(^26) Miramar – Portobello – 44 Kilometres
Early morning, I gave Ernest my bank card and Simon gave him a lift on his 50cc
motorbike to the ATM at Portobello, almost 45 kilometres away. I still had to pay for
the boat trip and the captain had kept my bicycle on the boat as ransom. I also had
to refund Matthias as he kindly paid for the previous night’s accommodation.
This was all easier said than done as the motorbike’s front tyre had a large hole,
and Simon glued a piece of old inner tube over it. I had my doubts as to whether
the tyre would last 45 kilometres. Soon after their departure, the Colombian guy
hurriedly caught a bus to Panama City. Matthias and I waited until Simon and
Ernest returned.
They returned all smiles, and although Simon hadn’t been able to get any money in
Portobello, at least I had money to pay for the trip, and could get my bike out of
the pound. Unfortunately, Simon discovered that his costly Canon camera and lens
had vanished from their room. He straightaway reported the incident to the police,
but they could do little.
Eventually, Ernest and I saddled up and headed along a lush and forested route
toward Portobello. The way was reasonably good but came with a few steep hills.
Still, we reached Portobello in good time. I was pretty surprised to find a tiny, but
fascinating, village sporting the remains of an old castle and fort.
Many international sailing yachts anchored in the bay - indicating this was a popular
sailing route. The well-known Captain Jacks was a tad pricy for a dorm bed and it
was best to look elsewhere. In the process, we located the reasonably priced
Hospedaje La Aduana. While not the cleanest, and with mice nibbling at our food
bags during the night, the place wasn’t all bad as the room featured a large balcony
from where to people-watch.
leana
(Leana)
#1