Toward the end of February our friends, Sheryl and Paul Shard, the film makers of the well known television series "
Distant Shores" arrived for a visit onboard Diesel Duck here in the San Blas Islands. We were looking forward to seeing them again. Three years ago, they came to film an episode with us in the Virgin Islands (see: Season Five, Disk 1, episode: Virgin Islands) and this time they wanted to film the Kuna Indians, handmade colorful molas, palm covered islands that are surrounded by beautiful reefs amid azure blue water and a trip into the jungle. The "Distant Shore" series are aired on TV or you can buy their DVDs and also read their interesting blog and newsletters at "Distant Shores"
click here to get to their web site
Although this was a working vacation for Paul and Sheryl, it turned into a lot of fun for all of us. Benno certainly suggested and injected Paul with all kinds of ideas and took them to places that were worthwhile filming. However, our friends only stayed a little over a week and there is only so much you can do and see during this time. But the episode will be fantastic, so make sure you are going to watch it when it comes out!!!
In general, Kuna Indians are shy to be photographed or filmed and permission must always be given. We were encountering some Kuna women that were happy to be on film and when Paul showed them the footage he took of them, the girls giggled with delight.
I showed Sheryl the molas I had purchased and explained the different qualities. Almost all the Kuna women make molas, but we invited Lisa, a famous mola maker onboard to explain the methods of mola making to Sheryl and Paul and she was willing to be interviewed and filmed. Of course Sheryl bought a pile of molas from Lisa that were exquisite in color, design and stitching. The only problem was there were too many pieces to choose from.
And then there was another talented cruiser lady that made lovely jewelry who visited us while we were anchored off Green Island (Kanilildup) enjoying sundowners on the foredeck . Oh the choices one has to make....