Bocas Del Toro

Hey, I am in Bocas del toro. Which is an Island in the country of panama. We arrived yesterday after leaving the hotel Dunn Inn in San Jose at 5:30am to catch a bus at 6:00am at the bus terminal. It was a six hour bus ride from San Jose to Sixaola which is right on the Panimanium border. We then got the correct documentation to exit the country, including a call to the US Embassy because my bread new passport had no stamps in it. They then verified the day I came into the country as well as the previous passport number. Once we were allowed to cross the border in to Panama we crossed the half mile bridge that linked Sixaola and Panama. This bridge used to be used as a railway bridge and is now covered with spotty boards and half way falling down fences on the side. It was an experience. Once in Panama we grabbed a taxi, better yet a taxi grabbed us, and for ten dollars (per person) we got from the boarder to the Panga (small boat) that would take us to the Island of Bocas del Toro. In the taxi (van) ride we met three American guys and four German girls, and exchanged interesting conversation. One of the guys was a missionary in San Jose teaching music to youth, who was showing his friends who came to visit the country to which he had lived since last year. Then one to the boat dock we waited for an hour and then finally got to leave for Bocas. Once we got to Bocas del toro we found our hotel which was a God send. A little bit about this. Once we got to the hotel on Sunday for the Bible competition (see previous post) we looked up this tour company which we had previously thought about using. There price was $112 for each person. This included three days / two nights in Bocas. Stay at Costa Suites (not too bad, better than Breakwater Inn) for two nights, as well as breakfast both days and tours both days we are here. Today we woke up at 8:00am and ate breakfast and got ready for our first day of action. We left the dock at 9:35am (the guys from the bus ride and taxi ride also took this tour) and went out into the bay to watch / follow the dolphins. Then we moved onto this place where we got a chance to do some snorkeling for about an hour. There were Jelly fish as well as two sand sharks. We also saw angle fish that were almost two feet from fin to fin. Then we went to a restaurant only access able by boat where we hada fabulous lunch (Shrimp and Chicken.) We then went to Red Frog Beach where we got to chill by the ocean side and have a Coke and just take in the very ¡beautiful scenery. (Will post pictures later) Then from there we went to snorkel again but there were to many jellyfish for me to stay in the water to long. I did not want to take the chance of running into one. Once we were back to the Island we took showers and headed off to dinner, A Peruvian restaurant. Again I had chicken and Shrimp`...better there than I had at lunch. Now I'm here reading my Email and typing a blog. We are also hoping to visit the Smithsonian Science/Marine Biology Center here on the island. But for now, we are having a great time as well as meeting people from all over the world and chatting about where they are from and how their vacations are going as well as the topic of the US going stupid with this Bailout plan.....who knows. We will be back in Limon on Saturday and be able to write again then. Who knows maybe tomorrow as well. Love everyone and May the Love of Christ be with you ALL!!!!