Spent part of the day catching up on the blog.  

Spent another part of it researching my next moves.  

I finally decided on a splurge: $335 for 4 days/3 nights in San Blas.  

I had begun thinking strongly about San Blas yesterday. So this morning I turned in my laundry (they do it here for $5) so I'd be ready to go no matter what I decided to take with me. Also, this hostel will let you leave your stuff here for free.  

So I kept on researching. One guy, on his blog, mentioned doing it on your own. I guess you could go part of the way by bus, but you must have a 4x4 to make it through the Guna Yala territory (of which the San Blas Islands are a part). I couldn't find any information on renting a 4x4, except through a tour group. The road to the boats at Carti turns off the main hwy and it's mostly paved. It's a one hour ride, going up and down steep hills and a lot of sharp turns; that's too tough for regular vehicles. There may be another way to do San Blas (and cheaper), and if anyone is interested just email me.  

 There are many different San Blas experiences on offer, so comparison shopping and making a decision are very difficult. I decided to go with one of the companies that are recommended (or at least advertised) at hostels. I asked around at this hostel, but no one had been or had a recommendation. So I choose one and went with it. Without knowing anything about the islands (and you don't know unless you've been there before), how do you choose? It's a crap shoot.  

They all have early morning (before 6am) pickups, so that you have almost a full day there on your first day, also because many people choose to do only a day trip (big mistake: everyone I saw that decided on this wished they'd booked an overnight!) It ends up being about 6 hours at the island(s) and about 6 hours of travel, for a day trip.  

So they said I needed to print the confirmation. It's now Sat afternoon. The hostel has no printer. I start walking ever widening circles around my location trying to find anyplace that might print my reservation. One Postnet print shop, and it's closed. I'm looking for hotels, travel agents, realtors, anyone who might have a printer. Would you go into a wine shop looking for one? I did. It was an upscale wine shop (very nice), with a couple desks and a customer service counter. This lady (manager, I think) was very accommodating and wouldn't accept payment.  

There was also an ATM, a small grocery store, and a Pizza Hut within a block of the wine shop. So after walking around for about 45 min, I was finally able to accomplish my list of chores.  

Had pizza and beer for dinner. Went to my room and worked some more on the blog but only got halfway through the Ancon Hill one, then I went down to get my laundry, packed what I would take with me and what I was leaving behind. Still, by the time I was done, it was almost 11pm and I set my alarm for 4:15am, so not a long night's rest. Then I was anxious about the trip and didn't fall asleep right away. I was excited and worried too because this is a lot of money for me, based on my current budget (which has been shot to hell in Panama with $40/night room fees).  

But now it's a done deal. Could have done the Pearl Islands 'Survivor' tour for about the same price, but visiting the Guna Yala is a unique experience.