Continued from I love the jungle but does the Jungle love me
I was out in Bocas and its archipelago for a few months, and I feel pretty adapted to jungle ways. I know how to read most solar monitors. I can listen and guess the amount of inches of rainfall. I've bailed the boat in the middle of the night, and brought it back when the tide broke an anchor chain. I've moved a damn heavy propane tank. I walked around barefoot pretty much anywhere except on town pavement.
Jungle-3 Pride-1
I've adjusted to the jungle sounds and let all the crazy chirps and howls fade into the background. Being awake at 6, I listen to the birds and the lapping sound of water while I watch the sun come into the room. I only wake up now if it's too silent, or there's a cool breeze.
Jungle-3 Sleeping in-2
As my bug bites started to fade, new ones weren't as much of a worry. I've learned the simple sensory factor, if you feel something moving down it's probably a hair or water droplet and if it's a bug it will be off you soon. If it's crawling up, then it's in need of a slap, as it could be an ant or other biting bug. I changed to long pants and long shirts at sunset and sit under a fan, or use bug spray starting at 4:30. I don't get as strong a reaction to the bites anymore either.
When I was in the city of David for a night, I realized I'd rather have the sound of waves through open air cabins with the occasional cockroach and spider, than a sealed house with none of the above. I love living with half walls and windows unencumbered with screens or glass, living with the bugs and birds in an odd harmony.
Jungle-3 Bug harmony zone-3
Showing posts with label house sitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house sitting. Show all posts
Friday, January 11, 2013
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Seductively Sleepy Islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama by Peter Stevenson
I just read this really great article about the town of Bocas (where I'm staying currently) the surrounding archipelago, and even Casa Cayuco (where I just finished my house-sit) by Peter Stevenson, featured this month in Conde Nast Traveler.
The Bliss of the Bocas
The Seductively Sleepy Islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama
Columbus landed there. Graham Greene made it on his third try. Now our man in Panama, Peter Stevenson, falls under the laid-back spell of the islands of the Bocas del Toro. Welcome to the Caribbean that time forgot
I stepped blinking into the Panamanian sunshine outside the tiny airport in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and had to blink again. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. In the front yard of a house across the street from the airport exit was the charred fuselage of a small plane very much like the one I had just taken from Panama City. Apparently no one—neither the airport officials, nor the airlines, nor the resort developers hoping to turn the islands of the Bocas del Toro into a Caribbean idyll—had thought to ask the owners of the house to dispose of the wreck. I looked back at the fuselage and thought, At least move it out of view. Or throw a tarp over it—maybe one saying something like welcome to panama.
The Bliss of the Bocas
The Seductively Sleepy Islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama
Columbus landed there. Graham Greene made it on his third try. Now our man in Panama, Peter Stevenson, falls under the laid-back spell of the islands of the Bocas del Toro. Welcome to the Caribbean that time forgot
I stepped blinking into the Panamanian sunshine outside the tiny airport in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and had to blink again. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. In the front yard of a house across the street from the airport exit was the charred fuselage of a small plane very much like the one I had just taken from Panama City. Apparently no one—neither the airport officials, nor the airlines, nor the resort developers hoping to turn the islands of the Bocas del Toro into a Caribbean idyll—had thought to ask the owners of the house to dispose of the wreck. I looked back at the fuselage and thought, At least move it out of view. Or throw a tarp over it—maybe one saying something like welcome to panama.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Same old, same old.
Everyone gets asked "How's it going?", and once you've fallen into a normal routine you can get by with saying "Oh, just the same old, same old".
You know, the whole waking up, checking the solar voltage while listening to the insane call of a huge male Montezuma Oropendola nearby, making coffee then enjoying it by the water's edge. Taking out two loveable and intelligent bulldogs to the back patch if jungle, and then feeding them a breakfast of eggs and potatoes. Say hello to Seabastian, Piti, and Benjamin, and see what work they're up to for the day. Open up the computer to see what the world outside the island of Bastimentos is up to.
Then look out at the water to decide what kind of day it is. Is it calm and clear enough for a snorkeling trip? Mild waves for a standup paddle board run? Is there a boat anchored to kayak up to? Maybe it's too rainy for all that and it's a writing day or time to curl up with the dogs and a good book or see what projects I can do around the house. Is it scorching sunny and a perfect day to do laundry? Is it a warm cloud covered day, good for a walk to a neighboring property? Maybe I'll go for a swim or eat a coconut.
Time for lunch and I say hello to Cruz or Marta depending on the day and ask them about their week. "Hi Marta, I heard you killed your pig on Monday, how did it go?" Cruz is great conversation while Marta is more timid. I call Marta the ghost as she comes in to work and moves around so quietly I never know when she's arrived and have to go seek her out to say hello.
Some days I go into town for supplies, or have visitors or day trips. I'm usually content to stay just where I am though, and find many little things to pass the day. Then it's sunset on the dock with pelicans and maybe a chat on skype. Dinner for the dogs and myself. A short night walk to the front beach and some moments spent looking up at the stars. I'm either in awe of the brightness of the moon, or in awe of the darkness that eats the light of my flashlight. Some nights it's so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. Some nights are so bright you can see clearly without any artificial light.
Then I think about the new things I've seen for the day. How many hummingbirds, snakes, butterflies, new bugs and fish crossed my path? Was the last time I saw a monkey really Tuesday? Has it been a whole month since I saw a dolphin jump?
Same old, same old is about to change a lot though. The owners of the house are back, the sit is over and guests are arriving soon. My hermit days are gone, and now I'll be with a bustle of people. On the dock with some wine and catching up of all things we had a very thought provoking conversation about what's next, what's possible in months to come...
