(January 4, 2021) While sailing in Las Perlas (Pearl Islands) in Panama, we have been out of touch for weeks. We found no cellular phone connection. Most of the time, we were the sole human beings on the islands, total seclusion with only the sound of waves and birds. Watching stars and the moon, we celebrated Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in a relaxed and very tranquil way. I was very happy to say goodbye to Year 2020 and welcome to year 2021. I silently sent my best wishes to our families and friends. Happy New Year!
On our first day sailing after we left the marina, we caught a large Mahi Mahi fish. We had it for lunch and dinner for many days. Cats go crazy about eating raw fish. One morning, we saw a big fishing boat not far from our boat. John wanted to buy some more fish for our cats and for us also. We carried cash but they wanted to get paid by Coca Cola, Wine, or Beer. We didn’t have enough of those. Instead, we exchanged about 30 pounds of fish for “A bottle of Sparkling Wine, Our Last Big Jar of Coke, and Big Bag of Cheetos”. Next time, I will stock up Coke on the boat (Coca Cola not cocaine). It is always amazing how people in the world, even at a small remote island, recognize Coca Cola. I think Coke might be the most widely known product in the world. I am curious what Coke’s (Coca Cola not cocaine) marketing secret is.
Another day, I heard a small boat from a village coming toward us. I greeted them with “Hola! Como estas? Todo bien?” (Hi, how are you? Is everything okay?) They wanted to sell lobsters to us. We still have lots of fish in our limited space in the fridge. Well, lobster is not fish. I bought four of them. They asked $10 for all. This small fishing town, Village Esmeralda (Emerald Village) is the most southerly located in Las Perlas Archipelago. Fish is abundant here.
Yesterday we arrived at an Island with Cellular service. I checked messages and emails. While being alone in the islands, the COVID lockdown here in Panama has been extended longer; restrictions are now until January 14th instead of January 4th. Not sure how 10 more days will affect us. We are back in March in 2020. Women can go food and medicine shopping for 6 hours in a week (2 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and men only 4 hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Each person can enter the store based on their last digit of IDs or Passport. How long can the world do this?
