Socialising in the San Blas
Ripple2
Wed 22 Mar 2006 02:11
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Here is a little blurb on how we yachties socialse
in the San Blas Islands .
Firstly you need to know the Kuna people don't
really drink alcohol. Except on a special occasion called "chichu" . They
don't have bars and pubs. Although in the very touristy (not very touristy by
world standards) places which are very few and far between you can buy a can of
cold beer or two. But this is basically on a "take away"
basis.
So what happens is that a gathering is organised on
a weekly basis or on an ad hoc basis and announced on the marine radio (VHF or
HF for the technically minded) and by word of mouth, or even people telling you
as they go past in their dinghy.
There are a lot of uninhabited islands here. The
are groups of 2, 3 or 4. So one is selected and it usually has some
improvised bench seats and a low "table" and a fire/BBQ. We are told to bring
appetisers and drinks. It usually kicks off 5- 5.30pm. Annie and I usually get
our act together about 45 minutes after the official start. And they are
punctual.
This is because they don't intend to stay
too long. About half the people go home by dark (no later than 7) and the
rest not long after.
Then it's back to the boat for a quiet evening and
maybe an email or two.
The people we have met have been very friendly,
interesting and inclusive. They are good to hang out with is one of the reasons
we stay in a place for a week at a time. So you do get to meet
people.
Apart from the scenery we have enjoyed the people
that we share the water with.
We moved location by 6 miles yesterday (Monday) and
are now in the East Holandes Cays. This is on the way to the Canal and a
place we wanted to visit AND there is a guy who has a welding machine. We
need to get the mounting bracket for the fridge (ie cold beer when I have it)
compressor welded as it has a crack almost all the way
through.
I spent this afternoon getting the compressor
unbolted (not nearly as easy as it is to say or write) and the mounting
bracket out so I can take it to Toms boat to get welded. Then, if all goes well
I just spend all of tomorrow putting it all painstakingly (and
painfully) putting the whole lot back together, and fingers crossed by
tomorrow night I have cold Coke, to put in the rum. Did I mention I was out of
beer?
OK dinners ready so I must close.
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