I have a ticket home, and I can't commit to anything until I make it back home, make sure my head is screwed on right and see how I feel in a different environment surrounded by people who know me best. There's a strong pull though, maybe my year plus of traveling doesn't actually have to end just yet.
Tracy Chapman, I think I just got way more than one reason...
You know, the whole waking up, checking the solar voltage while listening to the insane call of a huge male Montezuma Oropendola nearby, making coffee then enjoying it by the water's edge. Taking out two loveable and intelligent bulldogs to the back patch if jungle, and then feeding them a breakfast of eggs and potatoes. Say hello to Seabastian, Piti, and Benjamin, and see what work they're up to for the day. Open up the computer to see what the world outside the island of Bastimentos is up to.
Then look out at the water to decide what kind of day it is. Is it calm and clear enough for a snorkeling trip? Mild waves for a standup paddle board run? Is there a boat anchored to kayak up to? Maybe it's too rainy for all that and it's a writing day or time to curl up with the dogs and a good book or see what projects I can do around the house. Is it scorching sunny and a perfect day to do laundry? Is it a warm cloud covered day, good for a walk to a neighboring property? Maybe I'll go for a swim or eat a coconut.
Time for lunch and I say hello to Cruz or Marta depending on the day and ask them about their week. "Hi Marta, I heard you killed your pig on Monday, how did it go?" Cruz is great conversation while Marta is more timid. I call Marta the ghost as she comes in to work and moves around so quietly I never know when she's arrived and have to go seek her out to say hello.
Some days I go into town for supplies, or have visitors or day trips. I'm usually content to stay just where I am though, and find many little things to pass the day. Then it's sunset on the dock with pelicans and maybe a chat on skype. Dinner for the dogs and myself. A short night walk to the front beach and some moments spent looking up at the stars. I'm either in awe of the brightness of the moon, or in awe of the darkness that eats the light of my flashlight. Some nights it's so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. Some nights are so bright you can see clearly without any artificial light.
Then I think about the new things I've seen for the day. How many hummingbirds, snakes, butterflies, new bugs and fish crossed my path? Was the last time I saw a monkey really Tuesday? Has it been a whole month since I saw a dolphin jump?
Same old, same old is about to change a lot though. The owners of the house are back, the sit is over and guests are arriving soon. My hermit days are gone, and now I'll be with a bustle of people. On the dock with some wine and catching up of all things we had a very thought provoking conversation about what's next, what's possible in months to come...
I have a ticket home, and I can't commit to anything until I make it back home, make sure my head is screwed on right and see how I feel in a different environment surrounded by people who know me best. There's a strong pull though, maybe my year plus of traveling doesn't actually have to end just yet.
Tracy Chapman, I think I just got way more than one reason...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Sometimes I just miss everywhere I've been... ♥
When I want constructed beauty with secret spots, I miss Paris. When I want loud laughter, sunshine and instant friends, I miss Barcelona. When I want to walk for miles from sun up to sun down, I miss the Camino. When I want to refuel on love, good food, and easy living, I miss the South of Spain. When I want to sit on the floor drinking wine, chatter over coffee, and laugh till I pee my pants, I miss Toronto.
I have one month till I return to Toronto. Ask me a month ago and I had very solid reasons for returning. I was very firm in why I was going back. I knew myself so well though that I bought a ticket then... because if I didn't, I'd get caught up in the moment, and who knows how many months it would be before I felt the pull to go back. I have important people to see, jobs to attend to, a life to 'get in order'. Right? Well, listening to the waves of the ocean, that all seems impossible. I've made promises that I need to keep, but otherwise I feel like everything else can wait. Maybe I have Bocas fever and a case of Hotel California Syndrome but I think it's safe to say, the 'live by the seat of your pants' is the lifestyle for me. I don't think I'll be grounded in one place for too long, even a place I've missed so much. I give myself three months before these itchy feet are ready to roam again. I cringe and smile to start the ticking clock, 30 days till I touch home snow.
Photo credit starting from top, Paris by Jenn, Barcelona by Nat, Camino by Alex, South of Spain by Alex, Outside Toronto with Jus by Kate.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Planets, dreams & the unexpected visitor
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| Quotes - Pinterest board |
While my cousin was here I took a bad fall and hurt my foot. I was glad to have him around to help with things here and there. After saying goodbye to my cousin and other visitors I realized just how isolated I have made myself. Sure, there are people around but they're working, we can't just sit and have a coffee where they tell me intricate details about their lives. I have enjoyed my hermit styles but I'm ready to be reintegrated. I'm thankful everyday for the communication powers of the internet. It's the way I can connect with my friends and have great long talks over skype, quick notes in g-chat, sharing silly things on facebook. I was just chatting with Jenn when I realized that without the internet and technology, I wouldn't have been able to live so immersed in nature for six months, I would not have come across the house sitting opportunity out in the rainforest.
So, I've been mopey this past week! With the foot, and the constant rain, I've felt the guilt of not being a good "dog" mom. I haven't taken the pups on any good walks and haven't been able to roughhouse with them. I was finally open to some company. When I consciously have a daydream and make a shift in my mind, I feel my whole world shift, like I've sat down and said 'yes' wholeheartedly to something, so then I can direct myself to that new idea. I'll try to explain...
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| Let's Get Going - Pinterest board |
As I was talking to my cousin, looking out at the white sandy beach, and at dogs that I consider kids, I remembered a strange dream during a period of nine months when this person and I weren't speaking to each other. In the dream I'm living with my family on a white sandy beach, and said person just shows up one day, and we stand there staring at each other. I have to decide if I'm gong to let them in. After a long discussion, "I would let them in now" I confess to my cousin. To everyone's surprise, two days later that someone announced a ticket bought, and a visit set. When I told my cousin the arrival dates he explained the planetary significance of Wednesday November 28th, it's the day of a full moon and the last lunar eclipse of the year, a time for radical changes, new opportunities and the opening of new paths.
