In order to clear into Panama we had to take the local chicken bus to Portobello, a 30 minute ride, which cost us US$1:25, bargain.

the Chicken buss are all decked out and a great way to get around this area

Portobello is a small town with a pretty laid back feeling to it. Someone is a great artist so there are all sorts of murals on buildings, a few restaurants and bakeries and 2 supermarkets to get SIM cards and groceries, perfect.

Looking back to Portobello from one of the forts on the waters edge

Good old Christopher Columbus discovered Portobello back in 1502 and the bay actually ended up being a a huge transshipment Centre because of its harbor and location in the Caribbean. Customs house stands in the Centre of town, on the waterfront and was used as a warehouse for trade and the office for the Governor back in the 1600s. It’s actually restored and while we were there they were working on the brickwork.

Customs house

There are also a couple of well maintained forts from the 1700s to wander around and look out to the harbor. There were an amazing number of canons in good condition but still they couldn’t hold the pirate Henry Morgan who took the town.

lots of boats in the anchorage here

It was back on the bus to Linton to catch up with friends who were in the area and about to head out. Got a surprise when we spotted a sloth climbing into a tree near the Marina. it was a lot smaller than we expected.

Off to the San Blas Islands.