The two weeks since my last post have contrasted hugely; the first was dedicated to studying Spanish and during the second my friends Greg and Jack arrived. Consequently, although I continued to attend two hours of intensive conversation classes each day, my progress slowed as I put down my books.
It was such a pleasure to share the beauty of Bocas with friends from home. The weather remained patchy, but they saw enough sun to appreciate some of what the archipelago has to offer. Arriving at sunset on the waterfront deck at their hostel, Mamallena, they immediately fell in love with the islands in the same way I have.
The next day we capitalised on the good weather and explored Carenero Island. I had considered taking them to see Carenero’s Secret, but I couldn’t blame them for not wanting to leave Black Rock Beach.
On another day, we cycled to Bluff Beach and sheltered under the trees along the Jungle Highway when it rained. Fortunately, the clouds cleared in the afternoon and the sun shone over the surfers as they battled to tame the beautiful clear blue waves.
After Jack and Greg reluctantly returned to winter in England, I jumped in a kayak to discover more of Bocas del Toro. I’ve previously written about the diminishing number of starfish at one of the most popular tourist beaches, yet in the kayak I saw countless numbers of them in the shallow water. I skirted the more remote western side of Carenero’s coast, reaching the northernmost point, before the waves forced me to turn back. I decided a safer option was to visit a beach and I found one I could enjoy all to myself.
Towards the end of last week, it became evident how many of the verb conjugations I had forgotten in the space of only a few days. This shows the old adage of “use it or lose it” is sadly as true as ever. I have less than four weeks remaining at the Habla Ya school before my girlfriend arrives. I intend to do everything I can to make the most of them.
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