I really enjoyed this quote that I found: Venus, Mercury, Saturn and the North Node are in Scorpio during the Gemini Eclipse. Reminding us that as we emerge out of Scorpio’s ashes of the past. We are processing pain, trust issues and betrayals. Yet, these negative emotions will fade into the mist with no lingering memories. As we move higher in vibration. We will be free from these ancient haunting happenings.
Also, in line with the having enough of being a content hermit, I've started dating someone! My last actual relationship wasn't since living in Toronto, and it ended in a way that left me pretty crushed. So, Here's to emerging out of the ashes of the past, being fiercely independent, while absolutely needing the wonderful people that have come into my life.
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| Gift Ideas - Pinterest board |
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Waiting for the Witch
I had a wonderful bunch of visitors the past two weeks who all left on Thursday. Once again I'm left to my own devices, which had me remembering a funny story...
Upon coming to this great big 'house' in Panama I was asked only a few questions by the local Ngobe people. The most reoccurring from the women was bluntly put,
"Do you have a husband?"
"Nope"
"Do you live with your mom?"
"Nope"
They pressed on, "You don't live with your mom or a husband?"
"Nope"
"Oh, Samantha..." One woman said 'tsk'-ing and shaking her head.
She looked at me quite seriously and said, "I would be scared living in a great big house all by myself."
It was the day before I was to be all alone, so I was a little taken aback. With the neighbors very close and workers coming every day, this is the most people I've been around consistently in three months. I worried for a moment that maybe there was a risk factor I had overlooked...
"Well I have Angus and Bella" I said, referring to the dogs, who are well feared. "Why would you be scared? Just because it's so big?"
"Yes. You know what happens to people who live in a big house all by themselves..."
I shook my head 'no', as I thought about gluttony, and images of people living in L.A. in big mansions. She broke my daydream with, "You have to be very careful, because of the witch"
I did my best not to smile, as I imagined the witch from Beauty and the Beast knocking on mansion's all over the world. I was also careful not to mention that my friends and family often affectionately refer to me as a witch. If there was a witch in the village I certainly would love to meet her, but perhaps I didn't understand.
"Is she a spirit, a ghost, a real person?"
"Oh, she's a real person."
"Can I meet her? Can you tell me where she lives?"
"No no no. Oh, Samantha" More 'tsk'-ing and head shaking.
"...Have you seen her?"
"No! If you see her, she will kill you"
"Oh..." I said, thinking on my vampire, werewolf and zombie apocalypse safety measures.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Yes, you need a #&)x!."
I was positive I was miss-translating. The clarification of what she was saying went back and forth for a long while, until I went into the kitchen and got a fork. It couldn't possibly be as simple as a dinner fork, but it was.
"What does the fork do to the witch?" I asked.
"It takes away all her powers"
"So then I can have a nice chat with her? Once her power is gone?"
"Oh, Samantha" She said, again 'tsk'-ing and shaking her head.
I'm happy to report that I have managed more than a month without a witch sighting. It used to startle me, especially in the city when things moved out of the corner of my eye, but there are just so many things moving here, all the time, you just have to relax because its probably a bat, a bird, a leaf, a gecko, or a bug you'd rather not acknowledge. The witch could be here a week trying to sneak up on me and I might just brush her off. 'Oh, that's probably just a monkey' I'll say to myself. So even though all my visitors have left and I'm alone again, don't worry, I have a fork.
I love learning about the different superstitions all over the world (I think it steams from being born on a Friday the 13th). We continued talking and I was having difficulty explaining what a superstition was, so we talked about other different beliefs around here. For example, if your tooth falls out while you're sleeping it means a relative has died. When I told them about the tooth fairy I think they felt a little gypped, and then they really wanted to know more about North America. If you have any superstitions about bats please send them my way.
Upon coming to this great big 'house' in Panama I was asked only a few questions by the local Ngobe people. The most reoccurring from the women was bluntly put,
"Do you have a husband?"
"Nope"
"Do you live with your mom?"
"Nope"
They pressed on, "You don't live with your mom or a husband?"
"Nope"
"Oh, Samantha..." One woman said 'tsk'-ing and shaking her head.
She looked at me quite seriously and said, "I would be scared living in a great big house all by myself."
It was the day before I was to be all alone, so I was a little taken aback. With the neighbors very close and workers coming every day, this is the most people I've been around consistently in three months. I worried for a moment that maybe there was a risk factor I had overlooked...
"Well I have Angus and Bella" I said, referring to the dogs, who are well feared. "Why would you be scared? Just because it's so big?"
"Yes. You know what happens to people who live in a big house all by themselves..."
I shook my head 'no', as I thought about gluttony, and images of people living in L.A. in big mansions. She broke my daydream with, "You have to be very careful, because of the witch"
I did my best not to smile, as I imagined the witch from Beauty and the Beast knocking on mansion's all over the world. I was also careful not to mention that my friends and family often affectionately refer to me as a witch. If there was a witch in the village I certainly would love to meet her, but perhaps I didn't understand.
"Is she a spirit, a ghost, a real person?"
"Oh, she's a real person."
"Can I meet her? Can you tell me where she lives?"
"No no no. Oh, Samantha" More 'tsk'-ing and head shaking.
"...Have you seen her?"
"No! If you see her, she will kill you"
"Oh..." I said, thinking on my vampire, werewolf and zombie apocalypse safety measures.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Yes, you need a #&)x!."
