Stranded with 26 cents to my name!
Trip Start
Aug 21, 2008
1
26
59
Trip End
Ongoing
David,
Panama
Monday, November 10, 2008
No.. I didn't get pickpocketed..I was pretty much the only one on the hiking trail, Los Senderos de Quetazeles. All I can think is that my wallet fell out of my bag at one of the numerous muddy points that I got a bootie and almost fell over. Thankfully, I didn't realise until I was on the bus back otherwise I would have felt obliged to trace my steps of the 15km hike...not a pleasant thought. I managed to scrape a $1.45 for the 90 minute journey back to the hostel in David which left me with the paltry sum of 26 cents without, AMEX, HSBC or Citibank cards.
Andrea (Purple Hostel Owner) kindly lent me $20 in return for my passport as collateral and so at least I've been able to buy ample food to get me by until Tuesday when my little angel, Meridyth can wire me some 'dead presidents'
Panamanian Countryside
. All cards cancelled and noone used them so reckon they are stuck in the mud somewhere.By the way, the trail was pretty cool, with fantastic countryside views (hawks soaring above catching hot air streams) , before heading into a cloud forest in search of the elusive Quetzal (which managed to stay elusive), followed by a bunch of natural waterfalls further downstream. A good hike despite the catastrophe and would recommend it to anyone who fancies a medium level hike.
SO....what did I do today with no cash?.... I walked Andrea's dog. I cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner...(top quality chicken and pineapple..mmm) and I reflected on my prospective career path(s) for a while...yeah..think I'll reflect a few months later on that again...
Whilst walking the dog, I came accross a bunch of locals playing in a 7 a side league and so asked if they needed another. They looked me up and down and I got the feeling they thought I was gonna be rubbish but like the idea of playing with a Gringo...I turned out to be the best person on the team but we lost 4-0 as noone seemed
A - to understand the concept of tracking back when losing the ball) or
B - appreciate thats its OK to pass backwards or sideways if the path is blocked in front
C - not to shoot from the halfway line whyen you have two left feet
In the second half, I was tempted to explain the concept of the 'christmas tree' formation but my Spanish isn't up to the task and the only English words these guys knew were 'Michael Owen' so resigned myslef to an onslaught of three against one at the back
Random river shot
. I was invited to play next week but politely declined as hopefully I'll have more than a quarter and a penny in my pocket and will be off on Tuesday to Panama City to catch a boat to Colombia assuming Western Union can sort their life out and get me some mullah. THINGS I'VE LOST TO DATE
1 Green sweater
1 Pair of shorts
1 T-shirt (my belize belkin beer one..sigh)
1 Dictionary
1 Hat
1 Pair of Sandals
1 Wallet containing 3 debit and 1 credit card along with $45
about 7 pounds of weight (get in there!)
THINGS IVE NOT LOST
My mind
My way
My bottle
A bet
The ability to mislay things in 15 seconds of having them in my hand
My urge to continue travelling...
Next Stop - Panama City (hopefully)
Comments
snap!
well mate looks like im starting to catch you up (in Bocos)! Been good reading your stuff, and its nice to know other people can lose their wallets too haha. i ditched mine in Utila. Though i maintain someone stole it! WeŽll have to break out the chess board again in Panama city mate.. if you are still there when i make it, be ready!. Take it easy fella