Nichole Chism

23.6.11

Panama City

The vacation begins! For the last 3 ½ months we have been traveling now it’s time for vacation. Mike and I bought ourselves some vacation outfits, swimwear, hats, and sunglasses Central America and beaches here we come!

22.6.11

San Blas Islads (part II)

Sailing between islands, snorkeling, dining on fresh lobster, and enjoying the company of 2 other awesome couples

It needed to be done!

While sailing the beard finally got cut, after 4 plus months of growth it needed to go.

Mike changed from a 30 year old ho-bo to a 14 year old boy

They live in extremely humble huts, no electricity, and hammocks for beds

The AWESOME crew!

Coconut time, I think we all replaced Monse's cooking with multiple servings of coconut

Almost crapped my pants!

While snorkeling from one island to another we had to cross an area that was too deep to see the bottom. As we were about half way across something huge in the distance caught my eye. Immediately I jerked on Mikes hand to get his attention. My worst fear was coming true, a shark. Mike and I paused for a moment to get a better look and to see if it was coming our way and then raced to the shore. I honestly about had a heart attack and dropped a load in my panties while Mike wanted to get closer to the darn thing.

LOVE this place!

21.6.11

Sailing from Cartagena to Panama (part I)

Sea sickness, vomit, lack of food, and some of the most beautiful islands in the world

The passengers consisted of Mike and I, Robby and Katie a hilarious couple from Czech Republic and Australia, and Andrea and Patricio from Cordoba Argentina.

Our crew was Monse, a horrific cook that caused a sever loss of appetite, Salvador her husband who was a mega control freek, and Marc their son who was smoking weed pretty much the entire trip.

Let’s just say that what was promised at the beginning of the trip (before they got our money) was vastly different than what we received (after they got our money). I would NOT recommend the Lycka Boat run by the crazy family form Spain. Luckily we had two other awesome couples with us that helped make the trip fun.

The San Blas islands are some of the most beautiful islands in the world, with crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and untouched marine life, what more could you ask for.On top of that Mike got to serve 4 months of his mission on these islands teaching and helping the people.

Sharks anyone?

Along the way from Cartagena to San Blas Islands we did some deep sea fishing. We caught our first fish which they considered to be small (I thought it was huge) within the first half an hour. We got the fish on the boat and then threw the line back in to catch some more. Not more than 10 minutes later we hear the line reeling out. Yes, another fish! This one seemed a lot bigger because it was putting up one heck of a fight and the rod looked like it was going to snap into two. As the fish was almost to the boat it suddenly got a lot easier to reel in. What the heck, a shark had eaten the fishes body and just left us with his head.

Lessoned learned: if the boat capsizes then yes we are going to get eaten by sharks and die

Fish #1

Fish #2 Shark Attack

Finally after 2 days of sailing, half the crew vomiting, eating crap food we have finally arrived! Beautiful uninhabited islands full of all you can eat coconut.

Crystal Clear Blue Water

The Arrival of the Kunas

What is a Kuna?

Kunas are the indigenous people of Panama and Colombia that live on the San Blas Islands. While serving a mission in Panama for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mike lived among the Kunas for 4 months. Their houses are bamboo, string, and leaves. They sleep in hammocks. Their day consists of finding food to sustain them and their families for the day. These people are an extremely primitive civilization that doesn’t change from their ancient traditions.