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Pretend work and real play with my new friends at The Donkey Den!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by erikamae82

After my amazing welcoming present of the fishing last night (that fun post seen here) I wake up to get a nice tour before getting started with the others.

Looking at the guesthouse from the beach.

The view off the balcony looking back at the beach.

A walk through the kitchen and outdoor dining area followed by a peak in our room.

Did I mention there are 5 very relaxed dogs and 9 lazy cats?

Here is the creator, owner and very well known, sweet Linda. A generous woman who clearly has a strong drive considering she built this guesthouse from the ground up. I really have a hard time imagining the process she must of went through being new to Ecuador and having very limited knowledge of the Spanish language. That alone speaks in volume for her patient yet feisty personality.

We’re all here to pitch in to bring this place as far as it can go. Meet a power couple that has been here for two months already and has transformed the Donkey Den to what it is today. All the way from Australia, “just passing through” is Bernie and Trevor. (He usually doesn’t rock the pink top, but i think its a job well done).

Ann and Colin are what I believe to be a perfect balance of outgoing and grounded. With their creative powers combined, this adorable team turns everything they touch into a work of art. The love they have for one another is shown through respectful words and kind conversation. When I grow up… I want to be just like them!

PS: Ann has a blog too. Check her out at NeverLostAnn!

Finally, there’s Sophie. She’s laid back, naturally funny and extremely easy to talk with. Traveling through South America, we connected at the right time in the perfect place for our paths to cross and continue. Within hours of meeting we had plans to skip town together and spend a week heading south. For now, more work in the Den.

When the days work (if you call it that) is finished, you have many options to fill your time.

There’s reading, writing or sleeping in the hammocks -aka- “Hammock Therapy”.

Taking a walk through the town.

Our favorite is beach time of course!

I had a little (a lot) of fun getting side tracked with a stick in the sand and effects on my camera!

Each evening promises a gorgeous sunset to calm the mind and welcomes another peaceful night of realization that this is my life… I am so grateful.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, donkey den, guesthouse, hammocks, Paint, village, Volunteer | 6 Comments

Does it taste better when you catch it?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by erikamae82

As I boarded the bus I to my next volunteer spot, I reviewed the directions:
“Bus to Bahia transfer towards Manta then grab a cab to Santa Marionita. Get dropped off at the top, walk towards the nice beach and look for a fence with a sign that says Donkey Den“.
Hmmm, this should be good.

Knowing the adventure I have ahead of me, you can imagine the comfort I felt when aboard walks sweet Rocio! Remember her? She was the one that helped me get to Canoa and provided hours of Spanish practice due to her lack of English. Here we are on the last bus, followed by a photo from today.

To make it even better of a ride, I meet these friendly guys from Auburn. If you’re unfamiliar with California, they live in a city that hugs my hometown! Big, beautiful, little world out there.

Off we go to the next bus transfer. The last seat open was passenger side to the driver, score!

It’s a hot day and I’m pleasantly melting directly in the sun. The cure? Those silly little salesmen are back! I passed on the ice cream cone from the last bus…

…but this time I heard the word “yogurt” and you know it, I’ll take one please!

The man sitting next to me must have recognized my enjoyment from that frozen treat, because before I knew it, I was trying out this little delight. “Helado de Coco con chocolate” is basically homemade frozen chocolate coconut milk.

Finally arriving to Manta, Rocio directs me away from the taxi line and signals me to follow her. We hop into a cab on the outside of the terminal as she tries to explain my next step. I really didn’t comprehend anything until I was literally jumping into the back of a moving truck that was apparently going to take me to my final stop.

These little camionetas pack in as many as they can and head in one direction. You simple pound on the window that divides you and the driver and it stops long enough for you to jump out. This little trick costs $1 verses the $13 cab ride that I was originally headed for. Thank you Rocio!

I’ve arrived to “the top” where after a quick knock on the window and a smooth escape, I find myself standing at this view. Next step “walk to the nice beach and look for The Donkey Den”.

Bingo!

I’m greeted with a quick hello and an offer that made the entire journey feel like this was the experience I came for.

