SAN BLAS ISLANDS II

There's so much to love about the San Blas Islands.

The stunning clarity and colors of the water that laps soothingly over the white sand beaches, which Liz could never seem to get enough of. The ubiquitous bead anklets and bracelets the local Kuna women wear to signify whether they're married or not. The lady below, preparing fresh fish for our dinner is married, as noted by the wide wrap around each ankle. 

The quality of food and accommodation varies from island to island. Since only Kuna people can run businesses in the San Blas Islands (no foreign-owned companies allowed...meaning the Hard Rock San Blas will not be happening there anytime soon), the hotels and accompanying restaurants are run by the same one or two families who inhabit whichever island visitors end up staying on. 

While this often means sleeping arrangements are rustic and meals can be culinarily-challenged at times, the overall experience is one that's becoming more and more difficult to come by.

Above, Liz stands in the doorway of our hut. Amenities include one naked light bulb hanging from the palm roof, one thin mattress resting on cross-cut palm trunks, and a hammock for when the bed filled with sand. After lights out, the darkness is profound, as are the starry skies and the sounds from the waves nearby and the palms overhead. 

For families or groups, there are larger huts with multiple hammocks.

But the main attraction can only be the islands themselves. Picture perfect, whether from a distance...

Or frozen in yoga pose atop one...

Or closing business deals just next to one.

If you have time, the San Blas are so worth a visit (or two). While you're there, take some time to enjoy the scene, learn about the locals, and consider a volunteer activity such as  a beach cleanup.

And of course, don't forget to take dominion over your own palm-crowned private island. It's as unique a place as we've seen on the trip and will definitely be making our Top 10 list, if we ever get around to putting one together. 

PHOTO FRIDAY: VIEW FROM THE WATER

Visitors take in the view from the cottages of the Hotel El Faro del Colibri on another cloudy, rainy day in Bocas del Toro. 

The island chain is set in a tropical rain forest zone, meaning even in the driest months (Oct, Jan, March), there's still a high chance of precipitation, as we found our during our stay. 

But when the sun does peak out from behind the clouds, it makes all the difference. 

FUNNY MONDAY: FUNNY SIGNS

While traveling, you see some funny things. 

Unusual street signs in South Africa, strange ads in Nepal and silly products in Tanzania (virgin soap?!) that shouldn't really exist, but they do, thanks to capitalism and/or some very creative marketing people. 

Here are a few more signs from recent days that seemed just a little off: 

Most places actually repair roads, instead of
putting up permanent signs alerting drivers that
the road is in a "bad state."
At least the chickens seem to like it.

How you know when it's time to fix the sign at your hotel. 

The bus driver must be big Jay-Z fan.
Either that, or the air freshener is covering something up.

We loved the clarity of this sign in Cahuita National Park.
Of course, there was garbage nearby...so we cleaned it up...
just didn't seem to be part of the area.

Homemade stop sign in town. Why not?

Want more funny signs? Check out these warnings for dangerous animals we saw in South Africa.