Friday, May 28, 2010

Family Visit 2010

Way back in April my parents came down for a visit. We split our time between Coiba and Boquete. We headed to Coiba from Malena on the western edge of the Azuero peninsula, where Jodi, one of my fellow volunteers lives. From Malena, we arranged for a boat to take us to Coiba for two nights. If you are planning to visit Panama, you should definitely add Coiba to your itinerary. While Coiba is a bit of a hassle to get to, it is worth the effort.



Mom and I on the beach at Grana de Oro, just off the Coast of Coiba Island. Grana de Oro is a tiny island surround by a large reef with crystal clear waters that are prefect for snorkeling. Coiba's waters are filled with a variety of brightly colored fish, as well as sea turtles and sharks.



A view of the ANAM ranger station on Coiba island. If you want to spend the night on Coiba, you have to sleep here, either on the beach or in one of the cabins. The cabins are basic, but have water and air conditioning.



Locked up in Coiba's jail. Noriega was commandant of the jail in 1970's before he became president.



After arriving in Boquete, we took a day trip over to Cerro Punto to hike in Parque La Amistad. The sign says "Umbrellas with Chlorophyl," and is referring to the large leaves on the left of the photo. Umbrellas are common in the rural areas of Panama (despite the insane amount of rain that Panama receives,) and I often see people using a variety of leaves as umbrellas when the rains get too heavy.



Family photo in front of a fountain in Paradise Gardens, an animal rescue shelter in Boquete.

A rescued baby capuchin in Paradise Gardens, Boquete.




These are baby coffee plants that are being grown in a nursey before being planted.

Coffee ready for shipment to the roaster.

Hand sorting of the coffee for quality control before it is sent to auction.

Here I am sampling a cup of Panamanian Geisha bean coffee, the World's Most Expensive Coffee. A pound of coffee retails for more than $100 in the States, and a cup retails for $18-$27.

The evidence of my $9 cup of coffee.

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