I was positive I was miss-translating. The clarification of what she was saying went back and forth for a long while, until I went into the kitchen and got a fork. It couldn't possibly be as simple as a dinner fork, but it was.
"What does the fork do to the witch?" I asked.
"It takes away all her powers"
"So then I can have a nice chat with her? Once her power is gone?"
"Oh, Samantha" She said, again 'tsk'-ing and shaking her head.
I'm happy to report that I have managed more than a month without a witch sighting. It used to startle me, especially in the city when things moved out of the corner of my eye, but there are just so many things moving here, all the time, you just have to relax because its probably a bat, a bird, a leaf, a gecko, or a bug you'd rather not acknowledge. The witch could be here a week trying to sneak up on me and I might just brush her off. 'Oh, that's probably just a monkey' I'll say to myself. So even though all my visitors have left and I'm alone again, don't worry, I have a fork.
I love learning about the different superstitions all over the world (I think it steams from being born on a Friday the 13th). We continued talking and I was having difficulty explaining what a superstition was, so we talked about other different beliefs around here. For example, if your tooth falls out while you're sleeping it means a relative has died. When I told them about the tooth fairy I think they felt a little gypped, and then they really wanted to know more about North America. If you have any superstitions about bats please send them my way.
Friday, October 19, 2012
If you asked me a few months ago
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| Sunset in September from porch in Panama |
If you had told me I'd be living on a boat with a pitbull, snorkeling in secret spots, sitting top deck at night to better count shooting stars... I would have thought you crazy... but that was my life a few weeks ago.
If you had told me I'd be navigating my own little boat through mangroves in the dark, having my next door neighbor an island away, sitting at thanksgiving dinner a continent away via skype and a laptop... I would have thought you crazy... but that was my life a week ago.
If you had told me I'd be all taken care of while taking care of two bulldogs at a resort, learning how to paddle board and taking long walks on a white sandy beach... I would have thought you crazy... but that is my life these next coming weeks.
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| 'The Aquarium' snorkel spot, early in the morning |
Friday, October 12, 2012
Move-in Day
I'm having my good-morning coffee with a different kind of monkey. When I woke up this morning there was a family of white faced monkeys waiting to welcome me to the neighbourhood. They ran off more quickly then the howlers I'm used to but I was happy to see the new face.
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| Bocas Town view from the dock |
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| Chickens wandering around Bocas town |
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| Off main street towards the fire station, beside La Union is Michael's |
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| The New Wardrobe: 3 t-shirts, 3 tank tops, 2 long sleeve shirts, 1 linen pants |
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| My computer even matches the chair, it was meant to be! |
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Hello & Goodbye
In just three days they realized it was not the job for them. I can't blame them. They are coming to a very different environment than Jenn and I were blessed with. We had a bay full of excited cruisers and a motor boat to get ourselves into town among other things.
As a suggestion to any traveler: if you are going someplace new and staying for a while and making a commitment ASK QUESTIONS. You know what happens when you assume (ass/u/me) Don't go with information from two years ago. A lot can change in two years.
Jenn and I were so excited to be living in a tree house with no address in the jungle. We absolutely loved our time at Cerro Velero. It was exactly what we were looking for. We made friends that we are eager to keep in touch with and visit with again. The dogs, Gelie and Indie have stollen our hearts. No matter how rustic the house seems to others it was perfect for us. It has been an inconvenience without having a boat but luckily the community here was very generous with us. It's hard to believe that time is already at a close and soon I'll also be saying goodbye to Jenn.
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| Jenn & I on the Camino Nov 2011 |
Monday, September 24, 2012
A year since boarding a one way ticket
A year ago today I was repacking my bag for the umpteenth time wondering where my one way ticket would take me. To France, Spain and beyond. Tonight I sit under the stars and a bright moon in a bay on a boat. Today's events I couldn't have foreseen even from yesterday's vantage point. When I woke up this morning I thought I would be going on a trip nearby then waiting to welcome the new house sitters. As the saying goes "If you want to make god laugh, make plans."
Jenn and I have been housesitting for just over two months now. We've had hiccups but it hasn't deterred us from loving the house and our time here in Bocas del Toro. There was one week where we had no boat, no fridge and no internet. We still don't have a boat, our internet is not great but the fridge is on the mend. Its problem seems to be a matter of cleaning the back pipes out regularly from all the bugs that lodge themselves in the back. It's a propane fridge, the first one I've seen but they are very popular here. (A $6.40USD tank of propane lasts about 12 days)
Today I came inland (we're also boat sitting) and walking up the steps at 6:30am heard the Genny running. We hardly ever run the generator because we monitor our power and do laundry on days that are rich in sunlight. We unplug everything when we're not using it so there's no phantom charge and we don't use a lot of water so the water pump doesn't have to work hard and use up the power. As I was walking up the steps I thought maybe Jenn had been keen and started a load of laundry so we could hang it before we left for our day trip and it would be dry for the new house sitters.
That was not the case. A lot of learning happened today. Apparently the house wanted to make sure we learned a lot more about water pressure systems, batteries, generators and the whole system and how it works together. Sometime in the night a switch that is activated by a pressure gauge on a water system stopped working. Instead of turning off the pump kept going sucking so much power that our displays were angry with a red light indicating power was getting dangerously low. Having recently been told the damage that can happen to batteries when depleted we were anxious (to say the least). We called next door to Carl and Mary for advice and to cancel our trip.
I wont bore you with all the other things I learned but after being very sad to leave the day before Jenn and I are ready to embark on other adventures. If only the new house sitters had shown up! I've been a little bummed that the new house sitters aren't as chatty as I would have liked. Particularly after waiting all day and receiving a message just before sundown that they were only in Panama City. I've only had a very short chat two days ago with the newcomers, my favorite question so far was: "Are there bugs?"