A few times a week, the locals gather with a enormous net and start with it out in the water to gather fish. Together, they pull against the wake for about an hour, slowly bringing it in towards the shore.

I must of looked like a kid on the side lines wanting a turn because with a big smile, a few of them invited me over to give a hand. Priceless.

As it gets closer, the small fish are jumping and the birds know what’s coming next… The catch of the day!

Side note: Really look at the first picture, can you see the boy in the background? Looks like he’s about to get a fish in the face!

During the festivities, a few of the local boys were adding a little fun by throwing fish parts into the air for the birds to snag. It was like playing toss with a puppy, these birds were all over it!

Once everyone got their share, which to my observation was just a casual distribution, the crowd disbursed and the beach cleared to a calm sunset. The end result of the towns effort was our fish dinners for the next few days!

Puts a beautiful new enhancement on the idea of “teamwork” to feed a village.

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: donkey den, Ecuador, Fishing, fresh catch, locals, manta, Santa Marionita, village | 2 Comments

$6.45 well spent in Ecuador

Posted on April 8, 2013 by erikamae82

This morning brought me joy when the owner of the hotel offered a ride to the nearby city that’s full of local food and an open market. Without hesitation I jump in and off we go, leaving the greenery of Canoa and heading into the city of Bahia.

I’m already hungry so I start my walk checking out the huts that line the water. Some offering ceviche, others have fried “things” and most of them have zero to a few customers.

I spot a crowd of locals happily sitting and thouroughly enjoying what appears to be a popular dish. As I approach, it’s now clear that they are all eating the exact same thing.

Well, do as the locals do! No menu, just smile as you take a seat and patiently wait for whatever they serve you.

Turns out what they placed in front of me was the best dish I’ve had in Ecuador so far. A perfectly seasoned fish soup called encebollado de piscado that included yuca, onions, garlic, carrots, a hint of tomato and then topped with green herbs. Instead of crackers to crumble, they serve you a small bag of plantain chips. Y-U-M!

As I took the first bite and melted into my breakfast, the local kid next to me quickly waved (as if I had done something wrong) and pointed to the plate of “options” that I had seemed to over look. There was lemon juice, ketchup, salsa, mustard, oil, picante sauce, salt and pepper.

Honestly the soup was so amazing by itself, that I hesitated to add anything. After looking around and watching everyone pile on the goods, I figure I might as well give it a try. I selfishly enjoyed half the soup first, then added some picante salsa and a dash of lemon juice as I floated away to breakfast heaven.

Next, up a side street to head for the market!

The first smell that hits my nose as I enter the market is what I would describe as “raw”. I round the corner to see the fish and meat section and I’m instantly thankful that I’ve already eaten.

As I tried to scurry through quickly, I was stopped and entertained by this group of friendly locals. They must have read the “please don’t make me touch it” look on my face.

Separating the meat and veggies was a small row of random vendors offering homemade goodies that clearly needed to be sampled. They were extremely excited to see how eager I was to partake!

On the left is good ol’ butter and to the right is peanut butter that they grind in front of you from the nuts on the far right.

Cheese you can buy by the hunk that tasted similar to “string cheese” from the states.

On the left is crushed peanuts and on the right is a spiced powder that they often use in recipes. The dark item hanging is tamarind.

My favorite picture of the day is with my new pal. Just try not smiling when you look at this!

Moving along to random items and more kind smiles.

This guy wanted to show me the chickens that were for sale were still alive. Thank you buddy… I think.

Finally, my section! I pick up a few veggies and a piece of fruit to bring back for my next few meals.

On the way out, I saw a sign in which I could make out yogurt was somewhere in the description. As they rambled (mumbled) off my options, I just smiled and said “your favorite”. Great choice! It was a melon flavored frozen yogurt blend of goodness.

Fully satisfied and ready to head back, I find the boat launch that will take me across to the next town closer to home. From Bahia to San Vicente, here is the 15 minute journey…

…until the motor stopped and they spent another 10 minutes fixing it.

I get to San Vicente and now attempt to find the bus stop (that wasn’t there) that will take me back to Canoa. Photos of my walk in the order they were taken.

