Last night, Joel, Anna and I decided today would be a good day for us to go to San Blas, an Indian reserve spread throughout 365 islands in the eastern Caribbean side of Panama. We got excited with the fun report given by friends we know of different weekends they had enjoyed there, so we fell in love with the idea that a Saturday lunch by a turquoise sea would not be a bad idea.
As a funny note: Panama is a very small Country, so many times when people give you directions to drive to different cities of the Country, they often tell you to get to road towards "Colombia" or "Costa Rica", our neighboring Countries. Looking at a map with this approach, is new for me.
We knew that going to San Blas by car meant a good dose of adventure. Almost half of the road is on a dirt road under construction, with steep hills going up and down. We also knew that at a certain point, there would be a river to be crossed, therefore going there in the dry season and in a 4 x 4 car was a must. None of that sounded like a problem, because we are in the dry season and we have a 4 x 4.
So, 8:17 AM, we were off. The car was loaded with a couple of snacks, some Coke, water, music and gas. The sun was out, the sky was beautifully blue, the road was empty, we had just received a SMS from Alice and David saying they had landed safely in the French Alps for their snow holiday and Joel had just received a call from one of his clients confirming a business he was about to close... so life REALLY seemed to be beautiful, it surely sounded great!!! As for me, I was really excited to be visiting an indian reserve, as I have never seen a real indian, not to mention an indian in his/her own environment. Anna has been to a reserve in the Amazon, but for Joel and I, it would be our debut.
The first half of the trip was over and the bad road had started. Our 4 x 4 was happy to be finally out of the urban asphalt and into some dirt hills. It was performing beautifully and Joel was loving putting the car to its limit. Anna and I occasionally gave birth to a couple of porky pines but nothing too serious. They have been donated to our local zoo!!
Anyway, after a good number of ups and downs, the river finally came up. As we approached it, two other cars were crossing it. We thought it was lucky to get there just in time to catch such a scene, because we then saw the route they had taken and... off we went thinking we were following 100% their path....but... as you have probably guessed... we weren't on the right path ... and... guess what... guess what??? Of course... we got stuck, right in the middle of the river the car died. Oh my Lord, help us here. The mobiles were totally and completely out of service. Now one easily realises the major importance of a harbour pilot.
For some obscure reason that none of the three of us can remember why, I decided to leave the car and go somewhere. Of course, when I opened the car's door... oops, the water level was right there, so closed it at a blink of an eye. The same was happening on Joel's side, so he opened his window, gets half of his little body outside the car and starts shouting for help, trying to attract the attention of some road builders working on both sides of the river.
His shoutings were successful, thus starting a shouting dialogue with one of the workers, where Joel was using his best Spanish to explain the guy that we were not stopped in the middle of the river because we felt like it would be a good spot for lunch, but rather because we were stuck in a dead car!! The man was a sweetie and assured Joel that his friend was able to come to the rescue, but for that Joel would need to pay him something. The shouting carried on as they negotiated the payment for it. Anna and I were literally holding in a huge laughter, because although tragic, the scene was hilarious.
In literally a couple of minutes, this big Caterpillar "earth mover" type of tractor showed up with a driver, an assistant and a thick chain. In less than 3 minutes we were in dry ground again, amen amen.
Next thing was to have the entire car opened trying to get the water out and towel dry the floor as well as leave the hood open to dry the engine, that needless to say, was soaked.
Two and a half hours and many new "friends" from all over the world (every car going to or coming from San Blas would stop to offer help) later, we were able to leave back home. The workers were really cute as they hooted their tractors and raised their arms as in victory, when Joel finally managed to start the car!! I tell you... I have to love this Panamanians!
they really seem so expressive and happy! no wonder you're loving it!
ReplyDeleteyesterday we were talking about "carlota's old house.." you're never far from our thoughts, bebe!