To which I replied "yes, it's not a sealed house. There are lizards, geckos and the very occasional scorpion"
I looked up at Jenn and asked "I don't have to mention the cockroaches that are the size of your hand right? Those fall under 'bugs'?"
At least they don't bite or bother, they just hang out on the walls really.
So it's been a really tiring day and I've enjoyed recalling where I was last September 24th. So many new faces, places, changes and learning's. So many airplane rides, boating lessons and land exploration. If you walk out your front door, not sure where you'll end up some interesting things will happen. I guess that one way ticket was just what I needed to see the world of possibilities.
Spoiler alert: I'll be living on a boat!
Jenn and I have been housesitting for just over two months now. We've had hiccups but it hasn't deterred us from loving the house and our time here in Bocas del Toro. There was one week where we had no boat, no fridge and no internet. We still don't have a boat, our internet is not great but the fridge is on the mend. Its problem seems to be a matter of cleaning the back pipes out regularly from all the bugs that lodge themselves in the back. It's a propane fridge, the first one I've seen but they are very popular here. (A $6.40USD tank of propane lasts about 12 days)
Today I came inland (we're also boat sitting) and walking up the steps at 6:30am heard the Genny running. We hardly ever run the generator because we monitor our power and do laundry on days that are rich in sunlight. We unplug everything when we're not using it so there's no phantom charge and we don't use a lot of water so the water pump doesn't have to work hard and use up the power. As I was walking up the steps I thought maybe Jenn had been keen and started a load of laundry so we could hang it before we left for our day trip and it would be dry for the new house sitters.
That was not the case. A lot of learning happened today. Apparently the house wanted to make sure we learned a lot more about water pressure systems, batteries, generators and the whole system and how it works together. Sometime in the night a switch that is activated by a pressure gauge on a water system stopped working. Instead of turning off the pump kept going sucking so much power that our displays were angry with a red light indicating power was getting dangerously low. Having recently been told the damage that can happen to batteries when depleted we were anxious (to say the least). We called next door to Carl and Mary for advice and to cancel our trip.
I wont bore you with all the other things I learned but after being very sad to leave the day before Jenn and I are ready to embark on other adventures. If only the new house sitters had shown up! I've been a little bummed that the new house sitters aren't as chatty as I would have liked. Particularly after waiting all day and receiving a message just before sundown that they were only in Panama City. I've only had a very short chat two days ago with the newcomers, my favorite question so far was: "Are there bugs?"
To which I replied "yes, it's not a sealed house. There are lizards, geckos and the very occasional scorpion"
I looked up at Jenn and asked "I don't have to mention the cockroaches that are the size of your hand right? Those fall under 'bugs'?"
At least they don't bite or bother, they just hang out on the walls really.
So it's been a really tiring day and I've enjoyed recalling where I was last September 24th. So many new faces, places, changes and learning's. So many airplane rides, boating lessons and land exploration. If you walk out your front door, not sure where you'll end up some interesting things will happen. I guess that one way ticket was just what I needed to see the world of possibilities.
Spoiler alert: I'll be living on a boat!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
How I tripped and fell into paradise
I've realized a lot of people are wondering how I stumbled into Panama here's the story…
Well, there I was in Spain not ready to go home but not sure of my next move. I started looking at France, living in France had been a dream of mine. Through searching for house sit opportunities, you know how the internet can be, click here and there. Well a series of clicks and suddenly I was looking at a tree house that needed a caretaker. I had really loved tree houses through a book showing a series of contest photos for a tree house design competition. I saved the page in my 'world travel' bookmark folder beside Professional Hobo, Vagabondish's 8-tools-to-travel-long-term, Ethnologue and, Greenheart travel.
I went to bed dreaming about the house I had seen. I found myself looking at the photos and re-reading the description. There were so many reasons why I couldn't do it. The dates didn't work, I was only one person when they requested two, I didn't even know where Panama was. Still I went on dreaming and day dreaming about the house.
I found two other houses in France that I wanted to message so I bought the membership on housecarers.com, (which I wrongly called house-careers for ages, Freudian slip?) I made a profile and thought of Tim Ferris. In The four hour work week he mentions how easy it is to connect with people through the internet. This was worth a message. If they didn't answer at least I put my foot in.
I'm not afraid to send the first message, not afraid to make contact. Well, actually I am afraid of the pushy-ness, rejection and possibly being ignored. But doing it so often now, putting myself out there for relationships, jobs, travel opportunities. I don't take it personally. If I don't get reciprocation it's not crippling.
So I took a deep breath and wrote:
I did get a reply and after a long series of emails from December to June with some phone calls I got on a plane, met up with Jenn and we made our way to The Treehouse.
We were told to follow the dogs and they would take us to a chocolate farm. Seriously! Every time I say this is makes me smile. We have a chocolate farm as a neighboring property and they do tours and show how they make their heavenly natural chocolate.
So there I was with Jenn on a tour with a group of students studying monkeys with a primatologist. Lloyd, the person who set up the tour, connecting the primatologist with the chocolate farm asked how I'd come to be here. As I was explaining I mentioned that almost all the previous house sitters had been asked to house sit other properties in the surrounding area. They were always finding a reason to stay. "That's actually why I was asking." He said "We're looking for house sitters over at our place"
After chatting through a lot of the excursion I checked out the website and sent an introduction email right that night. I wanted to email him who I was, show him I was serious by getting in touch right away, and make sure I would make a good fit. I asked to see the contract or an outline of responsibilities. After some back and forth emails I was invited to come for two days to really see for myself what the responsibilities were and most important, if I got along with the dogs!