This polite man was selling fresh watermelon juice put over ice shaved from a huge block. Refreshing during this heat filled day.

I finally found a local that took me by the hand to the “bus stop” which was an really just an intersection where you wave as they cross and you jump in as they pass. I don’t think the wheels ever came to a complete stop. Kind of fun really!

Another salesman on the bus has a special promotion for his product. Great for me, as I could use it due to the fall I had in Panama. This little dandy is an all natural rub for muscle and joint pain.

Back in Canoa I pleasantly recap the day:

Ride to Bahia: Free
Best breakfast ever: $2.25 (that’s including the $0.50 tip that totally confused them)
2 days worth of veggies and fruit: $1.60
Melon smoothie: $0.60
Boat ride to San Vicente: $0.35
Watrmelon shaved ice: $0.15
Bus ride to Canoa: $0.50
Muscle cream (bus special): $1

Total of my incredible day: $6.45 (the most I’ve spent in over a week!)

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bahia, Bus, Canoa, Fish soup, market, peanut butter, San Vicente, smoothie, water taxi | 2 Comments

Canoa – a rainy sunrise to a clear sunset!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by erikamae82

I was so amped to start my morning off with an amazing workout after scouting out a course yesterday. Well, the “sunrise” brought rain and just for a moment I debated my on my plans. What? It’s just water, let’s do this!

Goal: A warmup run to a strengthening set and ending with a yoga stretching session.

The jog is through the park and leads me towards the water. Apparently not many people were up for a mud run, so I had the whole road to myself.

Time for some muscle building! A simple pull up bar and bench is all I need. This has got to be my favorite bench press that I’ve ever come across!

After the upper body workout I head towards the sand for a jog to fire up the legs… and a quick (overcast) handstand photo!

I start to tune in on my breathing as I prepare for my yoga on the beach!

Turns out it’s not in rain or shine (enter sad and slightly pouty face here).

Oh well, the sun is starting to smile so now I’ll show you the brighter side of Canoa!

With this town being popular within the surf community, there are several hotels and hostels that line the streets and beach. I actually think there are more hostels than there are restaurants or cafe’s.

Here are some street sights that caught my eye!

Notice this structure is a ceviche restaurant on the left, a mini market in the middle and a home to the right. It’s very typical here for families to live and work from the same building.

Once you reach the water, you’ve got your pick amongst little food vendors, jewelry shops or typical bar shacks.

As I was finishing up my walk I met this group of surf instructors and bartenders. No English was spoken, so this connection was based off of my broken Spanish and a constant game of charades.

The daylight starts to dim and I treat myself to a sunset. Notice the complimentary snack is popcorn and plantain chips, classic!

The night brings more energy with new friends! She’s from Spain and he’s Peruvian (two of my favorite countries) and now they live in Ecuador. With a sincere invite, they encourage me to visit them in the popular beach town of Montañita. We shall see mis amigos!

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Canoa, Ecuador, streets, surf, vendor, workout | 1 Comment

6 hour bus ride from Guayaquil to Canoa!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by erikamae82

Usually on the bus rides I take 10-30 photos and choose 5 to show you. This trip was only 6 hours, but provided what I think is some quality pictures to give a good idea of the typical towns in betweeen the major cities.

This is the inside of the Guayaquil main bus terminal followed by the outside as we take off for the coast.

The complimentary program starts off with North American wrestling (not olympic, but the men in makeup and tights kind) voiced over in Spanish. This is being competed with the Latin music blaring from the drivers seat, not to mention the woman on the phone behind me that seems extremely determined to get her point across.

Please keep in mind, all of these “bus” photos were taken through a dirty window while flying through windy roads. Instead of choosing only the quality photos, I’m going with the quality content instead. You get the drift.

In the exact order they were taken, here is 6 hours wrapped up in a photo tour.

Just Ignore my finger in this one, as I moved quickly when the priceless donkey standing on the side of the building caught my eye. Do you see him?

The little mobile cart is the primary source of taxi rides around the smaller villages.

Take notice to the non motorized cycle with cart that’s to the right of the motorized taxi buggie. This little getup is used to move just about anything that you would typically put in a wheel barrow. So far, I’ve mostly seen bulk of fruit and veggies or construction supplies.

