swimming and snorkeling near a desert island. Eating in the evening, mostly cooked by yourself – thanks Mileide =) The evening was also wonderful. Without city and disturbing lights you can see soooooo many stars and shooting stars, awesome!! Beautiful daily routine, that is life!
And if you think it can’t get better, wait for the next day =) I waked up, made some coffee, went out for a cigarette and close to the boat, there were approximately ten dolphins…… wonderful!!

There were so many highlights and wonderful impressions on this trip but one of the best highlights was the seafood! I tried my luck with fishing…. the only thing I caught was the dinghy =) and our capitano italiano was not really happy about it =) hahahah =)
Our captain caught some fish, and it was delicious! We also bought tuna and lobsters from locals. We hired a local chef to prepare the lobster and this food was one of the best I ever tried!! Fresh lobsters with coconut rice….. mhmmmmmm

Our trip also took us to several lonely caribbean islands. We were on five islands of the San Blas islands and on the Island of Carti…..
There were new beautiful impressions on every island. I saw many children playing on the beach without any toys. Or they played with one toy all together and had many fun, I saw it in their eyes.
Our children in europe already have so many toys that they will no longer be happy with them. In south america, ten children have one bike. It is shared and everyone is allowed to ride the bike, everyone is happy. In europe every child has several bicycles and that is not enough. Sad….
I saw also beautiful animals, manta rays, dolphins, small sharks, lobsters, fire jellyfish and sooooo much more … beautiful….
I was really speechless and impressed by this beautiful spot in our world.

The migration did not take long. we were the only ones, except the militarists, on this island, border crossing. =)
After our ten day adventure tour we stopped close at Colón. We have achieved our goal!!! After saying goodbye, we took a taxi boat to the mainland and then a taxi to Panama City. One of the most beautiful and exciting trip was over, sadly.
I will never forget the nice, quiet, peaceful feeling on sea, the beautiful taste of fresh seafood, the interesting conversations with all the local people, the friendship with the two couples and the captain.
THANKS Elisa, Mileide, Pablo and Rafael. You are really very nice and honest people. It was really an honor and all a pleasure for me that we met us. I think this has become a wonderful and very nice friendship! You are always welcome at my home and I’m sure we’ll see each other again =)
@Pablo, we have to see each other in a year. Our handshake, promise is still running. One year for Spanish and English =) =) I’m looking forward to this conversation =))

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL!!!
Next stop and next post is Panama City!!