Nargana Experiences

Most of the inhabited islands of Kuna Yala, particularly to the west of our current location are traditional, meaning they live as they have for hundreds of years foregoing modern conveniences such as electricity. We have spent a few days at Nargana Yandup, here primarily because we can get internet and basic stores. We had no sooner anchored before we were approached by a cayuco. Federico introduced himself, and he is the one person we were hoping to meet in Nargana. Federico is a guide but also can take care of all of our needs ashore. We sent him off with our laundry and trash. We later found out how important Federico would be as wandering the very small island we couldn't seem to find the tiendas, as advertising is not necessary in such a small village. At the school we were told the internet was broken. A little later stopping for a couple of cokes at a small shop, we found they were surprised to hear the internet was broken and suggested it was only available in the afternoon and we probably misunderstood. Back in the afternoon I talked to a teacher who confirmed it was indeed broken. I only know this because I heard the word modem and then confirmed it could be weeks before it would be repaired. I also found out the the next island, Corazon de Jesus has internet. This island is connected to Nargana by a pedestrian bridge. I set off across the bridge not sure what I was looking for but on the bridge saw a teenager with a notebook computer and asked. He said the whole island has WiFi. Spirits lifted, I just needed to find a shady spot. I stopped at a pool hall (doesn't seem to fit the image, right?) bought a beer and logged on. One hour and two beers later all I had managed was to access our emails. It is free, but way too slow for any useful purpose. The next day we retrieved our laundry and then sent Federico off to get us some diesel fuel. Later I went and got in line at the bank to try and get some more cash. It was a long line, always outside in this part of the world as they control the number of people inside. After about an hour I got my turn at the teller to find out this branch is not capable to give me cash on my card. We are not short on cash so it is not a big deal. Later in town to try the internet again, we ran into Federico and asked him to show us the tiendas. He took us to four different ones and we bought some fruit and vegetables, but none of them were very large and they carried very little. The timing was right as the supply boat from Colon had just arrived so he took us down to the town dock where we bought five pounds of ground beef off the supply boat ( $12.50). The internet still wasn't any faster, in fact I got nothing done, so I decided to try very early in the morning. While I sat in front of the pool hall, waiting on the internet and trying to chat with the locals, Linda was out distributing small toys to the kids. She returned with the pack of them and I safeguarded my computer. I have learned that kids love to reach out and push a key or something and I didn't want anything to disturb my non existent internet session. The people here are just wonderful. We have never in all our travels met a friendlier people. While most of the people in Nargana have given up the traditional dress, there are still many women that still wear the traditional clothes with colors which are are so bright and vibrant. There is a mixture of homes on the island, probably about fifty fifty the traditional stick homes with thatched roofs and the rest poured concrete with tin roofs.

I finally got high speed internet. I went into the village square where the signal seems the strongest just after daybreak before many people were stirring. I couldn't believe the difference. I was able to get some bill paying done and setup some of our weather data emails which we will be needing. Pictures will have to wait for a better opportunity.

Posted from Coco Bandero Cays