The cylce carts also fill in for the vendors as their booth. I think it’s brilliant! You load up, ride to where you want to work, park and open up for business. Obviously today was next to a truck full of eggs…a lot of them!

More random shots along the way in the order they were taken.

As I’ve mentioned before, when the bus stops (for a whole 3 seconds) to pick up or drop off new passengers it usually adopts a salesman with food, drink or a “special promotion” for a random item.

Today has been vitamins, bread, gum, ice-cream and this lovely girl. Apparently everything she was saying was hilarious because the once sober sounding passengers are now laughing after every punch line she drops.

She passed out these necklaces that was in support of the local school. I accepted the offer for a whopping $1, knowing that I could gift it to an unexpecting little girl along my journey. Win-win!

More photos as we near the location of my first week in Ecuador.

I wonder if he gets better cell reception on the top deck.

Another stop fills the empty seat next to me with a new friend that lives in the city where Ill be volunteering in a few weeks! She only speaks Spanish so the hour conversation was quality practice for me. She was also a helpful comfort when telling me to get off the bus, “¡su parada está aquí!”. Muchas gracias Rocio!

Im finally here in the beach town of Conoa. I get the keys to my room just in time to unpack and grab a quick bite before the sunset. Check out details of Hotel Macondo here. It’s amazing what I get for $9 a day. The second photo is of my balcony with a hammock… After the bus ride, that just encourages a deep breath and a smile!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: bus terminal, Canoa, donkey, Ecuador, eggs, Manabi, necklace, taxi, transportation | 3 Comments

30 hours in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Posted on April 4, 2013 by erikamae82

Knowing that I’ll be flying out of the capital Quito, I chose to arrive in Guayaquil to spend some time exploring the largest city in Ecuador. Naturally, my choice of transportation for the day is my two feet with no map and a camera in hand.

I was totally satisfied staying out of the heart of the city in order to catch a glimpse of the smaller venders and local markets. Right away I spot a health food store, well more like a vitamin stall, but either way it’s nice to see an effort towards better nutrition anywhere.

Next door to the “healthy” stall we have soda, candy, gum and cigarettes. You can actually purchase a single smoke or the whole pack, they even have a lighter for your convienence. I’m not a smoker, but this one stood out to me!

This woman was focused and straight faced as I caught myself staring into her little work box. As soon as we made eye contact, I asked with my best attempt in Spanish “Is a photo ok?”. She responded with a huge smile!

I choose to limit my wheat and corn intake for general health, so most bread is off my “must try” list. With that said, you can imagine my excitement when I saw a sign for “Pan de Yuca”. This tasty treat is about the size of an average dinner roll, has minimal ingredients, no preservatives and is primarily made from the root of cassava (a cholesterol lowering, inflammation reducing vegetable that’s rich in potassium). The best part was the fluffy texture and the hollow inside that will make a perfect pocket for my next sandwich!

With the sound of it, I thought for sure that I was approaching a daytime dance club blasting local hip hop music. No, that’s just a store in which sells electronics. “Woh, look mom!” says the little boy. Mother replies, “Yes sweetie, she is wearing a swimsuit, you just can’t see it”.

Next door to the risky music videos? A dancing cow promoting ice cream and a clown passing out balloons… Go figure.

In between the small shops there were several chain restaurants like McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC. I was a little discouraged to see those places packed, however this is a large city which means convenience tops the priority list.

I spot out a grocery store so I swing in for the usual wander, (this can drive my travel partners crazy!) as I just love to browse and check out the goods that I’ve never seen before. As soon as I walk in, I almost tripped over the… Salon chair? Nice! Makes sense to me to get your hair colored while running other errands.

My new find for the day is vegetarian ceviche in a to-go container including broad beans, corn nuts and plantain chips for the topping.

I pass a cute little square with a neat fountain and a little girl sleeping in a box? I’ve definitely been that tired before!

I reach the end of the street which brings me to the El Malecón boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River. The first three pictures were taken from the balcony of my hostel earlier in the day. To see the Manso Guesthouse in detail take my photo tour in the accommodations category.

