Saturday, November 2, 2013

Sailing San Blas Is One Of The Hidden Treasures Of Panama

By Allyson Burke


The San Blas islands are a beautiful group of 365 islets lying off the coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. They are perfect destination for a sailing holiday. If a cerulean sea, safe and comfortable anchorages, multicolored coral reefs, swaying palm trees, pristine beaches with powder-fine sand, balmy weather, and friendly locals with an interesting history hold any attraction, then sailing San Blas will be richly satisfying.

Wake in the morning prepared for your soul to soar with a dazzling sunrise. Take pleasure in a quick dip then enjoy breakfast on deck with fresh fruit, scrumptious sweet breads and fresh coffee, all sourced locally. Check the weather forecast and your marine charts then head off to explore the neighboring bay or one of many surrounding isles.

Drop anchor, launch the tender and find one of many secluded beaches. Walk along its powder sand where the only footprints will be those you make. Doze on the sand and enjoy its warmth as you let your mind drift. The only sound will be birds above and the soothing rhythm of tiny waves lapping the shore.

The Kuna value communal self-sufficiency. For example, they do not allow foreigners to own businesses or land in their communities. However, the Kuna are a naturally friendly and hospitable people that welcome tourists.

As lunchtime approaches, wave hello to the fishermen as they sail by in their ulu canoes, traditional craft they have fashioned out of wood like their forebears have for centuries. Purchase some of their catch that might include fresh lobsters, king crabs and an endless variety of local fish.

The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a proud people with an ancestry that dates back over 500 years. They Kuna have fiercely retained their culture despite domination by early Spanish conquistadors and, in modern times, by several Panamanian governments. Having suffered regrettable exploitation through most of their history, the Kuna protect their islands guardedly. They are commercially savvy and have a longstanding preference for trading goods through family owned establishments.

One of the key attractions of the island group is its people, the Kuna. This distinct ethnic group is fiercely proud. Its ancestry traces back through time for more than 500 years. The Kuna have retained their culture despite repression by early Spanish colonialists and, more recently, by several unsympathetic Panamanian governments.

Women wear traditional dress that features brightly colored clothing and beads wrapped around the length of their lower arms and legs. Dominant colors include orange, fuchsia, gray and yellow. Their intriguing culture is an added attraction that will captivate those keen to enjoy sailing San Blas.




About the Author:



1 comment:

Unknown said...

Toronto Limos Service provides the best limousine service and car selection limo. We stretch Limousines, Limo Buses, Hummer Limo, SUV and Party bus. We offer excellent Limousine Service Toronto with a reasonable cost for all your special events. Wedding, prom, business, night out, Party Bus rentals and more at car rental Toronto .