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In the midst of the show were a couple of landcruisers full of excited children aware that they had just witnessed a once in a lifetime experience. A keen observer of human nature would have been intrigued that early on the kids were all focused on the cubs, cute kitty, etc. However the moment they sensed a kill was imminent, their focus shifted and several could be heard chanting kill, kill. Possibly aware that she had a captive audience or maybe aware that the wildebeest were distracted by the humans, she decided to have another crack, within seconds, another wildebeest went down. By now, even the youngest observer was clearly heard to be shouting 'Double kill, double kill'. |
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We strolled along Calle Obispo which is "the" street that connects the old and the new and is also home to some of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen, all wearing short skirts and crop tops (Now I know what Billy Joel meant when he wrote - "I can always find my Cuban skies in Rosalinda's eyes" )
- My 7 year old, Sheridan thought she was in a doll shop, I knew I was in heaven and Nikki was holding Trevor's hand very tightly! Later it was explained to us that these girls were average girls with low paying day jobs that were just trying to earn some hard currency. |
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We learnt all about the Mayan empire as we crawled through chambers, climbed temples, shivered in secret chambers and slipped and slid our way through the ancient city. We managed to get a few shots off, trying to keep our cameras dry to at least have a record of our day! A couple of times Sheridan turned purple from the cold but it made it the experience all the more special. We must have looked ridiculous coming through the jungle, Trev in a 50 peso plastic bag - leading the troop, followed by Michelle who had her day pack on backwards and looked 6 months pregnant, finally me and Sheridan singing Jingle Bells to keep warm, but we made up our own words, something like Jungle Balls, Jungle Balls….. |
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Flying from Bocas to Panama City was a lot of fun, given the plane was circa 1950 and a storm was brewing. Despite Sheridan preparing to be in the 3rd series of "Lost", by reciting scenes word for word…as she does, me dreaming of Kate and Michelle of the Doctor, it was actually an uneventful flight and an hour later we flew over the miniature Sydney Harbour Bridge known locally as "The Bridge of The Americas" and arrived here slightly disappointed not to be marooned on a beach but looking forward to a taste of the city. |
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He told us lots of interesting facts about this unique rainforest and a story about the time he spotted a jaguar but I missed most of it as I was always at the back dragging Sheridan out of the mud, she had a knack of putting her feet in the deep holes and slowly getting sucked down, ok so I´m exaggerating but what is it with kids and mud – you couldn't wipe the smile off her face! |
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The cascade pool was tranquil with the Terrace Restaurant situated right next to it. Also close by was the kids club and the activities centre, basketball court, tennis court and kids play ground. The activities on the island are plenty; it’s very hard to decide what to do first. Just about everything you could think of and more Even a beautiful spa centre. |
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For several kilometers the road would turn to gravel then just as you thought it couldn’t get any worse the road became no better than a four-wheel drive track. Many times inches from the edge peering down a 1000 metre cliff I considered that my life was nearing its end. My wife and daughter kept themselves sane by writing down the words of some great Indian poet who had been conscripted by the Border Roads Board as their chief sign writer. His work was everywhere, painted carefully and placed strategically on the tightest corners and steepest inclines. |
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The highlight was Akbars Tomb as it was there that Sheridan was “discovered” by several groups of school children from a remote district of Central India. They all took turns in getting photos with her, loving her blue eyes and pale skin. In the meantime I was taking endless photos of the beautiful kids, some who were dressed in bright coloured saris others were dressed in the best outfit they could muster for the excursion. |
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This village was tiny, had no tourists and were busy celebrating Easter in their own way, the church was adorned with pink flags and they were busy drawing intricate designs down the main street with coloured sawdust and seeds. This village was built up a steep slope and had great views down to the lake. Couldn't wipe the smile off Sheridan's face as she held on for dear life as her braids were swept back in the wind! Did I mention that she was wearing the local costume at the time - OK so we are suckers and she is now stuck with a Guatemalan village girl outfit for her next fancy dress party! She also can't believe that she is the same height as most of the mountain people here! |
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Anyway Sheridan loved it and you couldn't help but stare at the water, I mean how many shades of aqua are there?? Lunch was served on nearby Playa Blanca, a lovely long strip of sand with a few huts on it. A plate of rice with a whole fish was presented to each of us..Sheridan not daring to eat what was not long ago swimming under our boat, it's face looking up at her with this half burnt charcoal smile. |
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Weathered houses on stilts with rusty roofs cover the majority of the island, the beach is non-existent and there is nowhere to swim except off the end of one of the piers. My 6-year-old daughter, Sheridan counted at least a dozen scruffy dogs, a couple of cats and the odd chicken. Mix that with a few Rastafarians and Mexicans and that pretty much covers the population. |
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