Tourists?

These guys made my day. Not only were they talented and entertaining, they were extremely friendly and patient with my Spanish. (Hopefully they understood the paper I wrote on that directed them to my blog).

My turn for a little gymnastics!

As the sun started to lower, I found stairs leading to lookout points providing a perfect view for these pictures.

Again with the distant sound if music, I follow my ears towards a few well lit buildings up the way. This time it’s an indoor mall with independent singers giving it their best.

I stopped on the way back and put my camera on a “special effect” to try and capture the loud energy that circled my evening stroll. This was the winner!

Tomorrow morning brings a 6 hour bus trip to the coast of Manabi, Buenos Noches!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, ceviche, city, Ecuador, Guayaquil, Hostel, night walk, pan de yuca | 5 Comments

Does this make the adoption official?

Posted on April 1, 2013 by erikamae82

To be welcomed into a home for a good nights rest and a solid meal is heart warming but then to be invited to the families farm for a sacred holiday weekend is an honor. They informed me that the gesture was not an obligation but an invitation to join them in their home away from home in Arraijan. Of course I gladly accepted and packed up to head out!

The girls and I are ready to go! As we depart the city, you can quickly see the surroundings begin to change as the buildings turn to trees and the holiday traffic diminishes.

I’ve been informed that we’ll be stopping at a popular local spot to pick up a snack along the way. Here they make everything fresh including the empanadas, fruit juice, desserts, cheese and yogurt. Wait, fresh yogurt… and it’s frozen! Yes please.

Back to the car to share the goodies! Here are empanada’s they ordered, on the left is con pollo (with chicken) and on the right is con queso (with cheese).

For me, homemade yogurt that was just simply frozen. A bit sweet for my taste, but what a treat!

As we near the farm, they take me on a small detour to snoop around a local market. This one also included local artist selling their work, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I figure someday when I “settle down” (enter sarcastic finger quoting here) I’d love to decorate my home with things I’ve gathered from all over the world. It may be few and far in between, I enjoy supporting the local creators making a way of life doing what they love. Thank you Raman!

The next bulk of pictures are just shots I took from the passenger seat as we drove through the gorgeous country side. This is the Panama I’ve been waiting for.

As the gates are opened, my excitement increases seeing the hidden treasure that awaits. I’m not sure when this was built, but the grounds itself should be fully taken in and not just passed through.

My goal is not to fully expose this generous family and their belongings, however they were more than encouraging of my photo taking! Here is the open air play room that dubbed as my new hair salon as well.

Again with precious Allison not knowing what to think of it all. After we were done with the haircuts, she came up and grabbed my hand and with her other hand touched her head. Adorable, she wanted a haircut too!

My accommodations in what I think is the biggest room I’ve stayed in since the beginning of my travels (that doesn’t have 12 bunk beds included).

Here are only a couple of the homemade goodies that I got to sample. First we have the popular Panamanian fried bread called hojaldras. These traditional doughnuts are usually eaten plain at breakfast or topped with cheese and beans for a midday snack.

This is a basic rice, fresh pork and beans with a side of platinos.

On the last day here, the sun exposed perfect heat for the girls to have their swimsuits on by breakfast. As we take a walk, you’ll notice the guest house and a pool… with no water? Turns out the swimming pool area is in the middle of a renovation.

Being the creative and determined girls that they are, it’s been decided that a couple feet of water still makes for a good time! Can you remember the days when nothing got in the way of playing in the sun? The pictures below are actually a part of the 30 minute attempt to get her back out of the pool. All smiles from my view!

On the way back to the main house, we noticed a great location for the handstand photo.

A final note of gratitude to my new family in Panama. Dan and Lia, I loved observing the unconditional care that you have towards your children and I encourage you to keep guiding by example as I learned so much from you. Many thanks for sharing your home, food, family and time with me!

