Panama and on to Colombia 2 11 11

Bocas del Toro

Bocas Del Toro

The ride from Bocas to Panama was a really long day . I was up a 5.00am to catch the first boat (6.30) back to the main land (before the heat comes on ) . I had the bike packed (and it was all there ) and was on the road by 8.00am . 

The ride through to Sandiago was fantastic , beautiful mountains and not a lot of traffic . But on the way i stopped at a petrol station for some gas (thought this doesn't look to good ) . Lucky for me I always  fill at half a tank if i can ( better half a tank of shit petrol than a whole one ). As soon as I took off I knew SHIT PETROL ., well the bike missed and farted and i had to stay in 4 /5 gear most of the way . But it didn't spoil the ride one of the best .

Santiago to Panama was just a 4 lane Highway and it rained for the last 20kms  (again , I mean rain , shit it can rain ) . I found the Hostel without to much trouble , it was getting dark at this tme (approx 5.30pm) . 

The day was 580kms of some great riding ,  sitting on da Tiger is so easy , you can just go and go  

Panama city 

Panama City is what I would call a nice city . There is no beach (just a lot of mud at low tide ) and the difference between rich and poor is very Black and White . One minute you are in the Gettos and the next you are in what appears to be luxury and high rise . The two seem to live almost on top of one another .

I hired a taxi for the day ($50) and had a complete city tour , including the Panama Canal

Very interesting 

Fish Market  and Carlos my taxi Driver come guide

I stayed at the Panama Passage Hostel in Panama (it is just a house ,  so comfortable and relaxing ) , above is a young couple who were there.

They had bought 2 motor bikes in Boliva and were riding them north .

Chine (French , she had never ridden a Motor Bike before coming to Bolivia ,how's that   ) and Hein (Dutch) were just such a great couple , they cooked some fantastic meals (for me as well) . Some of the experiencs they have had are amazing . Travelling all over South America on 200cc Chinese  Motor Bike , with next to no money , they were an inspiration . 

The Tiger all packed for the flight to Bogota Colombia 

I have run into 2 Aussie guys (Philip and Wade , I would say early 30s ) so I will be travelling with them for a while ( I will see how it goes ). They are both great guys ,  they started  in Alaska and are going to the bottom  as well .

Colombia so far , first impressions go  , I think it is a very nice city , the people are great , very friendly and helpful . I feels very good here , I like it a lot . 

We had no problems at all getting the bikes into Colombia .

I am having new tyres put on the bike (not that they need it yet ) here in  Bogota .   The bike checked ready for the next stage South America 

We will be heading north first up to Cartagena before we turn down south .