Guna Yala

After hiking 30 miles through virgin rain forest, crossing the Continental divide, passing by howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, and an uncountable number of colorful birds, we arrived at the Caribbean Sea. We took a boat to the island of Ustupo, but...not before trekking a quarter of a mile through the ocean, fully clothed to board the over crowded boat. It was dark.

The following day we awoke to a tropical paradise. Turquoise blue waters, the Guna Yala women dressed in bright textiles, traditional molas and gold jewelry. The men in camouflage and the sound of gun fires filling the air...oh wait.

February 25th marks the Guna Yala revolution in which this native indigenous group gained independence from Panama. During the week of the 25th, the entire island puts on reenactments of the successful expulsion of the Panamanian government  (Hence the camouflage and gun fires.) We spent the next 2 days celebrating the 88th anniversary of their revolution

with "chicha fuerte."

The direct translation of "chicha fuerte" is "strong juice" and yes it is strong. It's a fermented drink made from sugar cane, cacao (chocolate plant), and coffee. (Tastes like coffee chocolate wine) There is a "casa de chicha" (drinking hall) where pretty much everyone on the island, excluding children, but including the oldest of the oldest 80 year-old abuelas get trashed on chicha fuerte. This all started at 8:30 in the morning and also included dancing, harmonicas, whistles, and tobacco.

This all may sound a little chaotic and crazy, but to be honest it was one of the coolest things I've experienced. The island is beautiful. The Guna Yala people are amazing. They have so much pride for their culture and were so excepting and willing to share with us.