In the photo below, starting from the left: My coloring partner Elena. Your high energy and love for fun reminds me of the youth I still have inside. Keep practicing your handstands and next time we’ll have a contest!
Next is the oldest named Alexandra. Our walks and talks are still fresh in my memory as I enjoyed listening to your thoughts and sharing ideas. My fingers are crossed for you to get to that “One Direction” concert soon enough!
Oh sweet baby Allison, I loved connecting with you and was thoroughly impressed by your intelligence and never ending smile. (I’m not just saying that because we share the same birthday)!
On the far right sits Eliza. Concerned for my comfort, you were always the first to offer additional help…your consideration didn’t go unnoticed. Math can be a bummer, but finishing homework in time for dress up made it all worth while!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Arraijan, art, haircuts, La finca, market, panama, swim | 1 Comment

Farewell Santa Catalina, I’ve been adopted!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by erikamae82

My final days at Cabanas Time Out leave me feeling sad to depart from my new friends but eager to explore other parts of Panama. I get asked often of “how” I decide where to go next or just how far do I plan ahead. My response varies quite a bit depending on the situation. With major flights or extended volunteer programs, I plan ahead. With small city transfers or hostel hopping, I usually find myself making the decision on the way to the bus stop. This week, I got a call during my stay in Santa Catalina. I repeat… I got a phone call! Imagine the look on my face when the reception says, “It’s for you”!

On the other end of the line was a kind woman with a gentle voice that said something to the affect of, “You don’t know me, but my good friend Debbie knows your mother in Florida and we heard that you were injured from a fall”. (This is true and not my brightest moment). “We live in Panama City and are here for you if you need anything like a place to recover or a ride to the airport”… Well hello there unexpected sweet angel!

This my friends, is how the next “plan” was made. I cut my time short in Santa Catalina and found out my new friends from the hotel were also heading to the city. So, off we go together as I get excited to meet my new Panamanian family!

Upon arrival I was welcomed by a family that made me feel like I was the long lost sister, or some sort of guest celebrity. A neat feeling compared to the usual “one more backpacker” greeting that comes complimentary with each hostel. I don’t have a photo of the entire family so I snuck this adorable holiday picture to give you a visual of my hero’s.

With time for some arts and crafts and a warm dinner, the girls and I connect before
I settle in to get a luxurious night sleep on a bed… with two pillows…. in an air-conditioned room… and no bugs!

The morning brings school for the girls and who leaves for class without braids if Erika is around?
Can you tell by their facial expressions just how excited they are to be up at 6am on the last day before holiday break? Oh memories of dreadful alarm clocks.

As the lovely ladies are off in school, I get the pleasure of joining Lia (mom) to the fresh local market. My favorite!

The rules for this maze of fresh fruit and veggies:
#1. Pay $0.25 to enter.
#2. Enter at your own risk.

What stood out to me about this street market is that it’s a drive, park and pay. You literally drive around (in any direction) and when you see something you want, you park (anywhere you want) pick and pay for your goods, then get back into your car and keep going.

Driving around the city brings us to a few fun sights. This is a huge building that serves several sweet dishes and treats from milkshakes to layered cakes.

Crossing the American Bridge with a great view for the canal too!

Handstand shot at the Panama Canal!

These funky wheels are everywhere!

In order for me to blog, I had to find wifi and Lia knew just where to drop me off. Here is my view as I type away.

As a “Thank you” I brought her family one of their favorite goodies from the cafe. It was a croissant styled crust stuffed with warm cream cheese and slightly sprinkled with crystalized sugar. The tea was for me and I love the yogi quote too!

Returning home I find the girls with an abundance of energy and creative enthusiasm that stretches way beyond a few coloring books!

It starts with a little dress up…

Sweet little Allison doesn’t know what to think of this beautiful disaster!

Next comes the make-up…wait, what’s the blindfold for?!

She liked to zoom in… A lot.

Some final photos before bedtime. I love my life.

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bridge, Bus, cafe, canal, family, market, Panama city | 2 Comments

A closer look at Santa Catalina, Panama

Posted on March 30, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been almost a week now working at Cabañas Time Out here in Santa Catalina and the weather has been hugging us with 90 degrees of pure sunshine.

What’s this? A new volunteer who has come to help out! Meet Joseph, a fellow backpacker and a joy to cross paths with as he makes his way north and I head south.