I've been planning on coming home to Toronto. So excited to re-unite and actually looking forward to Autumn followed by snow. I'm sure that people back home will understand though that this is an opportunity I can't refuse. From what I've seen so far Casa Cayuco is a slice of paradise. White sandy beaches, well maintained jungle paths preserving the natural beauty of the rainforest, mouthwatering flavourful meals and a guarantee that only people who appreciate the lifestyle it provides will be the ones you paddle board, snorkel, surf and explore with.
I most enjoyed laying in a hammock beside the water listening to the calm sea. Enjoying a morning coffee on the beach looking at the horizon and seeing mountains far off in the distance. I had jokingly complained to Jenn "It's not completely perfect, there are no mountains." She nodded in agreement as we waded in the warm water of the beach the first night. Then as I was sipping my coffee in the morning Lloyd said "If you take your coffee out on the dock it's clear enough now to see the mountains in the distance" I swore under my breath and could not ignore that I'd love to call this place home for the next three months.
I understand now completely why this special area of Panama was compared to Hotel California upon arrival "you can go, but you can never leave" Thankfully my visa does have an expiration so I will be taking the big bird in the sky back to Toronto but not until January 2013.
 |
| Treehouses in Paradise Fantasy Designs for the 21st Century by David Greenberg |
I went to bed dreaming about the house I had seen. I found myself looking at the photos and re-reading the description. There were so many reasons why I couldn't do it. The dates didn't work, I was only one person when they requested two, I didn't even know where Panama was. Still I went on dreaming and day dreaming about the house.
I found two other houses in France that I wanted to message so I bought the membership on housecarers.com, (which I wrongly called house-careers for ages, Freudian slip?) I made a profile and thought of Tim Ferris. In The four hour work week he mentions how easy it is to connect with people through the internet. This was worth a message. If they didn't answer at least I put my foot in.
I'm not afraid to send the first message, not afraid to make contact. Well, actually I am afraid of the pushy-ness, rejection and possibly being ignored. But doing it so often now, putting myself out there for relationships, jobs, travel opportunities. I don't take it personally. If I don't get reciprocation it's not crippling.
So I took a deep breath and wrote:
Hi there,I hit send and let myself forget about it. If I got a reply, great. If I didn't well I had done my part. I had showed up in the way I knew how for my seemingly unattainable dream.
I saw your post a few months ago and can't stop thinking about it. I now have a friend who would be available to housesit with me but unfortunately not until July. Are you still in need of house sitters that time of year?
Hope you're having a great day,
Samantha
I did get a reply and after a long series of emails from December to June with some phone calls I got on a plane, met up with Jenn and we made our way to The Treehouse.
We were told to follow the dogs and they would take us to a chocolate farm. Seriously! Every time I say this is makes me smile. We have a chocolate farm as a neighboring property and they do tours and show how they make their heavenly natural chocolate.
So there I was with Jenn on a tour with a group of students studying monkeys with a primatologist. Lloyd, the person who set up the tour, connecting the primatologist with the chocolate farm asked how I'd come to be here. As I was explaining I mentioned that almost all the previous house sitters had been asked to house sit other properties in the surrounding area. They were always finding a reason to stay. "That's actually why I was asking." He said "We're looking for house sitters over at our place"
After chatting through a lot of the excursion I checked out the website and sent an introduction email right that night. I wanted to email him who I was, show him I was serious by getting in touch right away, and make sure I would make a good fit. I asked to see the contract or an outline of responsibilities. After some back and forth emails I was invited to come for two days to really see for myself what the responsibilities were and most important, if I got along with the dogs!
I've been planning on coming home to Toronto. So excited to re-unite and actually looking forward to Autumn followed by snow. I'm sure that people back home will understand though that this is an opportunity I can't refuse. From what I've seen so far Casa Cayuco is a slice of paradise. White sandy beaches, well maintained jungle paths preserving the natural beauty of the rainforest, mouthwatering flavourful meals and a guarantee that only people who appreciate the lifestyle it provides will be the ones you paddle board, snorkel, surf and explore with.
I most enjoyed laying in a hammock beside the water listening to the calm sea. Enjoying a morning coffee on the beach looking at the horizon and seeing mountains far off in the distance. I had jokingly complained to Jenn "It's not completely perfect, there are no mountains." She nodded in agreement as we waded in the warm water of the beach the first night. Then as I was sipping my coffee in the morning Lloyd said "If you take your coffee out on the dock it's clear enough now to see the mountains in the distance" I swore under my breath and could not ignore that I'd love to call this place home for the next three months.
I understand now completely why this special area of Panama was compared to Hotel California upon arrival "you can go, but you can never leave" Thankfully my visa does have an expiration so I will be taking the big bird in the sky back to Toronto but not until January 2013.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I love the jungle but does the jungle love me?
I love the jungle but the jungle's still not sure about me. It keeps throwing all these tests at me like a child testing their boundaries.
How well do I take to slipping and falling covering my legs, back and arms in mud?
Jungle-1 Pride-0
I woke up this morning feeling good about being on Island time. That means when 5am comes so does my wake up call. Yesterday it was trees full of howler monkeys, this morning it was a house shaking thunder storm. I felt like I was at an alternative disco party where the music was rain splashing against the tin roof, leaves and the bay below. Accompanying the music was lighting as quick as a strobe light hell bend on causing a seizure. Flash flash flash! Breath. Flash FLASH flash! Then a boom that makes me wonder if it was just thunder or a mini earthquake. The black dog Magellan, with the sweetest face, was worried about me so she's stayed close to comfort me durning the storm. Its the first time I've woken up with her right beside the bed. She might just want an early breakfast but she keeps rubbing up against me after every big roll of thunder. Which surprising for me does not follow ever flash of lighting.
