We arrived in Chichime Island late in the day after getting through customs and immigration at Porvenir. Today, we are being hosted by Umberto and his family at their village on the island. It is a rendezvous for the entire fleet which has all arrived in San Blas by now. It will be our first chance to see everyone and catch up on how everyone made out on the passage from St. Lucia.

The Kuna Indians inhabit much of the San Blas Islands. Their population is approximately 55,000 people. Their mainstay of the Kuna economy is coconuts which can be found abundantly on each of the islands. The Kuna women also sell molas, which are intricately embroidered fabrics. When you anchor at any of the islands, the Kuna women will paddle up to your boat in their ulus which is a dug out tree. We purchased bananas, a pineapple and a mola from some of the woman who came to our boat. Other boats were offered fresh lobsters that the men would go out and catch for them. The woman did ask us to fill their water jugs which we did gladly and other boats were asked to charge their cell phones.



At the rendezvous, we had a huge pot luck and were entertained by Umberto's family when they did a traditional dance and played music with a type of wind instrument. We were able to see many molas and other jewelry that the Kuna Indians craft and sell. Many of the Kuna were dressed in their traditional garb while others wore more American clothing. The homes that they live in are huts with compacted sand floors. The huts have hammocks in them and little other furniture. The walls of the huts are made out of cane and the roofs are made from a special palm leaf found in the jungle. The structures are completely held together by jungle creepers. The roofs last approximately 15 years and can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in San Blas and were very taken with the Kula Indians. They live very long, disease free lives. They are often studied by medical researchers to better understand why they live so long and healthy lives. We were very curious about their way of life.



Unfortunately, we are leaving tomorrow to make the two day trip to the Shelter Bay Marina in Panama. I cannot imagine how many times on this trip we will feel saddened having to leave.