San Blas (aka Paradise)

We have just gotten back to the hostel in Panama City after 4 days in the Kuna Yala (aka Paradise!). The last few days were absolutely incredible. Exactly what I was looking for. The Kuna people are beautiful, friendly people and we had the privilege of living with them for 4 days!

The Kuna have their own set of laws so they are technically separate from Panama. They are the only people who are allowed to own the islands and there are over 400 islands in the San Blas bay area. The islands are not large though. The one that we stayed on housed 300 Kuna and I could walk around it in under 15 minutes. The islands that we visited were absolutely beautiful. You can't swim on the islands that the people live on because their toilets are holes built out over the ocean. The islands you visit to swim look like you have died and gone to paradise. Small deserted islands surrounded by crystal blue water with excellent snorkeling, white sand beaches line the edges of the islands and the middle of the island is full of palm trees perfect for hanging hammocks. It was more beautiful than I could have even possibly imagined.

I was so happy there (not that I am not happy now). Our "guide" took us to stay with his family and his sister was there with her three little kids. I had so much fun playing with the kids. The little girl and I would play shark attack on the beach while my friends Brian and Tim rough housed with the little boys. We had wonderfully relaxing mornings, afternoons and evenings. Our last night there they made Lauren and I pasta since we don't eat meat and the locals performed a traditional dance for us. I kept asking myself "What else could I possibly want?" I have been so satisfied with life for the last couple days that I have to wonder what I am doing with my life back in Salt Lake City. I really need to remember this feeling and take it home with me to apply it to everything that I do!