Jungle-2 Sleeping in-0
If you saw the table you might consider me at prayer to the 'please don't bite me anymore bug gods' I have a candle, a lantern, a tiger ring citronella incense spiral, a lighter in case anything just goes out and needs to be relit and bug spray. I finally caved and doused myself in some off! bug spray. Right now I might look like a dog that needs a cone because I keep itching and scratching a spot on the back of my neck compulsively.
I'm not winching by any means (an Australian term; complaining) but I am flinching. A week ago if I saw something out of the corner of my eye I would flinch drastically wondering who or what was there. I believe in ghosts so I'm sure any movement could be some ghostly shadow. Now I've come to realize its just one of the many geckos, lizards or bugs. Could even be the blue tinged cockroach I found while cleaning up the books. The bigger bugs I see the less dramatic I get about the smaller ones. So now it has to be the size of my small moleskins notebook and alive for me to flinch and want to run into the false security of the mosquito net. I now wish I had captured the ginormousode that I was freaked out about so my being a scaredy cat would be warranted.
I've taken to saying things like to Jenn like:
'Did you hear me NOT scream?'
'Did you notice me NOT flinch?'
Also saying things to the bugs in close proximity like:
'Will you just please leave me alone?'
'Was slamming into me really necessary?'
'Oh yeah, just land on me and see what happens!'
Smack, squash... 'May that be a lesson to your brothers and sisters'
Here's a moth that decided to take a ferocious nose dive into my head...
How well do I take to slipping and falling covering my legs, back and arms in mud?
Jungle-1 Pride-0
I woke up this morning feeling good about being on Island time. That means when 5am comes so does my wake up call. Yesterday it was trees full of howler monkeys, this morning it was a house shaking thunder storm. I felt like I was at an alternative disco party where the music was rain splashing against the tin roof, leaves and the bay below. Accompanying the music was lighting as quick as a strobe light hell bend on causing a seizure. Flash flash flash! Breath. Flash FLASH flash! Then a boom that makes me wonder if it was just thunder or a mini earthquake. The black dog Magellan, with the sweetest face, was worried about me so she's stayed close to comfort me durning the storm. Its the first time I've woken up with her right beside the bed. She might just want an early breakfast but she keeps rubbing up against me after every big roll of thunder. Which surprising for me does not follow ever flash of lighting.
Jungle-2 Sleeping in-0
Current test:
How many bug bites can I handle before looking like a monkey jumping around?
If you saw the table you might consider me at prayer to the 'please don't bite me anymore bug gods' I have a candle, a lantern, a tiger ring citronella incense spiral, a lighter in case anything just goes out and needs to be relit and bug spray. I finally caved and doused myself in some off! bug spray. Right now I might look like a dog that needs a cone because I keep itching and scratching a spot on the back of my neck compulsively.
I'm not winching by any means (an Australian term; complaining) but I am flinching. A week ago if I saw something out of the corner of my eye I would flinch drastically wondering who or what was there. I believe in ghosts so I'm sure any movement could be some ghostly shadow. Now I've come to realize its just one of the many geckos, lizards or bugs. Could even be the blue tinged cockroach I found while cleaning up the books. The bigger bugs I see the less dramatic I get about the smaller ones. So now it has to be the size of my small moleskins notebook and alive for me to flinch and want to run into the false security of the mosquito net. I now wish I had captured the ginormousode that I was freaked out about so my being a scaredy cat would be warranted.
I've taken to saying things like to Jenn like:
'Did you hear me NOT scream?'
'Did you notice me NOT flinch?'
Also saying things to the bugs in close proximity like:
'Will you just please leave me alone?'
'Was slamming into me really necessary?'
'Oh yeah, just land on me and see what happens!'
Smack, squash... 'May that be a lesson to your brothers and sisters'
Here's a moth that decided to take a ferocious nose dive into my head...
Pretty right?!
Jungle-3 Bug free zone-0
Monday, July 16, 2012
An Eventful Journey, Continued
So there we were, Jenn and I waiting in front of the supermarket. Tired
and sweaty with all of our bags as we tried to remember the names of the
couple coming to pick us up and realized we had no idea what they
looked like. We deciding then that if no one came by sunset we would
check ourselves into one of the many hotels in Bocas del Toro and figure
things out from there. Sure enough we were the only backpackers sitting
out front and the lovely Diana walked up and said 'You must be Jenn and
Sam'
You can see Lester and Diana's blog here: http://dianamilesinc.blogspot.com/
After loading up the boat with bags and instruments we took turns staying with the boat and getting a tour of half the town. It was very helpful and appreciated to be taken by the hand to all of the important stores. I got to drive the boat to our new home with Lester's direction and got a wealth of knowledge regarding boating and the house.
Jenn
took the wheel for dinner and drove the boat to the local restaurant
that is only open on Fridays and Sundays, where most all of the houses
and nearby cruisers stop in for pizza, mojitos and other great eats. It
is only accessible by boat, like most all of the houses here, and is "a
great place to make fifty new friends" said Jess, a cruiser doing a
circumnavigation with her partner James. I'm excited to mention all
the great travellers we've met who have welcomed us very warmly into the
neighbourhood. Writers, chocolate farmers, chili growers, world
travellers, celestial navigators, artists, architects, who were all very
friendly and inviting.
When
we reached the dock just as the sun was setting I was surprised at how
loud the jungle area had become. All sorts of bugs and animals became
very vocal and made a chorus of noise. Then later on in the night it was
pouring buckets of rain and it made the night nice and cool. It was an
eventful journey with a destination more beautiful then I could have
imagined.