Today we played with some fresh fruit for juice and smoothies. I feel like I’ve seen green skinned oranges before, but I don’t remember ever trying one. The taste resembles a lime mixed with an orange which would make this flavor perfect for a cold lime-orange-ade or a fresh addition to an adult beverage!

I love the contrast between the green and red with this beauty. Sandía (watermelon) is one of my favorites!

Where do we get all of these amazing fresh fruit and veggies? A few times a week these supermen pull up and offer what they’ve got for the day. You pick what you want then they weigh it right there and it’s yours! I think I’ve finally found the adult equivalent to my childhood love for the “ice-cream truck”.

Since Joseph is here to relieve me of some of the chores, I finish up early enough to take a walk and explore the quaint surf village that sits below us.

Leaving the hotel I followed the main road (only road) that led to the edge of town. Here are some random shots in no specific order.

I like her style.

“The Police”

If you were to close your eyes as you pass by this next place, you’d assume you’re hearing the hottest fiesta dance club that’s packed full of locals drinking their way towards a foggy morning.
Well, excluding the strobe lights of a club and a front door… That’s exactly what this is!

Need some gasoline to get out of town? You wont find it here, but next door is a man with barrels of it (that you can smell from the road) who will gladly fill you up!

Judging by what they offer, you can probably tell why this my new favorite hang out in the entire town. Massage, yoga and health food… oh my! Also including lovely people that I consider new friends that provide amazing service for all of the guests.

After snapping photos like a tourists should, I signed up for the yoga class offered here by the owner Michelle. (That experience is posted under the category “fitness”). Here’s a direct link for all of you yogi’s out there: Yoga at La Buena Vida!

I took the beach path home as a way to calm the mind and finish my walk.

As I round the corner I find my little path that leads to the few hostels and homes that share the same road back home.

This is also the same path that provided a sneaky boulder in the way of my foot while I was running the other day. I now have a very close relationship with the beautiful dirt of Panama… and a few new scars to prove it.

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, eat, fiesta, massage, police, run, Santa Catalina, surf, Yoga | 1 Comment

“Cabañas Time Out”

Posted on March 27, 2013 by erikamae82

Welcome to the “barefoot luxury” hotel of Cabañas Time Out located a short walk from one of the best surf breaks in Panama. In fact, next month Santa Catalina is hosting a massive surf competition right here! Hmmm, maybe I was two weeks too early?

I wake up with the sun to find the owner Phil sipping coffee poolside with a smile. We go over my duties that include but are not limited to cleaning the rooms as guests check out, showing the arriving people to their room, cooking, bar tending and landscaping as needed.

Before I get started, let me show you around the property. Here’s a tour of the general layout.

The poolside restaurant and yes, that’s a swim up bar!

The favorite spot to read, meditate, sip on a drink or simply take a nap…the hammocks!

This location also filled in for my hair salon (which back in California was ironically named “Erika’s Hair Retreat”).

…and the handstand location.

This is the new addition which is currently the accommodations for all employees and the owner. I’d love to see this beauty finished!

The view from the front window.

Here’s my bedroom and bathroom followed by a few house guests.

The “alarm system” here is mom, dad and their 5 pups equalling a total of 7 Rottweilers roaming around!

Meet the manager and my new partner in crime, Kristi. She’s a level headed spit fire from Germany, that knows what she wants and has the drive to get it done. Love her! Here she is helping Michael (the son of the owner) clean up around the yard.

A few happy guests that I connected with during their stay. If you’ve been following the blog for anytime now, you know I usually cross paths with incredible people more than once… We’ll see!

I got to have some fun around the kitchen as I updated his menu board and put some old bananas to delicious use!

I’ll finish this post with our juicy dinner of garlic sautéed fresh shrimp, raw cabbage salad and seasoned veggie rice. Clearly a meal in which napkins were invited, but not welcome.

Dessert was a treat of improved live music from a few guests. I smiled from within as we sat around with a guitar and harmonica humming tunes that we could all find in common.

Buenos noches.

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Cabañas Time Out, guests, haircuts, Santa Catalina | 1 Comment