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. 

FUNNY MONDAY: PALM TREE JUMP

From live volcanoes to high bridges to the Taj Mahal, for some reason we like having our photo taken while jumping in the air. Tourists.

So when we saw this reclining palm stretching out over a beach in the San Blas Islands, we went right to it. More or less.

At least the sand was a safer landing than the one Kip would've faced if he missed this jump in Thailand...or if this jumping cat crash landed in a monastery in Burma. 

PHOTO FRIDAY: PIER WITH A VIEW

A pier stretches toward the horizon to the surf break called Silverbacks and the island of Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama. 

Even under a cloudy sky, we found it hard to find anything to complain about with this view.

BOAT BUILDING IN BELO, MADAGASCAR

As mentioned, Belo sur Mer is home to some of Madagascar's most famous boat builders. Check out some of their handiwork below:

Sun sets behind the skeletal remains of a would-be ship who never saw her maiden voyage. 

A cargo boat under construction in Belo. Vessels like these require intricate woodwork, as noted by the tightly-connected stem, knee joint and ribs, which are held in place by physics, wooden pegs, and frequent prayers.

A man hammers pegs into a beam support of a dugout canoe. His friend smiles for the camera.

The scalloped sides of the pirogue above highlight the traditional methods  still used to carve these ocean-going vessels.

The old-school boat building continues on one of the wide beaches of Belo. They even have goats, too!