Four countries, one language.

Bocas del Toro is a collection of small islands off the northwest coast of Panama right next to the Costa Rican border.  A bit touristy it still maintains its laid back charm where everything truly runs on "Panamanian time".  Our hostel, "Calipso", was great and even had a balcony (though no water views for only $10 a night).

The first night we ate dinner on a boat docked to the shore which apparently was the hub of the ex-pats living on the island.  It was truly a sight to behold.  Everyone at the bar was American, over the age of 50, and the golf channel was on.  I think I know where I'm going to retire to.

The first night we decided that a bit of bar-hopping and partying was in order.  After starting with Happy Hour at Mondo Taitu and 50 cent beers we went to "La Iguana", which as I understand it was a scene straight out of Panama City Beach, Florida (according to Kelly who has been there).  

Side story: in Boquette we met two girls from Canada who were also heading to Bocas and traveled there and spent our time in Bocas with them.  While at Mondo Taitu on our first night we also ran into three guys (two Brits and an Aussie) we had seen at the bus stop earlier that morning in David, and ended up partying with them during our time in Bocas.  It was really cool that all seven of us, representing four countries, were just hanging out in Panama - those are the moments I cherish most about traveling.  I regress...

La Iguana was right on the water so one was able to dive right out of the bar into the ocean - pretty crazy.  We had a lot of fun, and only slightly regretted it when we had to be up at 9:00 the next morning for a day of snorkeling and "siestaing" on a white sand beach.  The snorkeling was fun, and we were able to use the "GoPro" that Kelly brought, but was nothing to brag about.  They didn't even give us flippers... Oh well, it was a fun day none the less and I was able to get my first official burn of the trip despite the SPF 85 (no joke) Kelly supplied.  

We returned to nap before heading out for some live reggae/Caribbean fusion musicá at a local bar.  The night was far more chill given our agenda the next day included waking up at 7:30 and crossing the border to get to Puerto Viejo.