Monday, July 31, 2006

San Blas Islands

We have entered the San Blas, and have visited two of the islands so far.
The San Blas Islands are a group of islands with Kuna Indians living on
them. The Kuna government strives very hard to preserve the original
culture. The result? Thatched roof huts, dugout canoes, traditional
clothing, and many other interesting customs. The people here are very
anxious to sell us things, and everyday we have someone come out in their
canoes offering to sell us things. The women come out to our boat selling
heaps of colorful molas, bracelets, masks, and some of their other
creations. It is tough to say "No, we already bought some molas," and every
time they come to the boat we purchase more molas. They want $1 or $2 per
photo we take of them. The men come out selling crab, lobster, and bread.
Kuna bread is very good, and I have consumed far more than I should have
rationed myself to. I'm eating Kuna Bread as we speak. The San Blas look
like the scenes on travel brochures, except without any civilization. The
water is crystal clear, and is great for swimming. The sea floor is littered
with starfish. I accidentally stepped on them a few times.