You can see Lester and Diana's blog here: http://dianamilesinc.blogspot.com/After loading up the boat with bags and instruments we took turns staying with the boat and getting a tour of half the town. It was very helpful and appreciated to be taken by the hand to all of the important stores. I got to drive the boat to our new home with Lester's direction and got a wealth of knowledge regarding boating and the house.
Jenn
took the wheel for dinner and drove the boat to the local restaurant
that is only open on Fridays and Sundays, where most all of the houses
and nearby cruisers stop in for pizza, mojitos and other great eats. It
is only accessible by boat, like most all of the houses here, and is "a
great place to make fifty new friends" said Jess, a cruiser doing a
circumnavigation with her partner James. I'm excited to mention all
the great travellers we've met who have welcomed us very warmly into the
neighbourhood. Writers, chocolate farmers, chili growers, world
travellers, celestial navigators, artists, architects, who were all very
friendly and inviting.
I am so grateful have Panama as my home for the next few months.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
An eventful journey, the 36hr trip from home to destination
So here I am in Panama!
This is my view, just taken from my computer:
I jumped on a plane with a small rolly suit case, a small backpack and two guitars. The flight from Toronto to Panama was $400 USD. I learned that MIA stands for Miami International Airport and got a laugh when two american girls nearby sang "we're in Miami Bitch'. After the stopover I was very fortunate to sit beside a Panama Citizen who had married a Canadian and had traveled around and was happy to help a newbie jet setter. I got a great mini history of Panama with an interactive geography lesson as we flew over the country. We ended up sharing a cab and exchanging info as well.
When I landed I found Jenn and promptly bought a genuine panama hat (so add $18) and a bus ticket to Bocas del Toro of $28 with an important fee of 10 CENTS to enter the turnstile in order to get on to the bus. That was an annoying moment! Having to figure out where to get on the bus and the only reason they weren't letting us through was because they weren't telling us of a 10 CENT fee we needed to pay even though we already had the ticket.
While on the 9 hour bus ride there was a stop in which officers came abroad and checked for passports. Thankfully Jenn and I had them easily accessible but one traveler was not so lucky. As soon as he stepped off the bus for failing to produce his passport the bus was instantly on its way. The girl he was traveling with ran up to the front of the fast moving bus and asked the bus driver to turn around. The front of the bus got very excited as they yelled in Spanish 'help him'. Apparently the traveler didn't speak any Spanish and his passport could be in his bag that was still locked away under the bus. Besides that bit of excitement of having the bus turn around and still leave the guy by the side of the road the bus ride was dismal and cold. Lots of drooling, changing positions and having to move the guitars around which Jenn and I fondly referred to as checking on the kids.
Then after hours of restless sleeping we were rudely awakened at Almirante where we were told loudly over and over that we needed to get off the bus and onto a boat taxi by regular taxis drivers who were vying for our attention. After telling a number of them to 'Please back off, I just woke up' Jenn mustered up the voice to haggle and make sure we didn't get ripped off. I double checked with the bus baggage handler that we were going away with the right people. The Taxi was $1 total then the boat taxi ended up $4 each. Then we enjoyed a full breakfast, omelet, fresh tasty ripe fruit, coffee, toast for $7 while we waited to be picked up outside a supermarket.
The sun just set and bugs are trying to cover my computer screen so I'll finish the rest of the story tomorrow!
This is my view, just taken from my computer:
I jumped on a plane with a small rolly suit case, a small backpack and two guitars. The flight from Toronto to Panama was $400 USD. I learned that MIA stands for Miami International Airport and got a laugh when two american girls nearby sang "we're in Miami Bitch'. After the stopover I was very fortunate to sit beside a Panama Citizen who had married a Canadian and had traveled around and was happy to help a newbie jet setter. I got a great mini history of Panama with an interactive geography lesson as we flew over the country. We ended up sharing a cab and exchanging info as well.
When I landed I found Jenn and promptly bought a genuine panama hat (so add $18) and a bus ticket to Bocas del Toro of $28 with an important fee of 10 CENTS to enter the turnstile in order to get on to the bus. That was an annoying moment! Having to figure out where to get on the bus and the only reason they weren't letting us through was because they weren't telling us of a 10 CENT fee we needed to pay even though we already had the ticket.
While on the 9 hour bus ride there was a stop in which officers came abroad and checked for passports. Thankfully Jenn and I had them easily accessible but one traveler was not so lucky. As soon as he stepped off the bus for failing to produce his passport the bus was instantly on its way. The girl he was traveling with ran up to the front of the fast moving bus and asked the bus driver to turn around. The front of the bus got very excited as they yelled in Spanish 'help him'. Apparently the traveler didn't speak any Spanish and his passport could be in his bag that was still locked away under the bus. Besides that bit of excitement of having the bus turn around and still leave the guy by the side of the road the bus ride was dismal and cold. Lots of drooling, changing positions and having to move the guitars around which Jenn and I fondly referred to as checking on the kids.
Then after hours of restless sleeping we were rudely awakened at Almirante where we were told loudly over and over that we needed to get off the bus and onto a boat taxi by regular taxis drivers who were vying for our attention. After telling a number of them to 'Please back off, I just woke up' Jenn mustered up the voice to haggle and make sure we didn't get ripped off. I double checked with the bus baggage handler that we were going away with the right people. The Taxi was $1 total then the boat taxi ended up $4 each. Then we enjoyed a full breakfast, omelet, fresh tasty ripe fruit, coffee, toast for $7 while we waited to be picked up outside a supermarket.
The sun just set and bugs are trying to cover my computer screen so I'll finish the rest of the story tomorrow!
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